Ayurveda is much more than just a system for healing the body. It is a way of life that encompasses not only physical health but also mental and spiritual well-being. At its core, Ayurveda teaches us about right living – a harmonious and balanced way of life that promotes health, longevity, and a deep connection with our inner selves. In this blog post, we will explore the fundamental principles of right living in Ayurveda and how they can benefit us in our modern, fast-paced world.
Understanding Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that views health as a state of balance between the body, mind, and spirit. According to Ayurveda, each person has a unique constitution, or dosha, which determines their physical and mental characteristics, think of your dosha as your fingerprint.
There are three primary doshas: Vata (air and ether), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water). Imbalances in these doshas can lead to disease, while cultivating doshic balance promotes health and vitality.
The Key Principles of Right Living in Ayurveda
Balance Your Doshas:
The foundation of right living in Ayurveda is to understand your unique dosha constitution and work to maintain its balance. This involves adopting lifestyle practices, dietary choices, and daily routines that align with your dominant dosha, while also considering seasonal variations. For example, if you are predominantly Vata, you may need grounding and warming practices to counteract Vata's airy and cold nature; especially during the season of Autumn.
Expecting to be “healed” by any method of medicine is unattainable if you are not living in harmony with your dosha . To balance your dosha it is important to incorporate right action; right action gives power to your life.
Eat Mindfully:
Ayurveda places great importance on diet and nutrition. You need to eat whole, unprocessed foods that are fresh and locally sourced. The easiest way to do this, is to eat what is in season in the geographical region in which you reside. Ayurveda emphasizes mindful eating – pay attention to the tastes, textures, and sensations of food, and eat in a peaceful and relaxed environment. Eat based on the taste, not on the caloric content. My teacher said to us “Have you ever heard anyone say, "Mmmm, this 210-calorie 5gm of protein food is delicious?” I am going to doubt that you have, but what you do hear is how sweet, savory, salty, or bitter a food tastes. Each dosha has specific tastes that will either bring harmony or create imbalance. Eating the wrong foods is the main cause of disease!
Prioritize Digestion:
Ayurveda teaches us that strong digestion is the cornerstone of good health. To support healthy digestion, it suggests eating at regular times, avoiding overeating, and eating foods that are easy to digest. Additionally, sipping warm water throughout the day, avoiding cold/iced drinks (no matter the season), and including spices like ginger and turmeric in your diet will enhance your digestive fire (Agni).
Embrace Daily Routines (Dinacharya):
Establishing a daily routine that aligns with your dosha and the natural rhythms of the day is crucial in Ayurveda. This includes waking up and going to bed at consistent times, practicing daily self-care rituals (abhyanga or oil massage, for example), and engaging in activities that promote mental and emotional balance.
Practice Yoga and Meditation:
Ayurveda recognizes the intimate connection between the body and mind. Regular yoga and meditation practices are recommended to keep the mind calm, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. We can practice Yoga and meditate every day, but if we don’t cultivate a healthy mindset with these practices we are missing out on the health benefits; right remedies must be taken with the right attitude. Different styles of yoga are recommended based on your dosha and on the season. We need to ebb and flow with our practices, just like we ebb and flow in life.
Connect with Nature:
Spending time in nature is a powerful way to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. Ayurveda encourages outdoor activities like walking, hiking, and gardening as they help to ground and re-energize us.
At least once a day get outside, take your shoes off, walk barefoot, and truly connect with Mother Earth.
It is when we become disconnected from the Earth that we notice friction, chaos, and disharmony in our mind, body, and soul.
Cultivate Emotional Well-being:
Emotions have a significant impact on our health. Ayurveda teaches us to recognize and manage our emotions through self-awareness, mindfulness, self-reflection, and practices like pranayama (breath control) to reduce stress and enhance emotional resilience. Think of this as intelligence in action; how we live today determines who we are, not only in this life but also in the next life.
Ayurveda's ancient wisdom offers us a holistic roadmap for right living and encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. By understanding our Dosha (fingerprint) and aligning our lifestyle choices, we will notice improved health, increased vitality, and a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us. In this fast-paced and often stressful world, Ayurveda's timeless principles guide us towards a more balanced and fulfilling life. So, embrace the art of right living in Ayurveda and embark on a journey towards a healthier, happier you.
Lisa Ostler
RN, BSN, NC-BC, FMP, RYT
Olympia Integrative Healing llc
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Frawley, D. (2003). Ayurvedic healing: A comprehensive guide (2nd ed.). Motilal Banarsidass.
Lad, V. (2012). Textbook of Ayurveda (Vol. 1). Ayurvedic Press.
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