Ayurveda as a trend in alternative medicine originated in ancient India and is closely related to the Vedas. The Vedas are universal science about life, a whole philosophical system. While Ayurveda is a method of prevention and treatment of various diseases, establishing harmonious relations between a person and the world, a person and society, it is a system of body regulation (the body's desire to restore a damaged part), a nutrition system. Ayurveda: the science of life - what is it?

Today, Vedic medicine Ayurveda is of increasing interest. Let's try to understand what is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda: the science of life

Vedic medicine Ayurveda does not consider the treatment of a person as the treatment of a specific physical body, disease in its manifestation. Ayurveda believes that if the disease appeared on the material level, then the elimination of symptoms is only the first step in recovery, the whole person needs to be treated, namely the body, soul, behavior, to regulate the emotional and mental (intellectual development) levels. Man is the unity of all of the above.

Western culture differs from Eastern culture primarily in that its inexorable love for the analysis of the division into parts of everything in the world. Oriental man, on the contrary, strives for unity.

Ayurveda (from the word "veda" - "knowledge") - the science of life extension or the art of life, one of the most universal systems created in the East. The formation of the science of Ayurveda took place in India about 5 thousand years ago and developed at the junction of religion, philosophy, medicine and the natural sciences, which were inextricably linked, today we can say that this is not just a teaching - this is Ayurveda treatment.

The basis of Ayurveda is the ancient Indian treatises - the Vedas, written in Sanskrit. A significant place in them is given to medical topics: more than a thousand names of medicinal plants are given, many medical terms are found, several interesting methods are mentioned that were used in ancient times, but have not lost their significance even in our time.

In the science of Ayurveda, there are many texts devoted to the preservation and strengthening of human health. Ancient healers believed that the basis wellness- absolute harmony, approached by medicinal herbs, massage, food specially selected for each person and other methods. Violation of harmony leads to diseases of the soul and body, inextricably bound friend with friend.

The science of Ayurveda relies on many techniques: treatment with oils and mummy, herbal and aromatherapy, vegetarianism and naturopathy, acupuncture, massage, urine therapy, etc.

Basic principles Vedic medicine Ayurveda

Vedic medicine Ayurveda as a system of human health has five levels.

Many authors are grossly mistaken, reducing Ayurveda only to a nutrition system and body treatment, since this is only the first and initial level, it does not concern the rational principle in a person, and body treatment is (no matter how miraculous the medicine may be) only a temporary result. It is necessary to treat a person in all directions.

The first level of Vedic medicine in Ayurveda is the treatment of the body with all kinds of herbs, massage, special system nutrition and exercise.

The second level of Ayurveda is the level of purification, prevention of diseases of the body and psyche, as well as the creation and rooting in a person of all kinds good habits.

The third level of Vedic medicine is devoted to the character of a person, his relationship with everything around him.

The fourth is the transitional level of Ayurveda. Having reached it, many stop: some difficulties arise that people cannot always cope with due to a lack of strength - will, determination, confidence in the correctness of the decision made.

At the fourth stage of Ayurveda, a spiritual mentor is needed, here the directly theoretical, if I may say so, religious part begins. This is the level of asceticism, where people read mantras, various prayers, sing hymns, expand their consciousness in every possible way.

The fifth level of Vedic medicine represents spiritual practice: meditation is studied, and the higher laws of life are known.

Vedic medicine Ayurveda is aimed at connecting the body and soul of a person, developing his harmonious relationship with society and nature.

Doshas of Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, nature is governed by three main forces called doshas. Each of them has its own name: Vata (wind), Pitta (bile) and Kapha (phlegm). Depending on the content of the elements, people are also divided into three groups.

Vata is the constitution of the "people of the wind". Representatives of this type are identified with the air element, the predominance of the energy of air and ether. Home them distinguishing feature- lean, tall, dry skin. The behavior of people of the “wind” constitution is often unpredictable, and at any moment their mood can change. However, these people love everything new and often surprise others by changing themselves. People of this type are sanguine or melancholic, they are emotional, romantic and often naive. They do not have outstanding abilities, but thanks to perseverance they often achieve good results.

Vata in the science of Ayurveda

Vata is the strongest energy of the human body, responsible for the most important life processes: circulation, respiration, mental activity and muscle activity. Representatives of the “wind” constitution usually do not have good health, and in many respects it depends on the way of life. The weak points of Vata people are the bones, joints, as well as the organs of vision and hearing. They often suffer from insomnia, chronic diseases of the stomach, have problems with digestion, nervous and cardiovascular systems.

Pitta in the science of Ayurveda

Pitta is the constitution of "people of bile". Representatives of this type are identified with the elements of fire and water. This type includes people with a good figure and good posture. They are bold, assertive, they have a developed sense of humor, a desire for fame and achievement of a goal. In love, they give themselves entirely to their partner, but they also demand the same from him.

People of the "bile" constitution, as a rule, are choleric - they are emotional, quick-tempered, unbalanced, but quick-witted. People of the "bile" warehouse are prone to hasty decisions that are not always correct. These are addicted natures, but they are quickly disappointed, even if the goal is achieved and gives positive results.

People of this type do not have good health. To prolong life, they should be wary of colds and hypothermia, they need to eat right and observe personal hygiene. The weak points of people of the constitution of "bile" are the liver, kidneys, stomach and gallbladder. They suffer from many skin diseases, various allergies, hypertension or hypotension, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Kapha in the science of Ayurveda

Kapha are people of the "mucus" constitution. Representatives of this type are identified with the elements of earth and water. They are usually short, stocky, heavily built, strong, but kind by nature. As a rule, they are satisfied with life, calm, reasonable, unperturbed, although they are slow - they are phlegmatic or sanguine. In life and in those around them, they value stability and reliability most of all, remember for a long time, but do not forget anything.

People of this type have high immunity, they are not susceptible to viral and other infections, they are naturally endowed with good health, among them there are many centenarians. At the same time, they often suffer from diseases of the cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory systems, certain types of cancer pose a certain danger to them. Their weak points are the heart and head. Kapha people need to carefully monitor their diet, daily routine, normal sleep and rest are extremely important for them.

Eastern healers say: people with a predominance of one of the doshas are rare. In order for a person to be healthy and strong, beautiful and self-confident, a harmonious combination of all three doshas is necessary. However ideal people in fact, no, because the combination of doshas is uneven and in any of us one or two predominate. This ratio determines the individuality of a person - his character, abilities, temperament, appearance and, of course, health.

Three types of food in Ayurveda

The ancient science of Ayurveda claims that for healthy life You need to eat in such a way that all three doshas remain in balance. According to Ayurveda, a person can have three types of natural constitution: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Depending on what type you are, you need to draw up a nutrition plan, and then your body will be in a state of harmony. The topic of our conversation today is nutrition in Ayurveda.

Vata constitution - you can eat sweet, salty foods, heavy and fatty, feel free to add various spices, but avoid spicy and bitter.

Pitta constitution - the use of cold dishes, drinks, various salads, cold milk, sweet fruits is recommended. Preference should be given to dishes with a bitter and sweet taste. Hot as well as light foods should be avoided.

Kapha constitution - light, warm and dry food, tart in taste, spicy, will do. Eat less salt, cold, heavy meals, refuse fatty foods.

Nutrition according to Ayurveda: general principles

In general, in Ayurvedic nutrition, great importance is attached to taste (for example, spicy food warms, stimulates metabolism, sweet helps the pancreas, bitter cleanses the liver, salt increases appetite).

What should be Ayurveda - nutrition? Ayurveda gives some recommendations about food intake. Here are some of them.

You should only eat if you are very hungry.

If you have the thought that you should have a snack, you need to ask yourself a question and answer honestly: “Am I really hungry?” If you are not hungry, you do not need to overload the body: the food eaten at this moment will only bring harm.

For a healthy life, it is necessary to listen to your body, determine which dishes it has a special disposition for, and boldly introduce them into your diet.

Nutrition in Ayurveda is a harmonious interaction of the soul and body, therefore it attaches great importance inner voice, arguing that the intellect can err, while the voice comes from the heart, from the very being of man.

It is very useful for a healthy life to drink hot water. It is recommended to drink only purified water, after boiling it. Take several sips after 1 hour and before meals. Hot water cleanses the body of toxins and rejuvenates it.

According to Ayurvedic nutritional science, it is advisable to avoid eating meat and replace it with fish or poultry.

Modern medicine sometimes comes to a standstill. New drugs are being invented, vaccinations are being carried out, methods of therapy are being improved, and some diseases are only progressing, while aggressive and ailments hitherto unfamiliar to mankind appear. Therefore, people, having lost faith, often turn to alternative methods of healing. One of them is Ayurveda. What is this science, you will find out just now.

Word interpretation

Ayurveda owes its name to two Sanskrit concepts. These are the words ayus and veda, which in translation into Russian sounds like " long life". Some linguists interpret the phrase in a different way: the principle of life, a long journey, acquired knowledge. In spite of different points view, the meaning of the concept is not distorted. We can unmistakably conclude that the principles of Ayurveda are aimed at improving human health, achieving longevity and inner harmony.

In short, Ayurveda is the science of life. It is the basis of Vedic medicine, which, in turn, is named after sacred Indian books - the Vedas. Ancient writings are devoted not only to the treatment of diseases, but also to politics, theology, astrology, psychology and others. known sciences. The Vedas raise the problems of various spheres of human life, as well as questions about the structure of the Universe: they tell about the subtle worlds, energy fields and various planets. Modern scientists are often amazed: what they are trying to invent has long been described in the Indian Vedas.

Origin legend

As we have already seen, Ayurveda is one of the most ancient medical sciences, which came to us from the mysterious and wise East. At first, its principles were transmitted orally: from teachers to their followers. With the advent of scripture, the main theses were fixed in Sanskrit. With each new century, they were supplemented: as a result, we received a voluminous and deep teaching - Ayurveda.

According to an ancient legend, this science is part of the secret knowledge of the holy sages who possessed sacred knowledge Universe. It happened about 7 thousand years ago. Then Brahma shared secret statements with Daksha, who was the demiurge god, one of the creators of the world. He passed on the knowledge to the Ashvins - the divine twins, who became great and wise healers. Some time later, they presented the principles of Ayurveda to the ruler of the East, Indra, who passed them on to his students. Among the followers was Bharadvaja - one of the seven Indian sages, who kept the information for the people of this country.

Homeland of Ayurveda

It is rightly called India. In this country, the ancient sciences are sacredly revered, one of which is Ayurveda: what kind of teaching this is, the local children already know from the cradle. It is not surprising that after millennia it continues to be at the peak of popularity. The type of alternative medicine is practiced here by about 350 thousand healers, all of them have the status of doctors. The government supports the development of science and even opened two research centers that study Ayurveda. There are also 150 different institutions under medical colleges. They are doing the same noble work.

In addition, a university was opened in the city of Jamnagar, where graduates in this field of medicine are trained. Training lasts five and a half years according to a special program. For four years and six months, students study the theory, the rest of the time is devoted to practice. It is carried out in local hospitals, where it is actively used

Worldwide distribution

India has become the place on the planet where Ayurveda originated and developed for a long time. At the same time, this did not prevent her from conquering other countries. For example, the teaching is very popular in Sri Lanka and Nepal. In local pharmaceutical companies, the emphasis is on drugs recommended by science: a wide range of them is sold in every pharmacy. Recently, the United States also became interested in oriental knowledge: the National Institute of Ayurveda Medicine was opened here. In Israel, Reedman College is doing the same thing, whose graduates show good results.

Unfortunately, there are no such institutions in the CIS countries. But this does not prevent residents of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and other countries from being interested in Ayurveda. They begin to trust her, since schools of healers arose on its basis ancient China, Arabia, Roman Empire and Greece. Even in modern Western medicine, Ayurvedic ideas can be found. It became the starting point for the development of such alternative disciplines as naturopathy, homeopathy and aromatherapy.

Philosophy

Like any other Eastern teaching, Ayurveda also has its own philosophy. Is this, you ask, it not only heals the body, but also the soul? Absolutely correct. physical condition body science is not limited. Her full-fledged object has long been not only herbs and the elimination of symptoms of ailments with their help, but also philosophy, which helps to restore inner harmony, the natural balance of mind and feelings.

Ayurveda is based on six Vedas, all of which are focused on achieving complete happiness for a person. Considering each individual as an integral part of the Universe, they try to restore his connection with higher matters. The main wisdom of the Vedas is that they say: a harmonious combination of soul, mind, perception and body helps to avoid death and bodily decay for a long time. According to these ideas, Ayurveda develops methods and measures for a healthy state of the body along with healing therapies that can heal mental wounds and create a balance of emotions and experiences within each of us.

Treatment

As for this important component of Ayurveda, its main motto is “Do no harm!” Therefore, doctors select the most gentle therapy, the principles of which are as follows:

• Compliance with a special diet.
• Emphasis on the right way life and daily routine.
• Reception of natural remedies, which the healer from herbs and plants himself composes for the patient. Recipes are secret. Methods of healing are transmitted strictly from the teacher to his follower.
• Carrying out Pancha-karma - cleansing the body with the help of a bath, massage, therapeutic enemas.
• The Marma procedure is a point impact on the body, which helps to eliminate the disease at the subtle and gross levels.

Based on the foregoing, we understand how useful Ayurveda is for the body, that this is not a method of daring intervention, but, on the contrary, a favorable way to create comfortable conditions for human existence. Science believes illness is the body's signal of a wrong way of life. Therefore, its elimination is the main condition of therapy.

Diagnostics

Ayurveda - what is it? A science that is interesting not only for its methods of treatment, but also for the methods of establishing the correct diagnosis. Indian doctors have many of them, but the most basic ones are palpation of the pulse and examination of the tongue. The first involves touching the doctor to the radial artery. With three fingers, he feels three points on it. A sign of excellent health is a uniform pulse, tremors equal force. There should be five strokes per breath cycle. When they are the same and strong, this is a sign that all five major hollow organs of a person (heart, lungs, stomach, liver and kidneys) work without disturbance. If one of the five blows is weak, there are problems in one organ, when there are two of them, then in two, and so on.

But with the help of a plaque in the language, you can determine exactly where the problem lurks. So, the yellow film says that the digestive organs are sick, brown - the respiratory tract, white - a sign of the accumulation of toxins. In the diagnosis, the color of the tongue also plays a role: red indicates serious disturbances in the functioning of the heart, blue in the liver and kidneys, purple indicates blood poisoning, and pale indicates anemia.

Medications

After clarifying the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes a number of drugs. As already mentioned, he creates each medicine personally, using substances of plant and animal origin. Also uses minerals in therapy, including gems. As well as metals: gold, silver, tin, mercury, lead and others. Because in pure form most of them are toxic, they all lend themselves to special treatment. Usually, metals are boiled for a long time together with herbal decoctions or herbal juices. This process is called "shodhana" - purification.

In addition, the material may be calcined. Being in this state, it is easily ground into powder. The calcined agent is added to various medicines and herbal preparations. By the way, all preparations necessarily have a pleasant taste and do not deteriorate during long-term storage. There are more than a thousand Ayurvedic recipes, the components of which the physician must correctly combine, based on personal experience. They serve not only for the health of the body, but also for beauty: Ayurveda is an Indian cosmetics loved by women all over the world.

Herbal preparations

About 700 types of herbs are used for their preparation. One of the components is the neem tree, which the Hindus call sacred. Medicines made from it help fight worms, destroy various fungal infections, bacteria, and viruses in the body. Often, patients are prescribed preparations from tulsi - this plant is also considered to be able to treat headaches, stomach diseases, poisoning, malaria and many other dangerous ailments.

As for specific preparations, perhaps the most popular of them is chyawanprash, or Indian honey, so named because of its viscous composition and amazing healing properties. Ayurveda uses it to normalize pressure, strengthen the heart muscle, restore normal metabolism, and suppress the growth of cancer cells. medicine consisting of 49 natural ingredients, which is able to cope with various diseases in your body. The spectrum of its action extends to any systems and organs. If you don't know what miracles Ayurveda can do, then buyers will convince you of the following: Indian honey is a real panacea for all existing ailments.

Cleansing the body with diet

It plays an important role in the properties of drinks and food are described in detail in Ayurvedic texts. When giving recommendations, doctors always focus on complex therapy, since a properly composed diet can also actively influence the elimination of the disease. Hindus believe that food is characterized by the presence of six tastes, each of which has its own sphere of influence. So, sweet is recommended to be used to improve blood circulation, bitter causes appetite, and sour promotes digestion.

Food must be fresh. The less heat treated, the better. The main reception should fall at noon - at this time, the products are best absorbed by the body. while enjoying a meal, you should not be distracted by reading a book, watching TV or talking with other family members. There is also no need to rush and overeat. Improves the process of digestion yoga, which should be practiced every day in the morning. In a word, with proper nutrition closely related to Ayurveda. What is this diet? It is as light as possible, useful and even promotes weight loss.

Massage

It is made by a doctor using oils. Such a massage is called abhyanga, and the word is translated into Russian as “smearing”. The process extends to the whole body, therefore it is a holistic procedure. How does Ayurveda work in this case? What is an oil massage? What is its action? Hindus claim that it relieves pain well, reduces tumor growth, and relaxes stiff muscles. Toxins rooted in tissues and joints, under the influence of skilled hands of specialists, are sent to the intestines, from where they are then released naturally.

Massage is also prescribed to rejuvenate the body. The oils that are used in it actively affect the beauty of the skin. For example, almond moisturizes, coconut relieves inflammation, sesame nourishes, mango provides cell respiration, palm eliminates peeling. AT different regions therapy is very different. Despite this, it always benefits your body, being a great addition to the whole wellness complex, which is called Ayurveda.

When exactly the science of Ayurveda was born, it is not known exactly. In India, Nepal, Burma and Indonesia, it is widely practiced to this day. But in other countries of the world, the number of adherents of Ayurveda is also growing.

What is Ayurveda - principles of treatment

Being a kind of symbiosis of the philosophical system of Sankhya and science, it is used in these countries for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of various ailments. But what is Ayurveda and what are its secrets? How should it be understood? This science is special, since its principles are based on naturalness and simplicity, therefore it is available to everyone, regardless of the country of residence, religion and life views. Science is widely practiced by Sikhs, Buddhists, and Hindus.

Ayurveda - what is it?

The very word "Ayurveda" is translated from Sanskrit as "the science of life and longevity" ("Ayus" - life, "Veda" - knowledge). But it would be wrong to think that this is just science. This is a philosophical trend, and a system of medicine, and a way of life. It is generally accepted that the main directions of medicine, including Chinese and Tibetan, arose on its basis. References to Ayurveda can be found primarily in the Vedas, but also in the Mahabharata, Puranas, Tantras, Upanishads, Yoga Shastras. Some sources suggest that this scientific and philosophical direction is at least five thousand years old.

Yes, with the help of Ayurvedic knowledge, it is possible to accurately identify the disease and cure it without the use of any complex diagnostic methods.. But the main goal is to prevent the development of the disease, that is, prevention. Ayurveda teaches the ability to maintain health by harmonizing the soul and body, balancing the primary elements, calmness and mutual understanding with environment. Only appeasement can provide a balance between the physical and the spiritual. At the same time, this science does not impose strict restrictions and does not impose something. She only recommends what can be done to maintain health.

In order to prevent ailments, Ayurveda suggests looking for the causes of diseases, paying attention to close connection bad thoughts with bodily disorders.

Treatises devoted to Ayurvedic knowledge distinguish eight directions of this scientific and philosophical system, each of which deals with its own field of medicine:

• Kaumara Bhritya - pediatrics. In this direction, attention is paid to pregnancy, the rules and problems of feeding offspring with mother's milk. More the treatise contains recommendations for the upbringing and proper care of children of different ages.
• Kaya Chikitsa. The word "kaya" literally translates as "the whole body." Considered one of the most important branches of medicine, considers the causes and methods of treating diseases that are “not tied” to a specific organ. For example, diabetes and hysteria.
• Agada Tantra is a direction that deals with the problems of intoxication and the removal of poisons from the body. Also considers what to do if a person has been bitten by a venomous creature.
• Shalakya Tantra is a section aimed at treatment of eye diseases.
• Bhutavidya. It is rightfully considered the most mysterious direction, since this treatise pays attention to witchcraft. Today regarded as methods psychological impact to conscious and unconscious psyche person (for example, hypnosis).
• Shalya Tantra - contains knowledge of surgery and obstetrics.
• Vajikarana Tantra - knowledge about the treatment of infertility and other reproductive problems.
• Rasayana Tantra - longevity secrets.

It is worth noting that Ayurveda suggests that you take responsibility for your lifestyle and actions that affect physical and mental health. .

The five elements that make up the world

Ayurveda claims that everything living and non-living in the world is subject to certain rules and necessarily consists of five primary elements, called panchamahabhut:

• Jala is water. Controls the fluids in the body.
• Prithvi - earth (solid components of the body, bones, teeth).
• Akasha - ether ( internal organs). This is the main element that controls the internal space of the body.
• Agni is fire. It includes everything that contributes to the flow of internal processes, their movement. For example, these are enzymes produced by the glands of the gastrointestinal tract, necessary for the digestion of food.
• Vaiya (air). It affects the activity and general well-being of a person.

All these elements are in the body in different proportions and constantly interact.. If there is an imbalance of at least one element, disorders or even serious diseases can develop. Ayurveda teaches how to balance the coexistence of the five principles and prevent ailments.

The theory of the three doshas and the three gunas in Ayurveda

From the primary elements, three basic energies are formed, known as doshas:

• pitta - water and fire;
• vata - ether and air;
• kapha - earth and water.

The theory of three doshas says that one of the above energies predominates in a person . It is possible to determine which one is by analyzing the constitutional features of the human body.

So, Ayurveda distinguishes seven types of body constitutions:

1. Pete.
2. Cotton wool.
3. Kapha.
4. Pita Kapha.
5. Pita Vata.
6. Kapha Vata.
7. Tridosha (sama-dosha) - the balance of all three doshas.

For Ayurveda, the theory of three doshas is one of the main ones. The deep knowledge of the follower of this science helps to identify the disease even when it was just born.

Equally important is the understanding of the gunas - the energies of the mind, which also affect a person's well-being:

• Rajas (passion) - aggression, energy, "bubbling with the key."
• Sattva (goodness) - kindness, mercy, beauty.
• Tamas (ignorance) is what negatively affects the body and mind of a person: depression, laziness and sadness.

Often, at a particular moment, one of the three gunas prevails in a person, determining his behavior and thoughts of the personality, which affects the balance of the primary elements..

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Diagnostic methods used in Ayurveda

Ayurveda has enough simple methods diagnostics to detect diseases. But, one way or another, not a single traditional medicine can do without these methods.

So, a doctor working within the framework of Ayurvedic knowledge uses the following examination methods:

• listening to the pulse (nadi pariksha);
• examination of urine (mutra pariksha);
• analysis of voice and other noises (shabda pariksha);
• general impression of a person (akriti pariksha);
• language learning (jihva pariksha);
• application of palpation (sparsha pariksha);
• diagnosis by feces (mala pariksha);
• study of the eyes (drik pariksha).

The use of these methods does not require special costs. But it is surprising that an experienced doctor with all the necessary Ayurvedic knowledge will be able to correctly diagnose with their help. At the same time, the main requirement for a doctor is insight, observation, the presence developed intuition.

Naturalness is the basis of treatment in Ayurveda

Ayurveda proclaims the use of only natural remedies produced by nature itself in the treatment of human ailments: metals, plants, stones, minerals and others. In turn, she refuses to use artificially created drugs and even vitamin-mineral complexes.

Ayurveda believes that everything that our body needs to maintain and restore health is in the nature around us, as it is perfect.. Even the elements contained in synthetic preparations necessarily have natural counterparts. But only there is a significant difference between artificial and natural. Drugs created using chemical synthesis, with prolonged use, begin to cause serious damage to organs, so after taking them you still have to recover. But the meaningful use of natural remedies is safe, since their structure is similar to the structure of the body.

Apart from medicines of natural origin, Ayurveda in treatment has such means as: Ayurvedic massage, yoga, Marma therapy (impact on biologically active points of the body), meditation, the appointment of an individual diet.

The importance of nutrition and dietetics in treatment

In Ayurveda, the idea is written that what a person eats is important for health and longevity.. If you eat right, then no disease is terrible for him. But even if treated with the most effective methods and means, but eat wrong, nothing will help.

Some foods can both strengthen the body and destroy it. It turns out that the right food acts like a medicine .

Ayurveda and Hinduism are consonant in their opinion regarding the transmigration of souls - reincarnation. Depending on how the past life was lived (in piety or unkind deeds), such is the present life. Conventional Ayurvedic treatments will not help here.

In order to be cured of karmic diseases, it will be necessary to realize sinful passions, to overcome them through spiritual practices, meditations and the fulfillment of religious prescriptions.

Ayurveda is translated from Sanskrit as "the science of life" and incorporates ancient Indian knowledge (Veda). This Veda forms the basis Indian medicine, which is still considered the most ancient therapeutic and prophylactic tradition.

Unlike other Vedas, there are no invocations to God or descriptions of ritual worship. Ayurveda considers a person in a complex way - as a holistic organism, inseparable from the rest of nature. Harmony, balance and interaction are the foundations of the philosophy of Ayurveda.

Body constitution according to Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, everything that exists in the universe (including man and what he eats) consists of five primary elements. The most important are Space and Air. How long can we hold our breath? For a minute, maximum - two. But without water, a person can withstand two or three days. The next element in this ranking is Fire, which, according to Ayurveda, is responsible for digestion and metabolism. The last element is Earth, which is food. You can go without food for almost a month.

Are you naturally thin or have a tendency to overweight? The figure depends on the time at which you were born, and more specifically on which dosha (bioenergy) dominated in nature at that moment.

Ayurveda distinguishes seven so-called body constitutions (individual types of body structure): three main, “pure” types - vata, pita and kapha, and four mixed ones. The type of constitution is expressed by certain characteristic features.

people with dominant vata dosha usually thin, even bony, sometimes all their lives they try to gain weight to no avail. Such people hyperactive often suffer from insomnia.

They must avoid raw food, excess movement, frequent travel and ... talkativeness. In the daily diet of Vata people, fatty and warm foods, dairy products and sweet fruits should be present. Such food brings the Vata people, who are dominated by the element of Air, back to earth.

People with advantage dosha pita (the element of Fire dominates) leadership qualities are pronounced. They are active, attractive, intelligent, perfect and impetuous.

They are contraindicated in spicy, fatty foods and tonic drinks such as coffee or black tea. Pita should be especially avoided anger , anger and irritability, because it knocks her off balance.

In turn, people with dominant kapha dosha (ruling elements - Earth and Water) are always happy, lazy, smile a lot and do everything slowly. Often people of this type suffer from obesity and inactivity.

Based on your personality type, an Ayurvedic specialist will select the appropriate diet for you.

Ayurvedic nutrition

The Ayurvedic diet is based on several general principles.

First of all, it is important to achieve balance in the body by applying the principle of opposites. If you are very active, your thoughts easily jump from topic to topic, do not eat spicy stimulating foods and do not drink tonic drinks.

Secondly, according to Ayurvedic knowledge, only freshly prepared food, as little as possible subjected to heat treatment, is healthy. No soups for the whole week - only fresh food contains a lot vital energy, which is necessary for proper functioning, and contains required amount squirrel or vitamins .

Carefully monitor the content of vitamins and minerals in the diet, show more patience and interest in the inspiring cooking process. Remember that food thawed and cooked in microwave oven, loses all possible energy values ​​for the body.

It is important to keep in mind that there is a time for each meal: Ayurvedic breakfast is eaten before 8.30, lunch between 12:00 and 13.30, and dinner until 19:00.

Ayurveda distinguishes three types of food that add or take energy away from us. Eat more vegetables, fruits and grains (including the most important wheat and rice for Ayurveda), because this light food energizing and clearing the mind. Do not abuse coffee, sweets and spicy spices, because although they give a short-term “energy boost”, they eventually lead to the fact that you feel tired ahead of time. Avoid heavy foods because the body will use a lot of energy to digest them.

To heavy food includes meat, mushrooms, eggs, canned food, deep-frozen foods, onions and garlic. In addition, according to Ayurveda, onions and garlic are medicines, and it would never occur to anyone to eat medicines every day.

indigestible food can afford people who work physical labor and burn additional energy faster. All other lovers of fatty chops and mushroom puree soups can bring themselves to bouts of uncontrolled aggression, and as a result, depression.

Of course, in a rather cool climate middle lane Russia is not recommended to eat only vegetables, fruits and bread all the time. Once or twice a week, treat yourself to a savory dish or homemade sweets.

Ayurvedic methods

Ayurvedic medicine mainly uses the power of spices to treat and prevent various diseases. For example, ginger is able to warm us in winter and helps with joint pain, coriander tones better than coffee and relieves hangovers, and roasted fennel refreshes the mouth after eating.

Turmeric is added to almost all Indian dishes because it purifies the blood, increases stamina, prevents cancer, aids digestion, and is very good for the skin.

Ayurveda - the science of life / shutterstock.com

For the female body, an extract from the roots of asparagus is very useful - it facilitates the course of pregnancy, balancing the balance of vata and helping blood circulation in the reproductive organs.

Ayurveda uses a huge number of methods that restore the natural balance in the body and treat various diseases. In addition to diet and spices, the main tools of Ayurveda that allow you to maintain health and youth are yoga, breathing exercises, meditation and Ayurvedic massage.. There are also special beauty secrets - for example, how to make the skin perfectly clean and smooth.

How to eat according to Ayurveda

Ayurveda recommends drinking plenty of water, but only before meals or between meals, and using cosmetics based on natural ingredients. It is also useful to do regular cleaning of the body. It is the diet that is unusual for your dosha type and the toxins absorbed from the wrong food that are responsible for the poor condition of the skin.

We are imperfect and fast pace modern life we often sin against our own nature, smoke, abuse alcohol, dine at fast food restaurants, drink coffee and cola ...

There is an Ayurvedic way to minimize the harm of an unhealthy lifestyle.

If for six days a week you clog your body, forget to drink water and eat unhealthy food, then on the seventh arrange yourself a cleansing. Eat only light foods, vegetables and fruits, or even go on a hunger strike.

However, there are exceptions: pita people should not fast because it will give them severe headaches.

If you drank a lot of alcohol the day before and this led to an upset gastrointestinal tract, eat more foods that cause alkaline reactions: meaty vegetables, salad. Do you smoke cigarettes? Introduce fruits that have cleansing properties, such as melon or mango, into your daily diet, and try to quit smoking .

It is important that the food is prepared with love, and the meal is measured. While eating, do not watch TV, do not read newspapers, do not look at the blog or mail. Also, don't overeat! According to Ayurveda, after eating, the stomach should be one-third filled with food, one-third with water, and one-third left empty.

Remember that you are not only what you eat, but also what you feel and think. Since we are all part of nature and the entire universe, try to stay in harmony with yourself and with the world around you.

Svetlana POLIKARPOVA

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Ayurveda is the science of life.

Ayurveda

Attention!!!
A new book will be finished soon - "Ayurveda in simple words"
Written in a very intelligible language, short and with illustrative examples.
You can find it at the link at the bottom of the main page of the site.

The World Health Organization of the United Nations has developed a definition - The state of complete physical, mental and social well-being of a person. That is, according to this organization, health is not just the absence of disease and physical defects, as is commonly believed. It is surprising that the opinion of the UN coincides with the position ancient science Ayurveda. However, looking at modern healthcare systems, can we note that the corresponding institutions make people as harmonious as the UN defines it? Unlikely. On the contrary, we are seeing a complete mess, both in medical institutions and in the health of the people who visit them. What can we say about the psyche and social well-being. Although all this is directly related to one another.

I think that the figures who invented this definition borrowed it from ancient sources, but forgot or did not want to take care of their obligations. After all, the medical industry already brings huge profits. This is a profession that requires clients and is not interested in everyone being healthy.

Ayurveda considers human body as complete system inseparable from the external system, nature, universe. The scope of this ancient art is to initially maintain harmony in the internal space of the human body, consisting of 50-100 trillion cells ordered in a certain way. This balance is possible only if the conditions for the correct interaction of tissues, organs and systems of the body with the external conditions of the world in which a person lives are met, since it is part of the overall system.

Why does a person need health? Ayurveda answers as follows - it is necessary for the realization of one's purpose in life, the realization of the spiritual nature and the meaning of existence. The purpose of a person is defined in the Vedas by four goals - Dharma, Ardha, Kama and Moksha. Let's consider them in more detail.

Dharma– fulfillment of their obligations to society and nature. It consists of two parts 1. Service and benefit to all living beings. 2. Disclosure of your individual talent. As you can see, the second can be implemented through the first.

For most people, the problem is finding their talent. Many, many people do what they do without any moral satisfaction, they do it mainly for the sake of money or position in society. There are people who convince themselves that they love their profession. But it doesn't work with Dharma. The Bhagavad-gita says that "it is better to perform one's duties, even if imperfectly, than to perform the duties of others flawlessly" (chapter 18, text 47).

How a person fulfills his destiny directly affects his health. Studies conducted by scientists show that about 88% of people are engaged in activities that do not suit them. And at the same time, about 90% of heart attacks overtook precisely those who were engaged in work contrary to their natural cravings, they did it only for the sake of earning. Thus, not fulfilling the Dharma is very detrimental to the physical well-being of a person. And therefore hinders the realization of the next goal.

Ardha- the accumulation of material wealth through the performance of their duties. It follows from the definition itself that this process is natural, not an end in itself. While in modern society, this is the main task of most people. The process of adding finances, material values, position in society and respect should serve the benefit of others, implies the provision of one's family, for a happy existence in the absence of greed and hoarding.

The acquisition of material values ​​should arise naturally as a result of a person's realization of his talent. Doing what you love is especially appreciated by other people who enjoy the fruits of creativity and are happy to thank a person, including financially.

Achieving material well-being creates the prerequisites for the implementation of the next goal.

Kama- Satisfying your desires and needs, helping loved ones. This can be achieved with the help of accumulated wealth. This refers to the satisfaction of one's feelings, that is, desires that do not carry destructive consequences. And of course, it excludes abuse in any form. Since any excess of desires brings negative character and is harmful to health. While the satisfaction of positive desires improves health and is beneficial. The word Kama also has another meaning - the need for Love. And this is something without which no person can be truly happy.

The implementation of the first three goals creates the prerequisites for achieving the fourth:

Moksha“This is the enjoyment of life itself. That is, the realization that life is something more than the fulfillment of one's obligations to society, the accumulation of material wealth and the satisfaction of one's desires. It is believed that only by knowing the first three, a person can realize the value of life itself, as a divine gift.

But most people tend to neglect the first and fourth goals. But they actively strive to achieve the second and third, accumulate wealth and enjoy themselves. The Vedas say that it is impossible to achieve Moksha without fulfilling one's Dharma. As well as that it is not possible to achieve physical health without balancing your mind. Modern Western medicine also does not deny that most diseases occur on the mental and psychic level, and only then affect the body.

Therefore, Health Arveda divides into four levels Arogya, Sukham, Swastha and Ananda. Let's look at each of them.

Arogya“This is the health of the physical body. That is, the absence of disease, good health and the functioning of all organs and systems of the body. This part is essential for a successful life. The health of the body is necessary for all general health, but is only a part and cannot exist without the other parts.

Western medicine, as we see, considers this part as the only one. All treatment is aimed at eliminating the direct symptom. It is rare when the cause is considered, and even more so other parts and components of an integrated approach. Modern doctors usually prefer to cut off the diseased organ. Patients are also happy with this approach. Everyone wants to quickly and effectively eliminate pain or discomfort, quickly remove what worries, without thinking at all about the more subtle causes of diseases. And what destroys the body, in most cases is not eliminated.

And no matter how much doctors and patients strive to achieve physical health, all their attempts will be doomed to failure and diseases will return if they adhere only to this level.

Sukham- the second level of health is the happiness of being in society or worldly happiness. This level refers to the satisfaction professional activity, work, family, relationships with others, material well-being. As you can see, the second level of health is closely related to the realization of the life goals of Dharma (one's destiny), Artha (material well-being) and Kama (needs satisfaction).

Relationships with the outside world are very important because through communication we can realize our own spiritual nature.

In addition, our life in society and society is an unsurpassed school for our development and self-knowledge. It is the assimilation of past lessons and new lessons. Everything that happens to us is not accidental and is given to us for some reason, some kind of experience that will help us in life. The people and situations we meet are the best teachers which we do not always understand well. This is what Sukham teaches because it sounds like happiness from what happens to us.

Very rarely people are satisfied with what they have achieved. Usually this feeling is short-lived. Whatever conditions they find themselves in, they are not happy. Or satisfied at first. Some time passes, even after achieving the desired, and the person begins to suffer, because it seems to him that this is not enough.

Health is possible only with a feeling of deep satisfaction and gratitude for everything that we have. In Yoga, this is called Santosha - contentment with what is. This is an indispensable condition for well-being, lack of concern, gratitude to fate, people, the universe, God.

The third is based on the first and second levels of health:

Swastha- rooted in oneself. This means the realization of man as a combination of body, soul and mind. Basically, we are all used to associating ourselves only with the physical body. And even many who talk about the soul and spirituality are not really aware of what they are talking about. If you observe the behavior of such a person, you can understand that his whole life is limited only by understanding himself as flesh, few people are even consciously engaged in the development of their own brain, let alone the soul.

This level implies understanding and acceptance of oneself as an eternal divine unique creation, individuality not limited only by the hands, feet, stomach and genitals, as well as the brains that form the intricacies of the mind that create our perception of us and the world. The Bhagavad-gita says: “The soul is neither born nor dies. It has never arisen, never arises, and never will arise. It is unborn, eternal, always existing and primordial. It does not perish when the body perishes” (chapter 2, text 20).

In yoga, there is the concept of Pratyahara - control over one's feelings. Very often people live relying only on their feelings. Satisfying your desires required by feelings turns into the meaning of life. But all these feelings are connected mainly with the desires of the physical body. Basically what happens is that the senses start to control the mind. The task of the fifth stage of yoga is to teach the mind to control its feelings. In my opinion, the concept of Pratyahara is close to the third level of Swastha health, as it allows the restless mind to take root in itself.

Also, the third level of health is inextricably linked with the fourth goal of a person's destiny - Moksha, since awareness of the charm of the very process of existence is possible only with control over the feelings scattered in the material world and awareness of oneself as an integral absolute part of the universe.

And the fourth level of health arises on the basis of the first three:

Ananda- Joy, bliss, boundless happiness independent of anything. Moreover, the level and quality of it is constantly growing. This is a very high level of spiritual happiness. When a person experiences constant ecstasy from his very existence. And this joyful state captures the whole body of a person. As you can see, this level is very tightly intertwined with Moksha, so much so that the fourth level of health and the fourth goal of human existence are practically intertwined into one.

Most people strive to achieve only the first level - the health of the body. Some realize that social health is also needed or peace of mind. And absolutely no one strives to find boundless joy in spirituality.

How can we trace all levels of health and the goals of human existence in this world are very tightly intertwined with each other and complement each other. Therefore, I dare to say that the full achievement of one is completely impossible without the other, and only everything in the complex works to the proper extent.

emergence: Ayurveda as a system appeared approximately 30 - 50 thousand years ago during the migration of the Aryans from ancient mainland Arctida (Hyperborea), according to some hypotheses, it was the same Atlantis. And according to the ancient Greek chronicles, the location of this continent coincided with modern Antarctica, and after the break of the crust, the breakaway part shifted and represents modern Eurasia. Before this split, which followed the global catastrophe and the shift of the poles, part of the Aryans moved to the territory of modern Asia. Their path, most likely, ran in the area Ural mountains. As we know, lately there has been a lot of talk about finds in these places. Ancient settlements and sites, one of which is recently found in Chelyabinsk region Arkaim.

It is assumed that the ancient Aryans had a very advanced civilization and a sufficient amount of knowledge, most of which was lost due to catastrophes and the difficulties of migration. Ayurveda is one of the systems that have survived and survived to this day. The Aryans, most likely, were the progenitors of the modern Slavic nation. Mixing with the ancient tribes of the Middle East, they most likely formed the Indian nation. And it so happened that it was the Hindus who became the bearers of the ancient Vedic traditions. Their distant ancestors learned to live in harmony with nature. The ancient Aryans understood that each person individually is a cell of a single organism - our planet. It includes all living beings as well as plants and minerals. And all parts, all cells of any living organism must interact and help each other. And only being in symbiosis, interaction, each of them separately will be in harmony.

They studied the properties of plants and their effect on the human body. They determined the laws by which everything in the universe interacts.

The sage Dhanvantari is considered to be the person who gathered the knowledge of Ayurveda together. He had many students and followers. Thanks to which, this science has come down to our days.

Ayurveda includes practical methods treatment of diseases such as surgery, therapy, pediatrics, etc. But the main part of it is knowledge about the nature of the human body and the right way of life, thanks to which no diseases simply arise.

Ayurveda considers each human body as a ratio of the elements of Air, Ether, Earth, Fire and Water. It is the combination of these elements in each creature that determines its body constitution, type of psyche and needs.

This ratio of elements is an ideal state for every person, maintaining and balancing which, he will never get sick either physically or mentally, it is called Prakriti (nature).

Knowledge of Ayurveda always resonates with any traditional folk medicine. The ancient Slavs had the same knowledge.

In order not to go into much detail, I will immediately begin to describe those facts that naturally preserve our natural balance.

Law of biorhythms There are certain laws in nature that must be followed. For example, our brain has such a feature to rest from about 22 to 24 hours. The psyche is restored from 11 p.m. to 2 p.m. That is, a person who goes to bed after 2 am does not give any opportunity to rest with his psycho-mental components. It is advisable to get up before 8 o'clock in the morning. At this time, from 3 to 9 in the morning, the higher forces of energy control the body. They help to maintain their mental and physical abilities on highest level throughout the day. If a person does not follow this regimen, then he does not receive satisfaction from life, but only accumulates physical and moral fatigue, as a result of which he acquires a lot of diseases or prerequisites for them.

Another important condition is the morning mandatory procedures, such as: bowel movements, meditation, physical exercise, taking a shower. It is important to do this before 9 in the morning because after 9 our skin begins to absorb through the pores all the harmful secretions that came out during the night through the skin.

It is desirable to work and achieve your life goals from 9 am to 5-6 pm. These are the most favorable hours for fruitful work. After 18 hours, it is advisable to devote the time remaining before sleep to rest, family, reading books, walking on fresh air, spiritual practices, meditation.

In addition, it is important to observe the diet.

In the morning at 9-10 o'clock it is advisable to take light meals. Around 12 o'clock the most powerful digestion. Therefore, it is recommended to have a hearty meal. In the evening, it is advisable not to load your intestines. It would be ideal to eat vegetables or fruits around 18-19 hours.

If you ate before going to bed, then this food will not be digested, it will lie all night and rot in your insides, releasing poisons and toxins that will slag your entire body.

In addition, our bodies are different from each other, therefore, the modes will be slightly different for everyone. What are the types of personality, I will describe below, as well as the rules most suitable for each of the types.

By following these simple rules you can already avoid a lot of trouble. Ayurveda recommends that in order to fully return to your nature, follow a diet that is indicated specifically for your type of constitution.

In order to accurately determine the type of personality constitution and find out your diet, you need to calculate the initial balance of the elements in your personality that determine the innate constitution from the birth horoscope, then, using a series of tests, find out what your body has come to throughout life. Only then can you accurately prescribe a diet and a set of procedures that bring the person into harmony.

I will try to convey to you the basic applied principles of Ayurveda as simply as possible, but in order to better understanding However, some terms need to be clarified.

The principles of Ayurvedic regulation in the body are based on the concept Prakriti(in western medicine homeostasis) is the ideal ratio and quantity of all the constituent systems of the body. And Vikriti- ratio in this moment, that is, how far the organism has deviated from its innate nature. Thanks to these indicators, it becomes possible to establish a balance in the body. After reading the Ayurveda section, you can get basic knowledge that will help you be more conscious about your health and do without doctors and pills.