The role of Ayurveda in health and well-being

The word Ayurveda is derived from a combination of two Sanskrit words – ‘Ayu’ (Life) and ‘Veda’ (Knowledge). Ayurveda teaches that balance between body, mind and spirit, flexibility in diet & lifestyle and adaptation to changing seasons is the key to continued wellness and good health.

Digestive fire & Balancing the tridoshas

Ayurveda believes that we are born with a particular prakruti which is the result of the interplay between the tridoshas – vata, pitta and kapha. Any imbalance in the tridoshas leads to negative mental, as well as physical, wellbeing which can result in diseases.

Also, there is an important connection between the tridoshas and the digestive fire or agni. When the tridoshas are in equilibrium, Agni is strong. Reversely any imbalance in the tridoshas weakens the agni and can lead to digestive problems.

Diet, Lifestyle & well-being

• Ayurveda believes that ritus (seasons) affect our overall health, so adapting our diet to the current season is the key to good health

• Eat as per your Prakruti & season, at the right time and in the right quantity

• Avoid processed foods, caffeine, smoking, alcohol

• Drink 7-8 glasses of water

• Get 7-8 hours of sleep, avoid irregular sleep timings

• Practice Yoga & pranayama regularly

• Ayurvedic detox therapies such as Panchkarma help restore the balance between the tridoshas and agni

• Ayurvedic massages such as Abhyanga, a whole-body oil massage, is also a well-known Ayurvedic treatment that promotes overall wellness

A good wellness center will practice the Ayurvedic mantra of preserving life and restoring health and well-being. Contact an Ayurvedic health and wellness center or Ayurvedic practitioner who can recommend diet & lifestyle changes to help prevent dosha imbalance.