Ayurveda: The oldest medical system in the world

The other day in the amazing yoga training that I am apart of right now we had a class on Ayurveda.  I have always been raised with a mostly holistic and natural approach to medicine; my parents and grandparents always using natural remedies first (or just plain sleep and liquids) to cure all of our ailments.  So any kind of wellness system corresponding with nature makes sense to me.

Ayurvedic medicine is really interesting.  Everyone is made up of a different combination of three elements which makes up one's dosha.  Most of the time one element is more dominant than the others.   The goal of the Ayurveda science is to balance these elements within the body to obtain maximum health and vitality.  There are quizzes online that help you find your dosha.  Once you know your dosha and what elements are out of balance, you are able to adjust those imbalances.  Diet, herbs, meditation, essential oils, massage, etc. are all ways of coming into balance depending on what ails you and what your dosha entails. 

A main principle of  Ayurveda is that "no treatment should cause injury" so the idea of side effects is crazy and wrong according to this lifestyle.  The dietary guidelines are very interesting in this science.  Based on your dosha and your imbalances you are supposed to eat and avoid specific foods.  People who have a "Pitta" imbalance, for example, tend to be very fiery, aggressive, competitive, and also often have stomach and digestion issues.  Therefore they are supposed to avoid spicy and extemely hot temperature foods.  Once you find your dosha it is very interesting to see where your imbalances lie in both diet and reactions to everyday experiences. 

Some easy guidelines to follow are:

1)  Don't eat fruit with your meal; eat separately due to the fact that it digests faster and can cause digestion issues.

2)  Don't ever drink freezing cold drinks, this weakens digestion.

3)  Try not to drink a lot of liquid during meals.

4)  Be aware of what you are eating.  Be present during each bite.  Try not to watch TV or do things that will distract you.  This enables you to enjoy your food and eat slower and more purposefully.

5)  Breakfast and dinner should be relatively small meals while lunch should be a large meal.  Noon is when digestion is strongest.

6)  Eat three to four meals a day, not snacking in between.

7)  Eat at a slowish pace until you are 3/4 the way full, in order not to over indulge.

8)  Eat food that was prepared with love and purpose; food that didn't harm people or animals in the process of making it to your table.  (To me this means eat locally and organically; respecting the farmers, animals, and environment that is providing you with this wonderful food!)

I encourage you to learn more about this amazing science.  And next time listen to your body's needs and imbalances before reaching for the quick fix medicine.  Our bodies are amazing machines that can cure themselves when fed and taken care of properly.  Lets all try to get back to that!

A Quote to Live By

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly."  Buddha

8 limb path: Yamas...Ahimsa

Ahimsa Symbol

In Ashtanga yoga, and now followed by yogis of many disciplines, the way to a happy, mindful life is through the 8 Limb Path.  The 8 limb path is the journey one's soul should take when trying to reach full enlightenment.  Basically, it is guidelines to living your life in a kind, compassionate, present way that will enable one to reach full self-realization and union with God; whatever your god may be. 

I am going to try to do a post on each one of the disciplines that follow each limb.  The first limb is Yama, or ethical discipline.  The first discipline within the Yama limb is Ahimsa or non-violence. 

Non-violence can take many forms. Of course it includes the obvious of not harming those around you physically, verbally, mentally, or emotionally.  It includes not having negative thoughts about people or experiences, not gossiping, talking ill of others or the choices of others.  This is obviously extremely hard for us!  But notice next time you talk badly about someone else.  Do you feel any better?  Probably not...So start being aware of what your mind is thinking and your mouth is saying. 

The environment is also a big part of this discipline.  Be kind, respectful, and protective of nature, animals, plants, etc.  See the beauty and wonder of the world around us and do everything in your power to keep it beautiful and natural.  Ahimsa also includes material items.  Being respectful to non-living objects, being soft with your existence on this Earth.

A major part of this discipline that people tend to forget is non-violence to one's self.  Not judging yourself, being kind to your body.  Don't hurt yourself with food, drink, exercise.  Being your biggest fan, believing in yourself, nurturing yourself, and respecting yourself.  Because how can you treat others well when you aren't treating your self with the dignity and love you deserve?

Try to focus on Ahimsa this week.  Find it in every action you take, every thought that runs through your mind, every word that comes out of your mouth.  At the end of the day all that matters is that your life made the world a little bit of a brighter and kinder place for the people and the environment around you.  Because no one wants to harm...so be mindful of the many ways you can stop hurting yourself and others.  You will undoubtedly lead a much more peaceful, pleasant, and meaningful life.