Ayurveda, often referred to as the "science of life," is an ancient holistic healing system that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Rooted in the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit, Ayurveda offers a comprehensive approach to well-being that encompasses diet, lifestyle, herbal remedies, and spiritual practices.
At Eartha, we want to explore the best ways to help you feel alive, healthy and well, using natural methods that are cost effective and sustainable. Ayurveda, offers us thousands of years of tried and tested traditions, insights and ways to live a healthier life. So we've developed an Ayurveda Essentials Collection, inspired by these wise ways of being.
A Sister Science to Yoga:
Ayurveda is often considered the sister science to yoga, with both disciplines originating from the ancient Vedic texts of India. While yoga focuses on physical postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama) to harmonise the body and mind, Ayurveda provides the foundational principles for holistic living, guiding individuals on how to maintain balance and prevent disease through diet, daily routines, and herbal remedies.
History of Ayurveda:
The roots of Ayurveda can be traced back to the ancient scriptures known as the Vedas, where the foundational principles of this holistic system were first documented. Over the centuries, Ayurveda evolved and flourished, with sages and scholars refining its teachings and practices. It was during the Vedic period that Ayurveda became codified into a systematic medical science, encompassing a wide range of therapies and treatments.
Key Principles and Practices:
At the heart of Ayurveda are three fundamental energies known as doshas: Vata (air and ether), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water). According to Ayurvedic philosophy, each individual has a unique identity, or prakriti, which is determined by the predominance of these doshas. By understanding one's prakriti, Ayurveda offers personalised recommendations for diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies to restore balance and promote optimal health.
Ayurveda and Daily Rituals:
As well as helping us understand the best and most nourishing food to suit our individual needs, Ayurveda emphasises the importance of daily rituals, or dinacharya, to maintain balance and promote well-being. These rituals may include practices such as tongue scraping, oil pulling, dry body brushing, and meditation, all of which help to remove toxins, improve digestion, and calm the mind.
Ayurvedic Diet and Nutrition:
Central to Ayurveda is the concept of ahara, or diet, which plays a crucial role in maintaining health and preventing disease. Ayurvedic dietary guidelines are based on the qualities of food, such as taste (rasa), energy (virya), and post-digestive effect (vipaka), as well as the individual's doshic constitution. By choosing foods that balance their doshas, individuals can support their overall well-being and vitality.
In a world where stress, toxins, and imbalances abound, Ayurveda offers a timeless path to holistic wellness and vitality. By embracing its principles and practices, individuals can cultivate harmony and balance in their lives, nourishing their body, mind, and spirit for optimal health and happiness.
Sources:
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) - https://www.nccih.nih.gov/
- Chopra - https://chopra.com/
- Banyan Botanicals - https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/
About the author - meet Earthan Lucy ColgraveLucy is the Founder & Chief Eartha Officer of Eartha. She created Eartha to help others find calm through sustainable shopping, learning and wellness. Lucy is a newly qualified 200 hour Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance and loves spreading the bliss that yoga can bring. You can check out her yoga channel on Instagram Lucy Glow Yoga.