Ayurveda
nhat is Ayurveda and what can you do with it?
Ayurveda, an ancient health system from India, offers a holistic approach to a happy and healthy life. This teaching gives lifestyle and nutritional advice and offers various treatment methods to improve your well-being. Ayurveda adapts to the individual, which can make it more effective than generic health advice.
The Elements and Tridoshas in Ayurveda
Central to Ayurveda are the five elements: earth, water, fire, air and space. These elements form the basis of everything we see and touch, including ourselves. These elements are divided into three biological energies, known as the Tridoshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Vata Dosha
Vata is composed of air and space and resides mainly in the large intestine. It regulates movement processes in the body such as blood circulation and breathing. Vata has properties such as dry, cold and agile.
Pitta Dosha
Pitta consists of fire and a little bit of water and is mainly located in the small intestine. It is responsible for transformational and metabolistic processes such as digestion and hormonal balance. Pitta’s properties are hot, sharp and oily.
Kapha Dosha
Kapha is composed of earth and water and resides mainly in the stomach. It provides stability, cell formation and lubrication of joints. Kapha’s characteristics are heavy, cold and sticky.
Ayurveda and food
In Ayurveda, food is adapted to your specific dosha to maintain balance. Foods can increase or decrease Vata, Pitta or Kapha. For example, in a cold and humid climate like the Netherlands, Kapha can quickly gain the upper hand. Therefore, it is wise to avoid heavy and cooling foods like cheese and milk if you are predisposed to Kapha.
Ayurvedic treatments
If diet alone is not enough to maintain balance, Ayurveda offers various treatments. Examples include therapeutic vomiting for excess Kapha, laxatives for Pitta, and enemas for Vata. There are also the well-known Ayurvedic massages with warm herbal oils that are both relaxing and health-promoting.
The importance of Srotas en Ama
Srotas: Transport channels
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of the srotas, or transport channels, which are essential for the circulation of nutrients and waste products. Blockages in these channels can lead to health problems.
Ama: Waste products
Ama, or waste products, are considered the root of all diseases. They arise from undigested nutrients and emotional stress and can accumulate in the body, leading to health problems. Regular cleansing of the body is essential for good health.
Pancha Karma: Cleansing treatment
An effective way to remove ama is the Pancha Karma therapy, a classical Ayurvedic cleansing treatment. It consists of a combination of treatments such as enema, oil massages and sweating to remove waste products from the body.
Praktical Ayurvedic suggestions
Here are some practical Ayurvedic rules that have proven their worth:
- Drink only when you are thirsty.
- Don’t eat when thirsty, and don’t drink when hungry.
- In case of low appetite, useful something sour or sharp before eating.
- Avoid drinking while eating if digestion is weak.
- Do not eat yoghurt or cheese after sunset.
- Never use food as a punishment or reward for children.
Ayurveda offers a unique and personalised approach to health and wellness. By taking into account your specific dosha and keeping the srotas in balance, you can naturally improve and maintain your health.