Several important precepts govern the therapeutic principles behind Ayurveda:
All therapies in Ayurveda are aimed at restoring a dynamic balance in the body- mind.
Tridoshas, namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha, each with specific qualities, are the subtle energies of the body and Satva, Rajas and Tamas are the subtle energies of the mind. Every individual has a combination of two or three of the doshas of the body and mind and exhibit the qualities of the doshas that are in a preponderance in their physical and mental makeup. Balanced state of these energies keep the body and mind in a state of health and their imbalance brings ill health. Herbs and therapies are unique to each individual, based on their body-mind type or doshic inclination.
All things in this manifest world are made up of different combinations of the pancamahabhutas or the five basic elements namely earth, water, fire, air and sky or space. Each element possesses a set of unique gunas or qualities. As they combine in different proportions to form matter, matter exhibits different qualities based on the proportion of the five elements. Thus man is composed of the pancamahabhutas, which when in a balanced state work in harmony and are disrupted when out of balance.
Similar things when brought together cause growth or increase and dissimilar things cause diminution or decrease. Therefore when there is an imbalance in the body and mind; food , activities, herbs and therapies which have the qualities necessary to restore balance are advised.
The body and mind are the substrata of all diseases. All kinds of ill health are brought about by improper, under or over utilization of the faculties of time, mind and sense organs. These result in the formation of ‘ama’(undigested matter or energy) or toxins within the body-mind system. This ama, in turn causes the aggravation of the three subtle energies of the body, Vata, Pitta and Kapha and Rajas and Tamas of the mind and leads to a state of dis-ease. Balanced utilization of the faculties of time, mind and objects of sense organs brings about harmony and health.
Ayurveda in Health and Disease
Our body is a marvelous microcosm of infinite intelligence. In spite of our continued excesses or deficiencies, it is constantly working to maintain a dynamic balance within and maintain a state of health and vitality. The continued abuse finally manifests as different forms of ill-health in different individuals, based on their prakriti(doshic inclination) and points of weakness in their body-mind. Family history of diseases could be an important clue as to the body-mind parts most susceptible to our imbalances.
Ayurveda first stresses on the wisdom of prevention and gives specific guidelines, based on the doshic inclination of one’s body/mind, as to the type of food, activities, herbs and therapies that would maintain and strengthen the dynamic harmony of one’s body-mind system in health. Similarly in ill health, it delineates the food, activities, herbs and therapies that would alleviate, strengthen and rejuvenate the body-mind.
YOGA:
Yoga is Union; being in union with the moment in body, mind and soul. Yoga is the doorway to enlightenment, health and happiness.
Different forms of yoga like Bhakti yoga(union through divine love), Karma yoga(union through detached work), Jnana yoga(union through knowledge) and Raja yoga(union through purification of the body and mind) are tools which help one reach this end.
YOGASANAS:
Yogasanas are a part of Ashtanga(eight limbs of) yoga propounded by the great sage, Patanjali, for the purification of the body and mind.
Yogasans are different postures of the body, performed slowly and with total focus. The combination of the postures with alternate stretching and contraction of different body parts and awareness on the breath and the movements, acts as a powerful toner and stimulant of the entire physical body and simultaneously calms the turbulent mind. All endocrine glands are activated and secretion of hormones are brought to optimum levels. With regular yogasans, all the congestions or depletions within the body-mind system get cleared, come to a balance and function with vitality. All blocks hampering the flow of energy get cleared.
Regular practice of yogasans along with pranayama and meditation will make you a master of your body and mind, with total control of your physical, mental and emotional health.
PRANAYAMA: Prana is the vital energy due to which all life exists; Ayama means control.
Pranayama is the control of the vital energy or life force. The control of this Prana is through various breathing techniques. It is one of the most powerful tools in achieving health and maintaining joy and vigor. The controlled flow of Prana purifies all the different systems within our body-mind continuum. The blood is enriched with oxygen and performs its duties to its full capacity. All toxins get eliminated through the outlets of the body-mind, making way for unhampered flow to the channels of pranic energy and bodily functions
ANAPANASATI MEDITATION: The final goal of all yogasanas and pranayama is to be able to sit in deep meditation, undisturbed and for any length of time. Meditation is the final path which opens the door to discovering our infinite potential and oneness with everything in this manifest and un-manifest world. Once we realize our true self of infinite abundance and potential, then all dohas or taints of the body and mind dissolve at all levels and one is rocketed into a life of harmonious balance, the body-mind complex reverts back to its original natural state of health, vibrancy, vitality and joy in every moment.
In Ancient Pali language, Ana means In – Breath, Apana means Out – Breath, Sati means To - Be - One - With. Therefore, Anapanasati, means to keep one's total attention and awareness only on one's normal breathing process.
Anapanasati meditation is as simple as one’s breath. Its power lies in its utter simplicity.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ANAPANASATI MEDITATION:
No mantra is to be chanted. No form of any deity is to be entertained. No pranayama practices like kumbhaka i.e., holding the breath should be attempted.
Meditation should be undertaken every day regularly any time and any place is right for Meditation.
Any comfortable sitting posture can be taken. Spine should be as comfortably erect as possible. Hands should be clasped, legs should be crossed and eyes should be closed.
Routine wanderings of the mind should be cut right away, as and when they keep arising. Attention of the mind should constantly be brought back to the chosen task on hand i.e., conscious observation of the breath.
BENEFITS OF MEDITATION
Healing of All Diseases is Immediate.
Memory Power becomes Increased
Wasteful Habits Die a Natural Death
Mind Always Stays in a Peaceful and Joyful State
All Work Gets Done with Greater Efficiency
Sleep-time Requirements get Reduced
Relationships become More Qualitative and Fulfilling
