{"id":5025,"date":"2021-05-10T16:01:48","date_gmt":"2021-05-10T10:31:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lifegram.org\/?p=5025"},"modified":"2021-05-10T16:02:49","modified_gmt":"2021-05-10T10:32:49","slug":"a-beginners-guide-to-ayurveda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lifegram.org\/a-beginners-guide-to-ayurveda\/","title":{"rendered":"A Beginner&#8217;s Guide to Ayurveda"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Beginner&#8217;s Guide to Ayurveda is a concise overview of Ayurveda that covers its historical roots, body types and health benefits of practicing Ayurveda in daily lifestyle.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">It&#8217;s a common misconception that Ayurveda is only good for small physiological issues. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">The deeper understanding behind it dates as back as 5000 years ago, in ancient India \u2013 including all sorts of wellness of living beings. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Ayurveda is not restricted to medicinal practices; it also divulges in a healthy lifestyle.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#What_is_Ayurveda\">What is Ayurveda?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#The_History_of_Ayurveda\">The History of Ayurveda<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#The_Three_Doshas_of_Ayurveda\">The Three Doshas of Ayurveda!<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Health_Benefits_of_Practicing_Ayurveda\">Health Benefits of Practicing Ayurveda<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#The_Basic_Principles_of_Ayurveda\">The Basic Principles of Ayurveda!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"What_is_Ayurveda\"><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\">What is Ayurveda?<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">The word Ayurveda can be translated into &#8220;whole body,&#8221; which brings us to its meaning that holds the sentiment of holistic healing that includes body, mind, and spirit. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">It is one of the oldest healing systems that operate on the alignment of achieving a state of balance. Because of its ancient roots, Ayurveda is also one of the most trusted healthcare and lifestyle practices. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">In Sanskrit, the less literal meaning of Ayurveda refers to the &#8220;The Knowledge of Life&#8221; and is often related to the term &#8220;Mother of All Healing.&#8221; <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Ayurveda consists of oral traditions, and written scriptures passed down from masters of healing to their disciples. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">But it originally was a practice with limited knowledge amongst a small number of learned, wise individuals. According to Ayurveda, it is believed that the universe is built on five elements, namely \u2013 Akash (space), Agnil(fire), Vayu (air), Jal (water), and Prithvi (Earth).<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"The_History_of_Ayurveda\"><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\">The History of Ayurveda<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Between the ages as early as 3000 B.C. and 2000 B.C., early mentions of having accumulated its origins with descriptions in Atharvaveda text. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">It includes usage in daily lives through diet, exercise, massage, herbs, and oils. From being the practice of a restricted group of people, Ayurveda has now become a worldwide phenomenon.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">On a general basis, Ayurveda focuses more on prevention than cure. Although it provides healing of almost all kinds, as mentioned before, Ayurveda is a means of lifestyle which, when adopted, allows a person to create a balance between their mind, body, and spirit to prevent health issues and stay in their best shape.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">The Vedas, which includes in-depth knowledge about Ayurveda, includes preventive cares, treatments, and even surgical procedures, including kidney stones&#8217; removal, nose jobs, and stitches \u2013 adding to this, it has cured dry skin, diarrhea, fever, seizures, tumors, heart disease, and much more with the use of over 700 ayurvedic herbs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Filled with wisdom and vast knowledge, Ayurveda has become a sensation in all corners of the world. Before the British colonization of India, it was a practice seen only within the country. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">During the colonization, Ayurveda was westernized, and its knowledge was exploited. But after India got its freedom back, the expertise of Ayurveda saw many reforms concerning its original roots from thousands of years ago \u2013 and today, it is easily accessible and widely used.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"The_Three_Doshas_of_Ayurveda\"><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\">The Three Doshas of Ayurveda!<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">As mentioned earlier, Ayurveda believes in the universe&#8217;s existence with the five elements of air, fire, earth, water, and space. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">These elements combine to form three life sources, or energies, in the human body. This is known as doshas. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">One individual can possess a blend of different doshas, but at large, they operate on one, which helps in seeking Ayurveda aid with proper care.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/kripalu.org\/content\/whats-your-dosha\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Take your Ayurvedic body type test<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">VATA:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">This dosha is represented with Vayu and Akash. It focuses on the aspects which control breath, muscle, tissue movement, heartbeat, and blinking. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Adding to this, it also indulges in all the movements in the cytoplasm and cell membranes. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">The nervous system functions like anxiety, pain, fear, etc. People who have dominant dosha as Vata can be considered to-go, but they struggle with imbalance due to excessive stress. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">PITTA:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">This dosha is represented with elements of Agnil and Jal. It majorly helps with metabolism, digestion, assimilation, absorption, nutrition, and body temperature. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">In its essence, Pitta aims to promote intelligence and understanding. Adding to this, it also governs emotions like jealousy, anger, and hate. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">People with this dosha as a dominating factor have a strong appetite, making it easier for them to digest. However, they experience anger and frustration more easily than other doshas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">KAPHA: <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Jal and Prithvi represent this dosha. Kapha is believed to be in control of the body&#8217;s immune system and physical structure. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">It functions concerning bones, tendons, muscles and is thought to be the glue that holds the cells together \u2013 made from earth and water. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Kapha supplies the body with water, moisturizes the skin, and lubricates the joints. With balance, it showcases love, calmness, and forgiveness. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">People with Kapha-dominated dosha are reliable and stable, with sustenance for relationships or jobs long after they have lost their necessity or nourishment. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Excess of this dosha results in stubbornness and resistance to change.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/shareasale.com\/r.cfm?b=584878&amp;u=2805212&amp;m=28134&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.shareasale.com\/image\/28134\/general.jpg\" alt=\"Natural Products for a Wide Range of Conditions\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Health_Benefits_of_Practicing_Ayurveda\"><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\">Health Benefits of Practicing Ayurveda<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Before learning more about Ayurveda and its works, let us first understand how Ayurveda can help you. If a person does not believe in the Art of Healing, they would not wish to indulge in it. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">There a several health benefits of practicing Ayurveda, some of which are mentioned below;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">1. It can reduce inflammation: <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">The majority of diseases are a result of inflammation. The cause behind it can be lack of sleep, digestive problems, or unhealthy diets. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">As Ayurveda focuses on internal healing, it can better the nutritional intake, sleeping pattern, and mindfulness of a person \u2013 which, in turn, results in better health. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">The reduction of inflammation born out of underlying causes can be treated by Ayurvedic herbs such as turmeric. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">It helps with issues such as arthritis, metabolic syndrome, hyperlipidemia, and anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">2. It enhances heart health: <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">It can positively affect the heart, especially with people who have coronary heart diseases. Ayurveda is often called a &#8216;sister practice&#8217; of yoga. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Because yoga and meditation have contributed to regulating high blood pressure, Ayurveda also helps with the same matter of concern.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>3. It helps with weight loss<\/strong>: <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Several health problems result from weight gain or unhealthy weight on the body. Rather than promoting diet, Ayurveda aims at a healthy balanced lifestyle and helps regulate the weight of a person. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Specific herbs from the Vedas like guggul and Triphala have attributes associated with helping in weight loss, exercising such as yoga, with the conscious effort not to eat unhealthy foods. All of this can result in a healthier lifestyle altogether.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">4. It improves sleep pattern: <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">As a continuation to an unhealthy diet, sleep is also disrupted because of foods such as processed snacks, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, etc. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">It is also caused by mental factors like stress, anxiety, and as such. Excessive use of electronics can also contribute to it. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">To prevent the issues that arise with these factors, Ayurveda can provide balance with a time-tested approach that aims at a healthy diet. The mindfulness provided with Ayurveda will give you a goodnight&#8217;s sleep. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">You can achieve this with medicines for internal use and external use like jasmine oil or coconut oil \u2013 by massaging your scalp and temple with a calming effect.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">5. It provides a deeper understanding of life: <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Ayurveda, as mentioned before, is a medicinal practice and a way of life. With the involvement of the five elements that make up the universe, Ayurveda allows you to connect more deeply with the environment around you concerning your mind, body, and spirit. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">The interaction between the five elements contributes to the doshas, which help you heal internally. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">6. It helps in cleansing your aura: <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">In this fast-paced world where every day brings a new stressor, and people are laden with anxiety, depression, and problems as such \u2013 Ayurveda helps with both the physical and mental well-being of a person. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">The divulgence of spirit can be assessed empirically but is healed by Ayurveda when treated rightfully and dedicatedly. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">7. It reduces the toxins in one&#8217;s body: <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">An individual releases toxins in his body through sweating, excretion, urination, and other bodily processes. But because of certain digestive issues, the waste build-up of the body can increase. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Through Ayurveda, the toxins in one&#8217;s body are reduced, resulting in the overall maintenance of your body. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">8. It increases the sense of well-being: <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Ayurveda helps in reducing stress and negative feelings of anxiety. By incorporating healthy ways of living, proper diet, and meditation practices \u2013 you can reduce stress from your mind and increase your sense of well-being. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Related:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lifegram.org\/best-ayurvedic-herbs-benefits\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Ayurvedic herbs and their health benefits<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"The_Basic_Principles_of_Ayurveda\"><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\">The Basic Principles of Ayurveda!<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">It is a holistic healing system that wishes to create a balance in the body with the application of natural herbs, selected specifically for certain illnesses or preventive measures by combining five elements of the universe.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">When the mind, body, and spirit are in harmony \u2013 the individual can be at peace and enjoy the balance that he has created within himself concerning elements of air, water, earth, space, and fire.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Ayurveda practitioners believe in focussing on the treatment of two elements of a human being. The Agni (fire within the person) handles treatment for digestion, release of toxins, and providing nourishment.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">And the second is Prana (life force energy) which focuses on treatment for building up positive energy through dietary changes and daily routine practice.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Food is a big aspect of concern in Ayurveda, which has been classified into five categories; sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and astringent. A proper and balanced combination of these food types with respect to the individual&#8217;s dosha will help achieve a balance in the body and create harmony.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">There are no side effects of taking Ayurvedic medicine, as everything used is 100% natural. The selected herbs aim at eradicating specific issues and creating a healthy immune system for a person. It is uniquely created for each individual after a thorough look into their lifestyle, personality, daily routine, and dosha assessment. Because of this, each person has his own Ayurvedic needs \u2013 which will not have any adverse effects on them.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Instead of fighting the illness or eliminating the symptoms, Ayurveda focuses on the over-all healing of the body and creating a balance from within, strengthening the immune system and preventing it from contracting diseases often. Maintaining equilibrium of the body is the ultimate goal of Ayurveda.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">It aims at helping a person learn more about themselves concerning their dosha. By combining the five elements of the universe and figuring out the dosha of a person, Ayurvedic experts will then move onto food supplements regarding the five food categories to achieve a balance in their diet and have a healthy gut. This will bring beneficial changes in the physical aspect of an individual and bring about positive changes in their mindset \u2013 such as free from excessive stress and negative emotions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">As Ayurveda is tailor-made, it brings a sense of calm and soothes a person. By helping the individual slowly erase the underlying issues they have in their system, it is achieved by changes in the psyche, behavior, regular habits, diet, etc. All the naturally selected herbs as so unique to an individual feel like Ayurveda were meant to be for them.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\">Final Thoughts<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">By incorporating Ayurveda in your daily life, you can increase the positive effects of Ayurvedic medicine. It is akin to meditation and yoga \u2013 which have tons of research backing its benefits up. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Ayurveda has also become increasingly popular in recent decades amongst demographics of all ages, genders, and cultures. Because of the increased use by consumers, there is also increased research behind this phenomenon. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">The results have shown how truly beneficial Ayurveda is; and how long-time usage of Ayurveda brings healthy changes in the daily lives of its users. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Habits like waking up early, eating lunch when the sun is at the highest peak, cleaning your tongue, seasoning your breakfast \u2013 all these and many more \u2013 may seem like small changes in your routine life. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">But they bring about big changes that last for a long period and help you attain that harmony of the body, mind, and spirit that Ayurveda aims at achieving. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">With the help of Ayurveda, you can lead a healthier and happier life \u2013 without worrying about the side effects of the medicines. It can help you reduce toxins in the body, eliminate negative emotions, and clear up your energy for a balance within you. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Beginner&#8217;s Guide to Ayurveda is a concise overview of Ayurveda that covers its historical roots, body types and health benefits of practicing Ayurveda in daily lifestyle. &nbsp; It&#8217;s a common misconception that Ayurveda is only good for small physiological issues. The deeper understanding behind it dates as back as 5000 years ago, in ancient India [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":5027,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[48],"tags":[718,656],"aioseo_notices":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lifegram.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5025"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lifegram.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lifegram.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifegram.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifegram.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5025"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifegram.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5025\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5028,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifegram.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5025\/revisions\/5028"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifegram.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5027"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lifegram.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5025"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifegram.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5025"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifegram.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5025"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}