I met with Ayurveda during my yoga teacher training course. Then I started applying the Ayurvedic lifestyle principles to help manage my pre-menopause symptoms, mainly sleep, digestion and mood issues. It helped me so much that I decided to dive deeper. Ayurveda is a science of Self-healing aimed at relieving the diseases of the body and mind. It is a holistic system of medicine, that is indigenous to and widely practiced in India. The word Ayurveda is a Sanskrit term meaning “science of life”. Ayu means “life” or “daily living” and “veda” is knowing. Ayurveda was first recorded in the Vedas. Then this healing system has been practiced in daily life in India for more than 5000 years.
Ayurveda, like yoga, is emerging as one of the most important body-mind healing methods in the modern world. Yoga, Tantra and Ayurveda are sister sciences that developed together, rooted in the Vedic tradition of India. Yoga is the science of union with the Divine, with Truth. Tantra is the most direct method of controlling the energy that creates the ultimate union with the Truth and Ayurveda. The purpose of each practice is to help the individual to achieve longevity, rejuvenation and self-realization.
As yoga is about self-realization which depends on a well functioning body and mind, it is interconnected with Ayurveda. They are parts of the great system of Vedic Knowledge where all the universe is One Self and that the key to this cosmic knowledge is within us.
The oldest holistic medical systems in the world
Ayurveda covers all aspects of health and well-being, from physical to emotional, mental and spiritual. Therefore, it views health and disease in holistic terms, taking into consideration the inherent relationship between individual and cosmic spirit, consciousness, energy and matter. It includes healing methods like diet, exercise, herbs, yoga and meditation, lifestyle regimens, massages and other natural healing methods. The ancient science of Ayurveda is really the art of living wisely, empowering individuals to make choices in line with nature and their own nature. So to sustain the body, mind and spirit for optimal wellness.
Ayurveda and yoga together form a complete system where one can transform the existence from physical to the deepest spiritual levels of its being with profound vitality and creativity in every level. In the end, what we all seek is to restore wholeness in the body, mind and spirit both individually and collectively.
Ayurveda regards the human body and its sensory experiences as manifestations of cosmic energy expressed in the five basic elements, which sprang from Cosmic Consciousness. These basic elements, -Space/Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth-are related to hearing, touch,vision, taste and smell, respectively. The aim in Ayurveda for each individual is to bring his body into perfect harmonious relationship with that Consciousness.
Ayurveda in Modern Life
Today, we are constantly reminded of the importance of the need for a holistic and sustainable healing system to keep our health and wellbeing. Overload of life requirements, overwhelming stimulation from digital platforms, plus the disease and pandemics that prevails our daily life… Ayurveda reminds us of the simple fact of being part of nature, our aliveness, humanity, inner power, intelligence and inherent peace. It reconnects us to our very own nature.
Why is it still relevant to modern life?
Its time tested wisdom has never been more important and valuable than in our modern times. Here are some more reasons why it is so:
- As a holistic system, it seeks to resolve the root cause of disease to re-establish the natural state of well-being. In today’s world modern medicine focuses on relieving the symptoms rather than addressing the underlying conditions. On the other hand, Ayurveda offers much profound results.
- Ayurveda is accessible to each individual separately and with simple principles of the five elements of nature. These elements are easy to grasp and apply. Ayurveda simply promotes lifestyle changes (like your sleep and meal regularities), dietary adaptations, inexpensive herbs and spices and no cost practices like meditation, yoga, exercise and sleep.
- Ayurveda empowers your own healing power. From learning your doshas to preparing meals in balance, to changing your habits, you become more confident, more relaxed and uplifted with your own capacity to deal with the challenges of everyday life or diseases.
- Ayurveda feels good! Going through Ayurvedic practices, eating nutritious, “clean” meals, and other simple practices like massage, therapies or just yoga and meditation, makes you feel vibrant and happy!
How Ayurveda changed my life?
After going through an Ayurvedic cleansing program & retreat, I became a new person in body-mind and spirit. However, I think the most important thing is, I feel I am empowered to heal myself whenever I have minor problems. Hence, I have started to think that I can fix them with my diet and lifestyle changes. When combined with regular yoga and meditation, Ayurveda makes me feel I am in charge of my health. I also feel that I can endure life’s challenges with more ease.
AUTHOR: CEYLAN AYIK
Hi! I am a RYT 500hours Yoga Teacher, YACEP Trainer and a certified Integrative Nutrition Healthy Living Coach. I am passionate about empowering women to help them transform their mind, health and bodies through yoga, meditation and optimal nutrition, as well as guiding them to become the healthy confident role model for their children, family and community.
