Ayurveda and Holistic Healing: How Ayurveda Can Help Improve Your Life

Ayurveda does more than just treat an illness, it provides holistic healing. The holistic concept of Ayurveda is based on the premise that complete health and wellness depends on the balance between a person’s spirit, heart and body.

Ayurveda means “the science of life” and is based on the ancient Indian healing system. It is believed that when all three aspects are in balance, health and wellness can be achieved.

Ayurveda takes a unique approach to healthcare by looking at the body as a whole, rather than just treating an individual symptom. Ayurveda also emphasizes on the importance of self-care, which includes getting adequate rest, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and practicing stress reduction techniques.

If there is a disruption in this balance, sickness and disease is more likely to occur. Imbalances can be brought about by several factors such as climate change, birth defects, genes or injuries, or others.

Achieving holistic health through Ayurveda is made possible by employing several natural treatment methods, which may include meditation, yoga, following a holistic diet, aromatherapy, essential oils, etc.

Holistic healing with Ayurveda also looks at the ‘three doshas’, which are Kapha, Pitta and Vata. Each of these doshas has its own set of characteristics, and it’s important to understand how they work in order to maintain a healthy balance. Doshas are life-forces, and an imbalance in any of the doshas can lead to physical and emotional health issues.

• Kapha

Kapha dosha is made up of water and earth elements. If you’re a Kapha individual, then balancing your dosha can come naturally because of your stable, grounded, and loving personality. Kapha individuals generally have curvy, soft bodies that are a result of the moist and rich nature of their dosha. However, imbalances in the Kapha dosha can lead to certain health issues such as congestion, acne, fluid retention, and weight gain. You may also tend to experience depression and fatigue when your Kapha dosha is not in balance. Therefore, it is important to keep your Kapha dosha in check through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and other healthy habits.

• Vata

Its elements are air and space, and its characteristics are wind-like, which represents activity, change, and movement. Individuals who are dominated by Vata tend to be artistic, creative, dry, and thin. However, if they go out of balance, they may experience anxiety, skin problems, and a restless mind that won’t stop or slow down. To maintain a healthy balance, Vata-dominant individuals should aim for a lifestyle that is relaxing, nourishing, and in tune with their needs.

• Pitta

Pitta constitutes water and fire. Pitta’s are usually driven, strong, and direct. They enjoy sports and often engage in activities that boost muscle growth.

Being out of balance can make them critical and aggressive. Their fire component can make them prone to acid reflux and other digestive issues. They are also vulnerable to skin irritations.

Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine believe that every person is a combination of all three doshas. However, every person has a more dominant dosha. In Ayurveda, a person’s dominant dosha is referred to as ‘prakriti’, which means ‘true nature’.

In Ayurveda, a person’s emotional, mental, and physical makeup is all taken into consideration in conjunction with the evaluation of the balance between the three doshas in the body.

One of the goals of Ayurveda is to cleanse the body of toxins, which can cause many illnesses. This cleansing process is referred to by Ayurvedic practitioners as ‘panchakarma’. This detoxification process helps restore balance and harmony in the doshas. An Ayurvedic practitioner may recommend massage, medical oils, blood purification, laxatives, or herbs, in order to cleanse the body.

Ayurvedic Practices for Holistic Healing

• Meditation

Meditation has the power to heal chronic pain and improve our physical as well as spiritual well-being. Its benefits are universally acknowledged, and it has helped millions to lead a better life.

• Pranayama or Breathing Exercises

Performing deep diaphragmatic breathing exercises can help improve lung capacity and rid the lungs of carbon dioxide. The result is improved energy levels and lung capacity, which means more oxygen benefits.

• Massage

Massage can help increase muscle tone, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve lymphatic flow. Regular abdominal massages have been found effective in assisting and improving bowel movements. It can also be helpful in promoting feelings of relaxation, which helps reduce stress and anxiety.

• Sweating

Sweating is great for the body! It gives the body the chance to get rid of toxins through the pores. The skin is the largest organ of the body and has protective capabilities, but it is also the largest organ used for detoxification. If you engage in activities that allow you to sweat profusely, more toxins will be removed naturally from the body.

• Enema or Basti

Basti is the process of flushing out toxins by lubricating the intestinal tract. This is done by introducing a lubricant made from herbal oil into the anus. This is all part of an Ayurvedic cleansing program. This may not be for everyone, but it may be worth trying if you want to receive the positive results it provides.