Ayurveda what. Ayurveda - what is it? Traditional system of Indian medicine

Surely many people have heard of Ayurveda. And each person roughly imagines what it is about when he hears this word.

ancient science

Let's see, Ayurveda - what is it? Ancient doctrine of the secrets of longevity. The latter, following the principles of science, is achieved through the harmony of the soul, body and mind.

History of occurrence

How did Ayurveda come about? What is this direction? You should know that Ayurveda is considered one of the most ancient sciences. The principles of this doctrine influenced the development of medicine in the Arab and European countries. It has been known since ancient times that medicinal products, like aloe, musk, sandalwood and others, were brought from India to European and Arab countries. In addition to medicinal fees, various incense was also brought from this country. Ayurvedic teachings were also used in Tibet.

In the middle of the last century, this doctrine became popular in Western countries, including Russia. Ayurveda has whole line basic principles that are currently used throughout the world. These include special breathing, a special diet, body cleansing through enemas, baths and body wraps. There are registered doctors who practice Ayurveda. Their number worldwide is 350,000.

Basic principles of science. Ayurveda

What kind of doctrine, we have already found out. Now let's talk about the features. The main principle of Ayurveda is the harmonious state of a person. Healthy is the one whose body and soul are in unity. But if a person has a body by itself, and a soul by itself, then he is in an imbalance. This means that he needs treatment. This principle to some extent intersects with traditional medicine, since if a person is stressed, then the likelihood of any diseases increases.

Ayurveda says that each of us consists of five components:

Air.
Earth.
Water.
Fire.
Space.

When all of the above elements are in balance, there is a definite name for such a state - prakriti (this is a completely healthy organism).

Ayurvedic teaching says that all the elements are collected in one person. But one of the components may prevail over others.

Dosha

In addition, in Ayurveda there is such a thing as dosha, which includes several components:

cotton wool. It means air.
pitta- Fire and Water.
kapha. It includes water, earth and space.

All three components are also present in the body and balance with each other. But one of the states may prevail over the others.

The physical state is the doshas, and the emotional state is the gunas. Life is such that it can expose ordinary person imbalance, that is, to disturb the harmony of dosha and guna. The person is unable to cope external factors. Perhaps he noticed someone's bad mood and he himself became nervous or was subjected to some kind of stress. There can be a great many reasons. This state of a person, when he lacks harmony, is called vikriti.

We move into a state of prakriti

Ayurvedic medicine is to transfer a person from the state of vikriti to prakriti. It is necessary to achieve such a state of health of the patient that he was in harmony with himself. In fact, it is very important that a person stops worrying, relaxes. Because most diseases begin with a disorder of the nervous system. Violation of harmony, according to this science, is the main cause of diseases of the human body.

Main differences of Ayurvedic treatment

First of all, it is worth saying that Ayurvedic medicine is looking for the cause of the imbalance of pitta, vata and kapha. It is assumed that none of these components can be absent in the human body. Therefore, for recovery, you need to find the cause of the imbalance. It is believed that if you find it, then you are taking a step towards recovery.

An Ayurvedic doctor determines which dosha creates an imbalance in the body and prescribes a treatment to restore it. This is the main difference between this medicine and traditional medicine. In the latter, the doctor conducts an examination and makes a diagnosis. Further, drugs are prescribed aimed at treating a specific affected organ. Ayurveda offers a complex therapy for disturbing the harmony of the whole organism as a whole. Preparations containing chemical elements are not used.

Elimination of imbalance

Ayurvedic medicine is aimed at treatment, which consists in an integrated approach to the recovery of a person. That is, in the normalization of his physical and psychological conditions. Often people don't think about emotional reasons occurrence of a particular disease. But in fact, this is a very important point that Ayurveda talks about. Treatment must be comprehensive. It should not be taken lightly. Sometimes emotional normalization leads to the recovery of other systems of the human body. You need to have a positive attitude. In this sense, Ayurvedic medicine is far superior to traditional methods treatment.

The effectiveness of such therapy is evidenced by the fact that these ancient knowledge and methods have been used for more than 5000 years. The center of Ayurveda is located in India. There is no point in doubting this doctrine.

Nutrition

What should be the diet according to Ayurveda? Since such treatment involves cleansing the body, the main components of this process are the correct diet and mode of food consumption. There are certain rules that Ayurveda recommends to follow. Recipes are based on the basic principles of nutrition.

Let's look at them:

The main meal should be at noon local time.
You should not start dinner in an excited or upset state. You need to give yourself time to calm down, and only then start eating.
The environment plays an important role in food intake. The room should be calm, without the operation of any devices, such as a TV. Do not read or be distracted by anything.
After eating is finished, do not immediately get up from the table, you need to sit for 5 minutes.
You should take breaks between meals for at least 3 hours. This is necessary so that the food that was eaten earlier is already digested in the body.
The process of eating should be carried out in a sitting position.
It is not recommended to have dinner after the sun sets below the horizon.
Eat food only when you feel hungry.
An important point is the thorough chewing of food.
Do not rush while eating.
No need to overeat. It is necessary to calculate the amount of food consumed so as not to eat up about one-fourth to a full state. This is what Ayurveda recommends. Products must not be cold.
You should eat dishes that are prepared immediately before lunch or dinner. If this is not possible, then there is another rule. It is recommended to eat what is cooked today. No need to eat yesterday's or the day before yesterday's dishes.
While eating, it is not recommended to drink large quantities. If there is a need, you can drink water that has been warmed in a special way. Namely, it was boiled for a quarter of an hour. In no case should you drink cold liquid, as this is unfavorable for the stomach.
It is not recommended to mix milk with other products. It can be drunk separately hot with the addition of spices or sugar.
You need to watch the combination of food.
The use of spices is recommended in Ayurveda as they aid in the digestion process.
Nutrition according to Ayurveda implies the exclusion from the diet of cheese, prepared in an industrial way, yogurt, ice cream and cold milk.
The menu should correspond to the individual characteristics of the organism and the time of year.
There is such a thing as Ayurvedic taste. It includes 6 components. All of them should be included in lunch or another meal.
In no case should sour and salty foods be consumed in the evening, this list also includes kefir.
Avoid fried, sour and salty foods.
Exercise is recommended. Yoga is especially good.

Ayurvedic food compatibility

Dairy products and citrus fruits are considered incompatible. Also, milk and sour foods do not combine.

It is not recommended to eat potatoes, as they contain starch. This product takes a long time to digest. Therefore, it causes the appearance of toxins, which does not correspond to the Ayurvedic principles of proper nutrition.

You can not combine melon with cereals. This is due to the fact that the process of digestion of the first is very fast. Grain, on the other hand, takes a long time to digest. Therefore, there is no need to combine these products. It is better to eat melon separately from other food.

Do not use warm honey. Since this product, when heated, turns into a sticky mass that attaches to the walls of blood vessels and creates an unfavorable environment inside the body. At normal temperatures, honey will be useful.

Milk and foods containing a large amount of protein should not be consumed with each other. Why? Because protein warms and milk cools. Therefore, the combination of these food groups leads to the formation of toxins.

Milk and melon are also two incompatible foods. Despite the fact that they are both cooling, milk tends to curdle. Also, the latter product has laxative properties. Melon also has diuretic properties. These products also have different digestion times in the stomach.

Ayurveda for women

It is known that this teaching implies the use of only natural remedies. They are also used for cosmetic purposes. Ayurveda for women is primarily interesting because it offers a wide use of oils.

They are made on a plant or animal basis. Designed for indoor and outdoor use. In addition to oils, women are offered various cosmetics, also made from natural ingredients.

Skin problems such as dryness, oiliness, wilting and acne can be dealt with using the knowledge provided by teachings such as Ayurveda. Reviews of natural remedies are only positive. Women are satisfied with the use of the gifts of nature.

Ayurveda: the virtues of teaching

Another advantage of using Ayurvedic products for face, body and hair care is that they are aimed at a comprehensive improvement of the body. In addition to creams and masks, Indian manufacturers offer products for the care of teeth and hair. An interesting fact is that even decorative cosmetics have a regenerating and nourishing effect. For example, a remedy such as antimony is used by Indian women to color their eyebrows. And at the same time, she takes care of the hairs.

Creams and masks according to Ayurvedic recipes contain not only natural extracts and oils, but also a number of minerals and other useful components. Moreover, these elements for cosmetic purposes began to be used by Indians earlier than by Europeans.

Amla oil promotes hair growth and strengthening. It is extracted from the local gooseberry.

Conclusion

We figured out what Ayurveda is, what kind of science it is, we also found out, described its features. The basic principles of this type of ancient medicine were also considered.

Ayurveda as a trend in alternative medicine originated in ancient India and is closely related to the Vedas. The Vedas are a universal science of 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, a 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 should be treated, namely the body, soul, behavior, 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 are given. medicinal plants, there are many medical terms, several interesting techniques 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 of well-being is absolute harmony, which can be approached by medicinal herbs, massage, nutrition 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 of 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: there are some difficulties that people cannot always cope with due to a lack of strength - will, determination, confidence in the correctness decision.

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- 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. Them weak points are the heart and the 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.

Ayurvedic nutrition: general principles

In general, in nutrition according to Ayurveda great importance taste is attached (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.

Ayurveda is the science of natural life providing knowledge about maintaining health and treating diseases. Tatyana Papsheva, a specialist consultant in Ayurveda, suggests starting our joint study of ancient Indian medical science from acquaintance with its very basics.

In the following article, we will look at:

Definition of Ayurveda.
The origin of Ayurvedic science and the holy scriptures in which it is expounded.
The goals of human life, according to Ayurveda.
health levels.
Basic principles of Ayurveda.

An Ayurvedic doctor will never recognize a patient as completely healthy if he does not shine with happiness and satisfaction from life. Official medicine divides the concepts of "physical health" and emotional, mental. And, too far apart.

What is Ayurveda, where did its knowledge come from

Here is the definition of Ayurveda, given in one of the Vedic canons - "Charaka-samhita" (ES):

“The science that describes the useful and useless, happy and unhappy life, the measures of benefit and harm to life, as well as describing life itself, is called Ayurveda.”

Ayurveda is not a theory belonging to any one ancient scholar. This is a voluminous part of Vedic knowledge, which is recorded in authoritative sources. Their age is estimated at five thousand years, although in fact they have no age and are part of this world.

If we adhere to the Vedic point of view about the creation of the world by the Creator, then we can say about the Vedas that they are “instructions for using the World”, which the Creator attached to the “product”. Consequently, Ayurveda, as a science of life, was received directly from the Creator himself, and its knowledge is extremely accurate.

One of the main principles of Vedic knowledge is “place-time-circumstances”. This means that knowledge used in these categories will be guaranteed to work and be useful regardless of the country and era of their application.

The history contains references to individual works on Ayurveda. The three most important, authoritative and well-known Ayurvedic texts, which are the quintessence of all works ever written on the subject, are Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridayam Samhita.

Ayurveda has had a great influence on the development of Chinese, Tibetan, Arabic and European medicine. Even in ancient times, Indian medicinal plants and spices were transported by sea and land trade routes to the countries of the Mediterranean and Central Asia, basins of the Caspian and Black Seas, South Siberia, China. Along with medicinal herbs, Ayurvedic knowledge also spread throughout the world.

The founders of various medical schools adapted Ayurveda to the national specifics of their countries: traditions, lifestyle.

A healthy person is one whose sense of happiness constantly and gradually increases.

Ayurvedic knowledge penetrated into Greece. In 326 BC. Alexander the Great invaded northern India. The emperor was struck by the art of local healers and, leaving, took some of the doctors with him as part of his retinue.

Back in the 19th century, German specialists translated from the treatise Sushruta Samhita a description of plastic surgery to restore facial injuries, which marked the beginning of the development of modern plastic surgery. And today, plastic surgeons around the world consider Sushruta the father of their art. Interesting fact confirming the authority of knowledge of Ayurveda: the modern association of surgeons in the United States bears the name of "Sushruta" - the author of one of the canons of Ayurveda "Sushruta Samhita".

At present, Ayurveda is officially applied and used state support on a par with Western European medicine in a number of countries: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal. The WHO (World Health Organization) recognizes it as a traditional medical system along with Tibetan and Chinese medicine.

Ayurveda, as the science of life, defines Life and what life is for.

"Life is a union of the body, the sense organs and the organs of action, the mind and the soul."

Why do we need health? It is necessary to lead a fulfilling life. The goals of a fulfilling life are also defined in Ayurveda. The Ashtanga Hridayam Samhita (AHS) says:

“A person who aspires to a long life, which is a means to achieve four goals: one’s destiny, material well-being, satisfaction of the needs of the senses and liberation from ignorance, should turn to the teachings of Ayurveda with deep faith.”

Human life goals and levels of health

According to Ayurveda, the goals of human life go beyond purely material interests.

Health- the foundation for achieving all 4 goals. Each next one relies on the previous one and is not achievable without it. Just as the assertion that health is necessary to achieve these goals is true, so is the converse assertion that, following the path to achieve these goals, a person acquires health.

The levels of health defined in Ayurveda are consistent with the goals of life. 4 levels of health are determined:

Arogya- no physical pain. The first level of health implies that a person does not have bodily ailments, pains, inflammations, etc., and feels good somatically. This is a basic level of, the basis for the following.
Sukham- worldly happiness, satisfaction from social activities. It implies the pleasure that a person receives from his professional activities, material well-being, harmonious relationships at work, in the family, among friends and relatives. It is the second level of health that is closely connected with the realization of the first goal of life - one's destiny, or .
Swastha- understanding of one's own nature. One should realize that material and spiritual nature are different from each other. Materiality is our physical body and its metaphysical subtle shell: feelings, mind and reason. And spiritual nature is what in Russian is called the Soul. It implies individuality.
Material incarnations are temporary, but the Soul is eternal. Svastha is an understanding of one's nature, internal and external, material and spiritual, an awareness of the meaning of life and the temporality of everything that happens. All this makes it possible to adequately respond to any events, gives mental and emotional well-being, balance in the emotional sphere. Swastha is closely related to the fourth goal of life - liberation from ignorance.
Ananda- happiness, joy, well-being. This is a very high level of health, endowing a person with spiritual happiness. Spiritual joy and prosperity mean that a person constantly experiences a feeling of happiness, contentment, no matter what happens. Moreover, these feelings constantly and gradually increase.

The vast majority of people are at the first level of health, a few less - at the second, even fewer - at the third, and a few - at the fourth.

Delicious Ayurvedic medicines - spices

The modern interpretation of health from WHO is very close to its Ayurvedic understanding, however, the second one differs in the presence of a clear definitiongoals of human life. Without a goal, there is no movement, but the presence of a goal also gives a person the opportunity to be healthy. An Ayurvedic doctor, communicating with a patient, pays attention to all four aspects of health and helps to achieve success in each of them. Otherwise, health will not be complete.

Basic principles of Ayurveda

Ayurveda proclaims the following basic approaches and principles.

Accounting for the spiritual and material aspects of being, a personal approach to human nature, and hence treatment. Each of us has an individuality. The realization of a unique talent is one of the main tasks of our life and the goals of Ayurveda.
Holistic or wholeness. The body is considered not as the sum of organs and systems, but as a whole, where there is a clear relationship between tissues, organs and systems.
psychosomatic approach. Our emotional status affects the state of the body, the whole organism, the disease is a consequence of changes in our psyche. We're trying to get away from our problems. But to realize them, to understand the cause, means to defeat the disease halfway.
The integrity of man and the surrounding world: a vital mutual influence and a constant exchange of energy, matter and information.
– Personal approach to the patient, taking into account his constitutional features. In this regard, knowledge of the types of constitution helps us. The theory of "Tridosha" is knowledge about the psychophysiological structure of the body, based on the concept of bodily and mental properties.
— priority of prevention over treatment, emphasis on lifestyle.
a) Akhara - "that which penetrates us" - nutrition
b) Vihara - routine, regimen of the day, week, month, life
c) Aushadha - "a medicine that brings light (healing)". But even very good medicine, if the first two components are not used, it does not cure or acts ineffectively.
A naturopathic approach, when remedies of natural, natural, natural origin are used to treat or prevent diseases - herbs, minerals, animal products, sun, air, water, etc. Moreover, Ayurveda treats the opposite - allopathically, in contrast to similar treatment - homeopathy.
Diagnosis of diseases on early stages. What modern official medicine considers to be the actual disease, in Ayurveda is already the fifth stage of its manifestation.

You can read about all this in our next teaching materials on Ayurveda on the website. From now on, our updates on this topic will be released every Monday - the same articles for self-study fundamentals of ancient Indian medicine, as well as our reviews of various Ayurvedic preparations with detailed comments on their use.
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Ayurveda originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda - "Science of life", translated from Sanskrit. AT ancient india part of everyday existence was following the laws of Ayurveda.

In this country, they still keep the knowledge accumulated by the healers of the past and, with their help, help modern man fight what is the price of progress - stress, constant fatigue, poor health.

Ayurveda is more than a science, it is the art of achieving harmony with oneself and the world around, without disturbing the natural balance of the body, mind and soul.

She is recognized World Organization Healthcare as a very effective system of alternative medicine.

Approximately the first records of Ayurveda were made more than two thousand years ago in India. Since ancient times, doctors from all over the world came to India to study Ayurveda.

The Chinese, Tibetans, Afghans, Persians, Egyptians, Greeks and Italians mastered this ancient medical system and then put it into practice in their countries.

Pharmaceutical firms, strictly following the ancient recipes, produce almost all the medicines of classical Ayurveda, even preserving their ancient names.

As a perfect system of medicine, Ayurveda relieves humanity of many unnecessary problems and diseases, because the goal of Ayurveda is to achieve a healthy state of body, mind and spirit.

For this, it is necessary to learn how to live, following the principle of the integrity of life, because everything in the Universe is interconnected and interdependent.

Ayurveda is an art healthy lifestyle life, in which all the harmful influences of the external environment are powerless before impeccable health.

Knowledge of philosophy, science and religion in the Vedic scriptures are considered as a single knowledge of happiness, health and human improvement. Philosophy is the love of truth. Science is the discovery of truth through experiment. Religion is the direct experience of truth and its application in everyday life.

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is still very popular today. At present, in India alone, what is Ayurveda is being studied in more than one hundred colleges. Ayurveda is also gaining popularity in other countries.

The number of people wishing to make a tour to India to undergo Ayurveda procedures is constantly growing. Ayurveda treats the whole body as a whole, restores the disturbed balance between its parts, removing the very cause of the disease.

Often, Ayurvedic therapy cures patients who are powerless to help Western medicine. The secret of such success is that vaidyas (Ayurvedic doctors) consider the body as a whole and treat not a disease, but a person, taking into account his age, constitution and many other factors.

The main thing is disease prevention, which includes not only diet, gymnastics, massages and other procedures, but also lifestyle and recommendations for behavior in society. All this helps to maintain balance and prevents the appearance and development of diseases.

Ayurveda as a science is a systematized knowledge, it is not based on constantly changing scientific research, but on the wisdom of the Vedic scriptures and contains universal principles applicable in everyday life.

Ayurveda considers the close relationship of micro- and macrocosmos, proceeds from the idea that human body- there is a cast of the cosmos (universe). According to the doctrine of tridosha, the human body (cells, tissues and organs) is based on five primary elements (ether, air, fire, water, earth), which make up the main components of life - vata, pitta and kapha and their subtle foundations - prana, tejas and ojas..

These vital energies determine outer shape living being, govern the physical and mental functions of the organism and maintain its unity. In relation to people, this means that our physical and state of mind is determined by the composition and interaction of these subtle material energies.

The ratio of doshas can change due to the influence of any factor: food consumed, climate, weather, social and personal relationships, thoughts, and much more. These factors either increase or decrease the content of one, two, three doshas in the body (to one degree or another). Differences in appearance, intelligence, character traits and biological reactions due to the relative predominance of one or another dosha. Excessive predominance or decrease in the number of one of the doshas, striving to dominate one over the other, leads to internal disorders of the body and the insufficiency of certain functions in it.

Therapy

In Ayurveda, only natural products are used and no chemically synthesized preparations are used, and food is in many ways equated to medicine.

Unlike Western medicine, which uses powerful drugs that have an immediate effect but destroy living cells and the immune system, Ayurvedic therapy works slowly but surely, does not side effects and stimulates the immune system.

Health, according to Ayurveda, is a living harmony between environment, human body and mind. In Ayurveda, there are many different methods of treatment for a wide variety of diseases. This process may be slow, but the results are not long in coming.

The peculiarity of Ayurveda is that it interprets a person as a whole, the unity of body, mind and spirit. Ayurveda is closely related to the traditional practices of India, in particular yoga. Medications or treatment procedures are selected individually.

In Ayurvedic practice, only natural, natural remedies are used: ghee (clarified butter), medicinal plants (more than 3000!), spices, minerals, metals, so these medicines do not have harmful side effects.

Widely used methods such as various types of massage (with oil, powdered herbs), steam room. Food, in many ways, equates to medicine.

Ayurveda centers in India

It is not so easy for a modern inhabitant of the Western world to become a true adept of Ayurveda. You need to devote your life to this and give your all free time, and in non-free time, still observe the main commandments, meditate, do not lose heart, eat right and breathe clean air.

Therefore, in modern Western world few true adherents of Ayurveda. However, those who have heard about this thing and would like to rejuvenate and improve their health with its help are becoming more and more.

Several Ayurvedic procedures apart from spiritual pursuits cannot restore health to the body.

However, practice shows that even such a half-measure remarkably heals and rejuvenates the body. After a course of procedures, you can lose weight, regain flexibility and calmness, and start smiling blissfully.

In the state of Kerala, the traditions of ancient medicine have been preserved in the most complete form, so the centers and salons of Ayurveda located in Kerala have become the most popular.

The local climate and vegetation create ideal conditions for the application of these treatments. Tourists can feel the beneficial effects of Ayurveda not only in special medical centers, but also without leaving the chosen hotel.

There are generally recognized upscale centers in other parts of India. This can be done for a lot of money in palace hotels overlooking the Taj Mahal or the snowy Himalayas.

These are Amarvilas hotels in Agra, Rajvilas in Jaipur, Wildflower Hall in Mashobra, The Ananda Resort in Rishikesh.

For more modest money, you can practice Ayurveda on the coast of Goa. Here a group of Ayurvedicists can be found in many hotels.

If not in any, then in the next one. The inhabitants of Goa know a great way to start the day - early in the morning to meditate at the foam of the surf and do yoga.

Ayurvedic resorts in India are mainly categorized as 4* and 5*. In addition to treatment for all major programs, they offer vacationers comfortable accommodation with full board, excursions, entertainment and a variety of services, including transfer to the hotel, translation services in consultation with a doctor, etc.

Also, there is Various types Ayurvedic resorts - with more stringent conditions for observing the rules of Ayurveda, aimed strictly at treatment and complete cleansing of the body, and soft, allowing you to combine recovery and relaxation. Everyone will be able to choose for themselves the necessary option.

Ayurvedic programs

The names of Ayurvedic procedures sound very mysterious - bindi, kundalini, shirodhara. The names of flowers and herbs used by healers also sound strange. But these unheard of names turn into essences of sweet orange, bergamot, cloves, lavender or oak bark.

They are part of masks and ointments, smoke in aromatic lamps, rise with steam, fill the air with aroma. And the procedures most often turn into massages, steaming and wrapping.

One of the best Ayurvedic programs for a modern person is Panchakarma, or cleansing the body of toxins and slags accumulated in it.

To achieve a result, you need to take at least a three-week course, and preferably during the monsoon season, when the humid heat greatly enhances the effect.

Specialists of Indian Ayurveda centers have also developed the programs "Antistress", "Rejuvenation", "Longevity", "Weight Loss" and others, lasting from 2 to 4 weeks.

Oil infused with herbs restores the bioenergetic balance of the body and soul, leads to a relaxed state.

Massages and steam baths are done with it. Essential aromatic oils also have a strong effect. When Ayurveda is combined with aromatherapy, Aromaveda is obtained.

Many procedures are based on that part of Ayurveda, which is called the science of Marma. It is believed that there are 107 Marma points on our body, through which the vital force prana enters the body.

These points are located throughout the body, and it is on them that the masters of Ayurveda act during acupressure.

And Prana circulates through the channels. To clear these channels, healers use the same herbal mixtures, steam and massage. So they relieve migraines, relieve stress and improve well-being.

One of the main Ayurvedic procedures is called shirodhara.

It is carried out as follows: in the middle of the forehead, in the area of \u200b\u200bthe "third eye", warm sesame oil is poured in a thin stream. As a result, the mind is cleared, anxiety disappears, headaches disappear.

Ayurvedic massage is usually done by two masters, four hands, using fragrant oil infused with herbs.

During the massage, Marma points are stimulated, the dosha balance is restored, the body is harmonized, cleansed and rejuvenated.

Pindashveda massage with warm oils and herbal extracts saves from stress and overload, destroys cellulite and removes toxins, helps with arthritis, cleanses the body, improves metabolism and redistributes energy.

A facial massage with warm aromatic oil is called bindi.

A traditional blend of Himalayan herbs is used to detoxify the body.

It is used for skin polishing, wrapping and deep massage. All this effectively cleanses and tones the body.

There are many Ayurvedic procedures aimed at the treatment of specific diseases.

They relieve dry mouth, impotence or paralysis of the facial nerve, give flexibility to the body, sharpness to the mind, and liveliness to the soul.

For those who want to achieve complete health and happiness, Ayurveda suggests combining healing with self-improvement, moving to a higher and higher level over time.

There are five levels in total, and the treatment of bodily ailments is dealt with at the very first, in order to find true happiness by the last.

first level

- treatment of bodily disease. It happens through proper nutrition, Ayurvedic medicines and cleansing the body

in second level

Prevention of physical and mental illnesses. It includes adherence to the daily regimen, the use of anti-aging products, hatha yoga exercises, pranayama breathing exercises, achieving cleanliness of the body.

third level

Develop a positive attitude towards life and happy relationships with others. This is work on your character. The doctor acts as a mentor to the patient

fourth level

Achievement right attitude to the highest goal of human life. This is work on your beliefs and views, reading mantras, developing asceticism under the guidance of a spiritual mentor.

fifth level

Developing a correct understanding of spiritual reality. Ancient knowledge says that real happiness can be achieved if you selflessly engage in spiritual practice. At this level of treatment, a person achieves maximum health and happiness.

Ayurveda indicates the direction, helps to take the first steps towards healing, but the patient must go through the main path himself, following strictly the doctor's instructions.

Popular types of massage in Ayurveda

Abyanga

This is a full body massage. Warm oil is prepared in advance with extracts of various herbs. This type of massage helps to improve blood circulation and flexibility of the joints, it also helps to strengthen and tone not only the muscles, but also the joints themselves. This type of massage is also used to cleanse the body and remove toxins that accumulate deep in the tissues.

Garshan massage

It is believed that this type of massage helps with the decomposition of fat by improving blood and lymph circulation. It also helps in cleansing the skin and removing dead cells, which allows you to show all the effectiveness of massage oils and increase skin elasticity.

Sirodhara

In this type of massage, oil is poured rhythmically onto the forehead, which has a relaxing effect and lowers the level of depression, allowing you to control it yourself.

Nhavarakizhi

In this type of massage, the body is wrapped in poultices of a medicinal mixture to achieve increased sweating. In addition to massage, Ayurvedacharyas (Ayurvedic doctors) practice diets and medicines in accordance with the needs of patients.

AYURVEDA -- THE SCIENCE OF LIFE

The word "Ayurveda" is of Sanskrit origin and means "science of life".

Considering a person as a microcosm, Ayurveda is focused on the achievement by each person of health, happiness, harmony and love.

Ayurveda is the most ancient of all known treatises on biology, hygiene, medicine and nutrition. She was born in India 5,000 years ago and was first recorded in the Vedas, the most ancient scriptures on our planet. Thus, India is the birthplace not only of yoga, mantras, meditation and vegetarianism, but also of the science of human health.

Ayurveda is the ancient science of self-diagnosis and self-healing. The methods of treatment offered by her are diverse and multifunctional: the use of herbs and roots, cleansing the body with the help of special diets and curative fasting, massage, proper nutrition and a sensible lifestyle, yoga and meditation, and many, many others.

Fulfilling the Ayurvedic rules and regulations, each person can be convinced by their own experience of their effectiveness.

Ayurveda offers not only methods for treating diseases, but also ways to prevent their occurrence.

Being the most ancient system medicine on our planet, Ayurveda is widely used today throughout the world and is gaining more and more popularity. The number of people using this ancient Science of Life is constantly growing, Ayurvedic centers are open and operate in many cities and countries of the world.

AT modern era Ayurveda is becoming a familiar medical system that helps a modern person withstand colossal physical and mental stress, withstand constant stress, improve and maintain health, strengthen the immune system, learn to perceive correctly. the world.

According to the Vedas, including Ayurveda, the main source of all diseases is not the activity of the physical body, but the wrong way of thinking and the corresponding wrong thoughts.
feelings.

From the point of view of Ayurveda, it is impossible to find happiness and longevity without harmony with one's "I" and the surrounding world.

Work on your "I" and the correct perception of the world is one of the foundations of Ayurveda.

If a person wants to start using the Ayurvedic method, he should first of all learn to "understand himself" - not only the type of his body and individual constitution, but, above all, learn to understand the spiritual nature of his personality. This will help you choose the ways and methods of self-healing offered by Ayurveda and gain health, happiness and longevity.

Ayurveda states that the cause of most diseases is malnutrition. According to the Vedas, including Ayurveda, nutrition occupies a particularly important place in the life of every person (A person is what he eats), since it can give not only physical health, but also the opportunity to master your feelings in order to spiritually develop and comprehend the world around me and my "I".

The Vedic tradition says that a person should eat only vegetarian dishes and foods. All living beings, not only humans but also animals, are endowed with a soul. The killing of any living being, including an innocent animal, is punishable and entails severe karmic consequences. From the Vedic point of view, vegetarianism is not only a system of proper nutrition, but also an integral part of the philosophy of those who seek to find love, happiness and harmony with the outside world.

THREE-DOSH
Ayurveda distinguishes three types life force that govern the human body, and, in accordance with this, divides all people into three main groups. They are called Vata (ether and air), Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (water and earth). These three elements (vata, pitta, kapha) govern all the functions of the body, mind and consciousness of a person, and the causes of many diseases are explained by the imbalance between them.

Vata is considered the most important dosha. Without it, neither pitta nor kapha can function. Vata controls breathing, provides the functions of muscle movement, heartbeat, and stomach function.

Pitta controls food processing, body temperature, skin color. It establishes a balance between the other two doshas.

Kapha is the basis for the other two dosha types- Vata and Pitta. This dosha governs the fluids in the body, as well as lubricates the joints, provides moisture to the skin, and gives the body strength.

The balance of the three doshas is the key to health and longevity.
In the body of each person, all three doshas are present, one or two of which predominate. According to the predominant dosha, one can determine the constitutional type of a person. It should be noted that the doshas described below reflect the pure type of human constitution, while each person is mixed type from a combination of the three doshas.

Vata type. People with a constitutional type of vata are the thinnest of all three types. They are either lanky or short. The hair color is often dark, the hair is curly, the skin is dry. They are short-lived, suffer from diseases of the joints, insomnia, get tired quickly. Appetite and digestion are variable. They love sweet, sour and salty foods. Distinctive qualities people with vata type - energy, the ability to think abstractly, Creative skills. Among such people are philosophers, musicians, poets, artists.

Pitt type. Usually these are people of average height, having an average weight. They are strong, strong, hardy. The skin is soft, the hair is thin. They have a good appetite, love sweet and bitter food. Pitta people are smart, quick-witted and emotional. They acquire knowledge well and know how to apply it correctly.

Kapha type. People of this type are distinguished by a well-developed body. Physically strong, hardy, patient. The skin is soft and pale, the hair is thick, dark, soft. They have a normal appetite and do not eat much. They prefer spicy and bitter food. Healthy, cheerful, peaceful, calm. However, these people tend to experience an excessive desire for material comfort and enrichment. They often suffer from depression.

AYURVEDIC DIAGNOSIS is based on determining which doshas predominate in the human body and what are the disturbances in the balance of these doshas.

Ayurveda teaches methods for detecting a disease even before its external signs appear.
Ayurveda - the oldest science of self-diagnosis and self-healing - will help each person learn to daily "diagnose" the state of his body and use the necessary methods for the prevention and treatment of diseases.

Ayurveda teaches that every person is able to heal himself.

According to Ayurveda, a person who wants to restore and maintain his health must follow simple, but important and necessary rules: have a stable and reasonable daily routine, eat right and engage in spiritual practice that can give him happiness, peace and harmony both within himself and and with the world around him.

A LITTLE ABOUT PROPER NUTRITION.
Most diseases (about 90%) are due to malnutrition.

Ayurveda states that FOOD TREATMENT is the best of all medicines because balanced diet is the foundation of good health.

Proper nutrition is eating the right amount of food, which includes foods that correspond to the constitutional type of a person. So, for example, Vata-dominated people should consume food that is completely different from the food that is recommended for Kapha-dominated people. Therefore, Ayurveda recommends that before starting treatment with food, determine your constitutional type and find out which foods should be consumed first in order to balance the tri-doshas in the body and constantly maintain their balance.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROPER NUTRITION.
Do not eat until you feel hungry and avoid excessive fluid intake.
Eat in a calm state of mind and in a pleasant environment.
It is advisable to always eat at the same time.
Don't overeat, eat in moderation. In order for the food that enters the stomach to be well digested, there must be free space in it.
Observe the rules of hygiene when preparing food.
Consider product compatibility. Some foods cannot be eaten together due to their incompatibility, such as milk and fish, fermented milk products and milk.
Fluid intake should not be excessive, but should be sufficient. The liquid should not be too cold or too hot.
Avoid processed foods and try to use fresh, organic foods.
Do not eat before bed or at night.

STARVATION. When fasting, one must be very careful, because if a person does not know the features of his type of constitution, starvation can lead to serious consequences.
When fasting, you need to monitor your well-being and, if it worsens, stop fasting.
Proper and reasonable fasting can improve and strengthen health, cleanse the body of toxins and toxins, and give rest to the digestive system.
Fasting is recommended for many diseases, such as migraines, constipation, colds, joint pain.

A LITTLE ABOUT VEGETARIANITY.
Everyone knows that with the help of vegetarianism, even diabetes and cancer can be cured ...

The birthplace of vegetarianism is India and the Vedas.

From the Vedic point of view, vegetarianism is not only a system of proper nutrition, but also an integral part of the lifestyle of those who seek to find harmony, happiness, develop spiritually, and achieve the perfection of human life.

The word "vegetarian" Latin origin and means "strong, strong, healthy, vigorous". The definition of "vegetarian" indicates not only the refusal to eat meat, but also the moral, ethical and philosophical views person.

Most vegetarians are people who do not eat meat out of love, pity and compassion for other living beings.

Among the world-famous vegetarians of the past are Pythagoras, Socrates, Plato, Leonardo da Vinci, Akbar, Issac Newton, Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Leo Tolstoy, Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi and many, many others.

Those who become vegetarians for ethical reasons argue that all living beings are endowed with a soul and are able to feel like a person, experiencing pain, suffering and fear of death, and therefore a person should try not to cause them suffering.

The life of any living creature is sacred, and, losing respect for the life of animals, people cease to appreciate and human life. Leo Tolstoy wrote:
How can one hope that peace and prosperity will reign on earth,
if our bodies are living graves in which slaughtered animals are buried?"

And Pythagoras said two and a half thousand years ago:
"Those who kill animals in order to eat their flesh,
can destroy their own kind without hesitation."

Plutarch addresses all who eat meat:
"If you are so sure that animals are meant for you to eat,
then first kill yourself the creature whose meat you want to eat.
But kill him with your own hands or teeth,
without recourse to a knife, club, or axe."

OTHER AYURVEDIC METHODS.
In order to maintain a good physical and mental health, Ayurveda also recommends:

YOGA. Yoga brings a person to natural state rest, relieves stress and is an excellent cure for all diseases.

REPEATING MANTRAS. The energy of mantras promotes balance in the body, mind and consciousness.
According to Ayurveda, the body needs food, and mantras nourish the soul.

MEDITATION. Awakens the ability to make your life happy, to find peace.
The word "meditation" means "mental contemplation", which implies that meditation must have an object of contemplation.
Most of those who know little about meditation and are just starting to comprehend its foundations meditate on "emptiness", "silence", "impersonal abstract radiance", "light".
The great holy sages and yogis, who have reached perfection, always meditate on the Highest principle and the Cause of all causes - on God, who resides in the heart of every living being.
This meditation is the highest form of meditation and bestows on the individual endless happiness and pure knowledge of one's true self and its eternal connection with the Divine.

MASSAGE is a therapeutic procedure that is associated with the regulation of energy in the human body.

AYURVEDIC PHARMACOLOGY.
It is a vast science, with the use of hundreds and thousands of herbal medicines. Unlike medicines offered by traditional medicine, which do not relieve the disease, but suppress it, driving it "deep" in the body, Ayurvedic medicines eradicate the disease itself.

According to Ayurveda, almost all plants have a healing effect when used properly.
application. In order to cleanse, heal, strengthen the body and constantly maintain balance in it, regular use of herbs is recommended, which is not at all difficult to do if you learn how to use them in cooking.

From ancient times to the present day, medicinal herbs and roots have been used in food as various flavorings, spices and seasonings that make dishes not only tasty and fragrant, but also healthy, since many of these medicinal herbs have unique properties. The following examples can be given:

Air. According to Ayurveda, calamus root is an effective preventative for those who suffer from seizures or epilepsy. In addition, calamus root has a beneficial effect on nervous system, improves memory, helps with headaches and colds.

Asafoetida. Promotes rapid digestion of food, is an excellent expectorant, relieves stomach pain.

Aloe. Universal remedy treatment of a wide variety of diseases. Helps balance Vata, Pitta and Kapha in the body. Purifies the blood, strengthens the liver, is used for colds, and also as an external remedy in the treatment of wounds and burns.

Carnation. Natural pain reliever (compressed with clove oil, applied to an aching tooth, relieves acute pain). Clove improves digestion, cleanses the blood, relieves coughs, relieves colds, strengthens the heart.

Ginger. Used fresh and dried. It has excellent healing properties. Ginger tea is one of the best means with colds. It is used to cleanse the digestive tract, to treat headaches, relieves stomach cramps, and normalizes bowel activity.

Cardamom. Tonic and refreshing agent. Strengthens the heart and lungs, refreshes the mind and breath, stimulates digestion. Can be used as an additive to tea or vegetable dishes.

Red capsicum (cayenne pepper). Stimulates digestion, kills microbes and bacteria in the intestines, has a healing effect on colds.

Cinnamon. It has antiseptic and cleansing properties, is a good pain reliever. Strengthens the heart, helps with colds, facilitates digestion.

Coriander. Stimulates digestion, is used as a natural diuretic, helps with indigestion and vomiting.

Turmeric. Purifies the blood, improves digestion. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Heals ulcers, helps with diabetes. When applied externally, it cures skin diseases, with abrasions and bruises, it relieves pain and swelling.

Alfalfa. An effective cleanser and natural pain reliever. Alfalfa tea is recommended for those suffering from arthritis, rheumatism, ulcers and anemia.

Flax-seed. An effective laxative, treats constipation, removes mucus from the body.

Nutmeg. Stimulates digestion, strengthens the heart, helps with diseases of the liver and spleen, with insomnia.

Mint. Improves digestion, stimulates bowel activity, helps with nausea and vomiting.

Caraway. Helps improve digestion, improves brain activity and vision, is effective for diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Fennel. Improves digestion, helps with stomach ulcers and gastritis.

Saffron. According to Ayurveda, it is useful for everyone without exception. It has tonic properties, strengthens the heart, relieves migraines, cleanses the skin, helps with stomach ulcers.

The use of medicinal plants gives a tangible effect when taken regularly for a certain time.

AYURVEDA ABOUT THE HEALING PROPERTIES OF METALS AND GEMs.
In addition to herbs, Ayurveda offers to use the healing properties of metals and gems, which can help resist certain negative effects on the body, mind and consciousness of a person. For example, gold strengthens the nerves, improves the mind and memory, and has a beneficial effect on epilepsy and lung diseases. Silver increases the strength and endurance of the body, helps with exhaustion and inflammatory bowel diseases. Copper cures anemia. Lead is effective in skin diseases.

COLORS.
Ayurveda offers as one of the ways to strengthen and maintain health the use of healing properties some colors and shades. For example, red and orange colors have a warming effect and contain a supply of healing energy. Green color calms the mind and invigorates, pleases the heart. Blue - soothes the mind and body, helps to eliminate liver disorders.

CONCLUSION.
This article is a brief and far from complete overview of huge amount information that Ayurveda provides us - the science of life.
Ayurveda harmoniously combines methods of healing both the body and the soul of a person.

The basis of Ayurveda is work with one's "I" (with the soul).

Practicing Ayurveda daily, a person gains physical and mental health, happiness, love, harmony and peace.