Perfected by the Indian sages and medics, the ancient and traditional practice of Ayurveda became worldly renowned for its ability to improve the physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing of those who integrate it into their lives.
Ayurveda is a Sanskrit term directly translated as the ‘knowledge of life’, and can be described as a holistic and sustainable method to attain a supreme health.
It focuses on the cure as well as on the prevention of disease development in the human body and mind. It highlights the importance of appropriate daily routine (which varies from person to person) and offers guidelines on proper nutrition, sleep, hygiene, elimination of toxins and exercise.
Today, Ayurveda is spreading its voice and influence across the world, as people’s lives transform significantly thanks to the wisdom and techniques it has to offer.
The Five Elements
Ayurveda recognizes that the human body consists of the five elements: ether/space, air, fire, water and earth. When these elements are in a state of balance, the body can function optimally and is considered healthy.
However, these five elements are not identically distributed in all humans, and that’s why we are structured differently and uniquely.
In Ayurvedic terms, there are three doshas (constitutions): Vata (space & air), Pitta (fire & water) and Kapha (water & earth).
We all have these three doshas active in our bodies, but the dominant one differs from person to person, and it determines the traits and tendencies of the physical and psychological characteristics.
For example, a Vata predominant person usually has a thin bone structure, drier skin, is creative and experiences frequent fluctuations in energy.
A Pitta predominant person is usually medium built, has a strong appetite and digestive fire, can be competitive and very productive.
While a Kapha predominant person has naturally thicker bones and skin, strong facial features, a slower metabolism, and has a warm and compassionate personality.
You can do the quiz here www.balibotanica.com to find out which is your predominant dosha.
Understanding the Body
So, first and foremost, we are encouraged to understand ourselves, which is a complex but fascinating process. By inquiring into our own lives with the help of an Ayurvedic professional, we can find out what habits strengthen or weaken the body, and we can make the necessary changes to be in harmony with our nature.
Ayurvedic wisdom can be followed if we wish to rebalance the energies according to our constitution. We can find out what needs to be incorporated into or eliminated from our daily routine in order to achieve an optimal state.
“What may
work for one
person could
possibly harm
another.”
The Pioneers of Ayurveda
The pioneers of Ayurveda in the world are the doctors and practitioners who aid with healing of the variety of issues that affect our well-being. Consultations and intensive programs can be experienced in Ayurvedic health centres where patients are supervised 24/7.
Holistic Health
What may work for one person could possibly harm another.
It is not a ‘one shoe fits all’ kind of approach, therefore a lot of time and attention is given to details and how each individual responds to different factors of life: foods, herbs, stress, temperature, sleep etc.
The Ayurvedic practitioner examines the patient’s body (skin, eyes, tongue) and asks a lot of detailed questions which can lead them to the root cause of the problem.
With respect to the patient’s constitution, an optimal treatment is prescribed. It is important to point out that Ayurveda is important not only for those who are experiencing health issues, but also for people who are already in good health and wish to sustain it through-out their lives.
Ancient Wisdom
Ayurveda is re-gaining popularity in all corners of the world, as there is a global rising demand for more natural and sustainable approaches to health. People are realizing the importance of a balanced body and mind, constantly seeking ways to help themselves achieve a higher state of living.
As this ancient wisdom has always claimed, and modern science is now confirming, there is an undeniable correlation between the mind, body and spirit; we are becoming more familiar with the fact that one cannot exist without the other, and integrity is key.
“Ayurveda is a science
designed and proven to
improve the quality of our
lives, in and out.”
Ayurvedic Nutrition
There is also rising awareness of the importance of nutrition on our overall wellbeing; we can see better than ever that inappropriate eating patterns and strongly processed food inevitably leads to physical as well as mental problems.
Ayurveda affirms that food can either be our medicine or our poison, and teaches how we can heal ourselves through proper nutrition.
To make it simpler to understand, the foods are distributed into three categories: sattvic, rajasic and tamasic.
- A sattvic diet is made up of foods that are light and pure (unprocessed) and rich in prana (life force) (e.g. fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fresh milk, honey)
- A rajasic diet is based on foods that are spicy and processed; when taken in excess, these foods can cause agitation in the body and mind (e.g. meats, fish, spices, onion, garlic etc.)
- A tamasic diet consists of heavily processed foods with lots of additives, which can cause lethargy and accumulation of toxins in the body (e.g. french fries, chicken nuggets, alcohol, seed oils etc.)
By integrating some simple tips, such as prioritizing sattvic foods and minimizing the rajasic and tamasic ones, we can re-establish balance within our body, which will also affect the wellbeing of our minds and ultimately the level of our productivity, creativity and joy.
Some other Ayurvedic daily practices may come across as very new and exotic: for example tongue scraping, nasal cleansing with salt water, oil pulling and drinking ghee (clarified butter) on an empty stomach.
These ancient methods of cleansing our bodies from the inside have been used for thousands of years and they can make a huge difference in wellbeing. When we commit to an inner hygiene routine, the vitality of our organs increases and regenerates. As the name suggests, Ayurveda is a science designed and proven to improve the quality of our lives, in and out.
Natural Remedies
The beauty of Ayurveda is that it has a flexible approach, focusing on abundance and diversity. Unlike a strict, limiting diet that could bring quick but unsustainable results, this is a lifestyle that is looking at the longterm benefits.
Today, Ayurveda maintains its traditional ways while also acknowledging the innovations of modern medicine. It relies on mother nature as the supreme healer, using herbs as medicine and support, but it also does not deny the necessity of new approaches.
Ayurvedic Lifestyle
Renowned Ayurvedic doctors continuously claim that modern medicine is crucial to emergency situations (e.g surgery), but there is a way of minimizing the risk of that being necessary in the first place.
That is because most problems can be avoided by leading a balanced lifestyle, and Ayurvedic techniques have been proven potent in stopping the development of disease which could require more aggressive approaches.
An Ocean of Knowledge
Ayurveda is a vast ocean of knowledge, which is amazing to explore by reading about it but even more so by having a personal experience. I myself am someone who experienced powerful transformations through Ayurvedic programs and continue to be amazed by how impactful they are.
In today’s highly polluted environment that we have become accustomed to, it is easy to forget how we feel when our bodies are pure and cleansed. It is easy to believe that feeling tired and unmotivated is the new ‘normal’.
But once we suddenly experience the state of energizing vitality and perfect health, we will naturally wish to maintain it. I wish this transformation happening to everyone who is in need of a reset, and Ayurveda is a powerful way to make that possible.
Introduction to Ayurveda
If you are looking for a light introduction to Ayurvedic practices according to their personal needs can have that insight at Bali Botanica by Oneworld Ayurveda, located in Ubud, Bali. They offer a variety of 3-day programs to choose from.
A 3-day program is ideal for someone who wishes to get better acquainted with Ayurveda and feel for themselves some of the benefits.
Panchakarma – Ayurvedic Detox
For anyone looking for a deeper, more profound experience – Panchakarma is a better choice. This is a program designed to restore and optimize well-being and is suitable for everyone, and widely practiced across the world.
It requires the commitment to stay in a professional Ayurvedic clinic for 7, 14, 21 or 28 days and be in daily close contact with the doctor and therapists. It is a rather strict program which involves prescribed therapies, holistic medicines, relaxation and nutrition according to individual needs.
Ayurvedic Centers in Bali
Panchakarmas of 7-21 days are available at Oneworld Ayurveda Ubud, and 7-28 days at Oneworld Ayurveda Tegallalang all year around, where everyone can experience a highly authentic and traditional approach of this practice.
Panchakarma brings about very profound results, and is often described as a life-changing experience by people who are committed to it.
This article was made possible in collaboration with Oneworld Ayurveda – South East Asia’s leading Ayurvedic Centres in Bali.
Learn more
Website: www.oneworldayurveda.com
Instagram: @oneworldayurveda
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