Ayurveda Ancient Science:

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AYURVEDA: The Ancient Science of Life

by Suzanne Shelton

 

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian modality, has been steadily increasing in

popularity in Western countries. As growing numbers of people look for

ways to improve and maintain their health, Ayurveda's purpose, which is

to keep the physical body in optimum condition by following specific

lifestyle guidelines, is especially appealing today.

 

This healing art dates back 5,000 years, some say, and was initially

developed by the Rishis ('seers " ), who first developed yoga, meditation

and astrology and wrote the Vedas. The Rishis took Ayurveda as far East

as today's Indonesia.

 

In the West they influenced the Greeks, who developed a similar form of

medicine.

This science of life was further developed by Buddhists, who took it to

many different lands. Ayurveda was known in Tibet, Sri Lanka, Burma and

other Buddhist lands. It also influenced Chinese medicine.

 

Ayurveda utilizes herbal medicine, dietary guidelines, body work,

psychology and spirituality to heal and maintain health. It is not

incompatible with allopathic (that method conventionally practiced in

the U.S.) medicine; it goes beyond it.

 

Ayurveda puts emphasis on the prevention of illness by keeping the body

in balance. Yoga and meditation are incorporated into Ayurveda because

they impact the health of the mind and the spirit, which affect our

physical health.

 

According to Ayurveda, everything we eat, think, say and do affects our

overall state of balance and consequently our health.

 

Ayurveda prescribes daily and seasonal routines to maximize health.

These routines are based upon individual body type.

 

Body Types

 

There are three main body types (doshas) in Ayurveda: VATA (air), PITTA

( fire) or KAPHA (water). It is rare for a person to be totally of one

type. Mixed types are more common, with two or more types in relatively

equal proportions. Dual types exist as VATA-PITTA (air-fire),

VATA-KAPHA (air-water) and

 

PITTA-KAPHA (fire-water).

 

The three doshas in equal proportions is

VATA-PITTA-KAPHA (air-fire-water).

 

Ayurvedic doctors determine your type primarily from your pulse. In the

absence of an Ayurvedic practitioner, you can determine your body type

by taking a simple quiz found in any good book on Ayurveda.

 

PITTA ( fire) controls the digesti powerful builds with great physical

strength and endurance.

 

Kaphas are tranquil and slow to anger. New information is grasped

slowly, but once retained is never lost. They sleep longer than other

body types and tend toward stoutness. Hunger is mild, digestion is slow.

Kapha types tend to be affectionate, tolerant, forgiving, possessive and

complacent.

 

Because Kapha controls lubrication in the body, Kapha types often suffer

from sinus congestion, chest colds, allergies and joint pain. Kaphas

need less protein than other body types. Kaphas function better when

they eat more bitter, pungent and astringent foods, especially in

winter.

 

Heavy exercise on a regular basis and less caloric intake are also

recommended for this type. Kapha's challenge is to not allow themselves

to become complacent with the status quo.

 

VATA is composed of the elements of air and ether, and governs movements

in the body. Vata types tend toward thin, light builds. They perform

activities quickly and are enthusiastic, vivacious, excitable and

changeable. They tend to grasp new information quickly, but also to

forget it easily.

 

Vata's tend to be light sleepers, with a tendency toward insomnia. They

tire easily and often overexert themselves.

 

They need stability and discipline in all aspects of their lives.

Because Vata is the physical embodiment of kinetic energy they tend to

burn off energy more quickly than they take in new energy. To balance

this they need to eat three or four small meals a day in addition to

snacks, take regular breaks, get sufficient rest and not overdo physical

activities.

 

Sweet, sour and salty foods are the best 'tastes' for Vata, but the

modern American diet already over-emphasizes those foods.

Vata's should not consider this license to over-eat candy and chips, but

should try instead to eat a balanced diet of sweet vegetables and

grains, soups, dairy and tea with a moderate amount of bitter, pungent

and astringent foods. Yoga, meditation, and inspiring, soothing music

are crucial to Vata. Massage on a regular basis, while beneficial for

all body types, is essential for Vata.

 

Imbalanced Vata can result in anxiety, fear, depression and nervous

system disorders. A balanced Vata is enthusiastic, energetic, and happy.

Their minds are clear, and alert. Vata types are excellent synthesizers

of information because they can see the connections between things.

 

Dual body types need to pay more attention to seasonal changes than

single body types. A Pitta-Kapha would do well to follow a Pitta diet in

the summer (Pitta) season and a Kapha balancing diet in the winter

(Kapha) season. Similarly the Vata-Kapha person would do well with a

Vata pacifying diet in the fall (Vata) season and a Kapha diet in

winter.

 

Of course these recommendations may vary depending upon individual

circumstances. People of all body types whose lifestyles are filled with

travel, television, computers and stress are subject to Vata imbalances.

 

How Ayurveda protects the body

 

Ayurveda addresses three main defenses against bacterial infection:

First is the electro-magnetic field, which all living things generate.

Having a large, intact electro-magnetic field is crucial to good health.

Negative thoughts, shallow breathing and lack of exercise decrease it,

leaving a person vulnerable.

 

The second line of defense is our digestive system. When the digestive

system is strong it provides our bodies significant energy to maintain

good health.

When digestion is over-taxed our bodies become breeding grounds for

metal and physical toxins called " Ama, " which lays the groundwork for

disease. Eating moderate portions of easily digested food in a calm

environment is crucial.

 

Occasional fasting also improves digestion.

 

There are more Ayurvedic products available in the U.S. that will aid in

maintaining a healthy digestive system than for any other purpose,

illustrating the importance of good digestion in the Ayurvedic system.

 

The third line of defense is the immune system. Taking care of the first

two help in protecting this vital system. Thinking positive thoughve and

endocrine systems. Pitta's tend to be medium in build, strength and

endurance.

 

They are very enterprising and love challenges and competitive sports.

They have sharp intellect and speech. They tend toward anger and

irritability when under stress, especially when they have skipped a

meal. Pitta's often have fair or ruddy skin, and an aversion to sun and

hot weather. They do not need spicy food, especially in warm climates.

 

Their innate tendency is to maximize efficiency in all aspects of their

lives. They are often intense and short-tempered. The Pitta disease

tendency is toward upset stomach, fevers and skin irritation. The key

word for Pitta is 'cooling'. Pitta types need to accentuate the sweet

(grain and vegetables), bitter and astringent foods. They should

exercise moderately, swim, do yoga, and meditation, eat a pure diet, and

spend time in nature.

 

KAPHA controls stability and lubrication in the body and is composed of

the element Earth. Kapha types are usually relaxed, and tend toward

solid,ts, exercising and sleeping appropriately for your body type will

also help build this system, as will specific herbs.

 

Popular Herbs

Some of the most common herbs and herbal combinations used in Ayurveda

are:

 

Triphala, an herb combination which is a digestive panacea.

Has been extensively studied for its cardiovascular benefits.

 

Guggulipid, a drug in India made from Guggul, is used to treat high

levels of Cholesterol. It is also found in some arthritis formulas.

 

Curcuminoids, are derived from Tumeric, has excellent anti-oxident and

anti-inflamitory properties.

 

Boswellic acid is known to be an anti-inflamitory, and is widely used

for arthritis. Also used as a topical analgesic

 

Ashwagandha: An adaptogen (increasing resistance to adverse influences),

antistress botanical. Additionally, it has antispasmotic effects.

Has been used for centuries to treat diabetes. Studies have shown it to

decrease blood sugar.

 

Helps control appetite and body weight.

Ayurveda's wholistic, practical approach to life provides many solutions

to solve our modern day health problems. It is not difficult to

understand and follow, yet the results speak for themselves. The

practices are effective and easy to incorporate into one's life.

 

There are a variety of excellent Ayurvedic products on the market and

many helpful books as well. Ayurvedic practitioners (who are usually

doctors) are becoming more common in the U.S. Its time tested efficacy

speaks for itself. Clearly, Ayurveda holds great promise for the new

millennium.

 

Suzanne Shelton has provided public relations services to natural

products manufacturers and associations since 1989. She was founding

president of the Consultants Association of the Natural Industry (CANI).

Her Chicago-based company, The Shelton Group, can be reached at

847/676-4337.