I would like to share with you happy and healthy life techniques in the light of the world’s oldest Wellbeing teaching.
This teaching is Ayurveda, which is also the world’s most ancient medical system.
Today, it is taught in medical schools not only in the countries of that region, primarily in India, but also in western countries such as the USA and England.
According to the Ayurvedic medical system, everyone is unique. With the Tri-dosha Theory in which this uniqueness is categorised, we identify our own unique structure called Prakruti. We can also call this our own GPS point.
Thus, our strengths and weaknesses can be identified and appropriate recommendations and treatments can be organised.
By balancing the increases of these 3 Dosha named Vata, Pitta, Kapha, in short, the Force, a long life can be possible without getting sick and with youthful performance.
Ayurveda’s definition of health: It is a state of complete happiness physically, psychologically and socially.
Its goal is primarily to protect people’s health and to enable them to achieve the goals written in the following 4 articles;
DHARMA : A good point of personal and social fulfilment,
ARTHA : To have the necessary wealth for a good life
KAMA : Satisfaction of desire and lust,
Mokshaishana (Mokshaishana) : Achieving inner peace, happiness and the satisfaction of doing good faithfully.
Here is the practical roadmap of the Ayurvedic Medical System for you to achieve a true state of wellbeing;
- To learn your Prakruti (your body type that does not change throughout life). That is, the level of dominance of Vata, Pitta and Kapha in you. Thus, you will be able to know and balance your strong and sensitive sides.
- Balanced Nutrition: Nutrition techniques suitable for your own structure and needs. In addition to this, techniques of eating whatever you want without harming you, without poisoning you.
Some examples of these;
Consuming fruits at separate times from meals. For example, it is unhealthy to consume fresh fruit in yoghurt.
You should definitely use some spices with meats.
- Daily Routine (Dinacharya): Tailor Made daily routine recommendations designed for you will support you to live a fit and disease-free life.
Establishing a daily routine harmonises with natural circadian rhythms and promotes balance. Following a consistent routine with appropriate wake-up time, self-care practices, regular mealtimes helps regulate bodily functions and supports overall health.
- Adequate Hydration: Drinking warm water throughout the day helps with digestion, detoxification and maintaining proper body functions. For example, Ayurveda recommends avoiding iced or cold drinks, especially during the cold season, as they are considered to be disruptive to the digestive fire (Agni). But you don’t have to drink large quantities of water every day. You should also take into account your own constitution and environmental conditions.
- Yoga and Exercise: Regular physical activity is very important to maintain balance and prevent stagnation. Yoga and Ayurvedic principles are very compatible with each other. For complete and true health, the Ayurvedic specialist recommends specialised Pranayama breathing techniques, Meditation and Yoga Asanas to his clients. Physicians even add them to their prescriptions. It is very useful to adapt your exercise routines according to your Prakruti (body type) and Vikruti. It is best to choose activities that increase strength and flexibility without causing strain on your body.
Ayurveda can show you the best way to choose the right sports and exercises for you.
For example, for some body types, Ayurveda recommends activities such as competitive sports and dance instead of treadmills in indoor environments.
- Ayurvedic Massage (Abhyanga): Abhyanga, or self-massage with warm oil, is a therapeutic practice in Ayurveda. It nourishes the skin, increases circulation and calms the nervous system. There are oil options according to your Prakruti or problems for optimum benefit.
While your nervous system is balanced, the youthfulness of your skin is also ensured.
- Adequate Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for physical and mental health. Ayurveda recommends practical techniques and herbal supplements when you have difficulty adapting to the natural sleep-wake cycle. It creates a relaxing bedtime routine that suits you. Thus, you can maintain your youthful energy and vigour as theta brain waves will be regular.
- Herbal Support: Ayurvedic herbs and spices play an important role in promoting health. According to Ayurveda, everything is medicine. Plants are used in the most effective way with a 3000-year-old system. The aim, as always, is to prevent you from getting sick, to slow down your ageing and to solve possible diseases from the root. Turmeric, Ginger, Ashwagandha and Triphala are examples of plants known for their healing properties. You know, in the past Covid-19 pandemic, it was understood how successful and effective turmeric is. Your Ayurveda specialist will help you incorporate the herbs that suit your needs into your routine.
- Stress Management: Stress negatively affects general health. According to Western medicine, stress is at the root of approximately 80 per cent of diseases. Ayurveda emphasises stress management through practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises (pranayama), Yoga Asanas, herbal remedies. These practices help to balance the nervous system and reduce stress-related imbalances.
- Detoxification (Panchakarma): In the Ayurvedic Medical System, there are 5 basic treatments applied for the radical treatment of diseases. It is recommended to apply 5 of these periodically and of course under the control of a Specialist Doctor. Thus, it is aimed to live a life free from diseases and with youthful energy.
Think of it like periodic maintenance of your car. If it is well maintained, it does not leave you on the road and performs well. If you do not have annual maintenance, your car will definitely cause problems.
Ayurvedic detoxification therapies, known as Panchakarma, ensure that accumulated toxins are removed from the body, your nervous system calms down, and your filter organs are cleaned.
- Seasonal Adjustments (Ritucharya): Ayurveda does not ignore the effect of the seasons on the body. It is very beneficial for you to adjust your lifestyle, diet and routine according to seasonal changes to maintain balance. For example, in winter, you can choose warming foods and practices to counteract the cold.
- Maintain Emotional Balance: In Ayurveda, emotional health is an integral part of physical health. Develop positive emotions, engage in activities that bring joy and try to build healthy relationships. Practices such as mindfulness meditation contribute to emotional balance. Recognising and focusing on the positive aspects of your life will keep your Wellbeing level high. Because we are exposed to what we focus on.
- Periodic Balancing: In addition to Panchakarma, herbal supplements and herbal teas that will be recommended according to your needs for a month every 6 months will help you maintain your cellular youth.
In conclusion, Ayurveda helps you to ensure your physical, psychological and social happiness by addressing the unique structure of each individual and ensuring balance in various aspects of life. Focusing on and trying to improve your Wellbeing level in your life is the true purpose of your life.
As I always say, we did not come to this life to work. When we are healthy and happy, we increase the happiness of our environment and we can live a happy and healthy life with our loved ones.
Stay healthy.
Dr Buğra Öktem
Ayurveda Expertise