Ayurveda meaning & its relevance to your health & well-being

A traditional system of Indian medicine, Ayurveda originated in India during Vedic culture more than 5000 years ago. Ayurveda was taught and learned in the Sanskrit language, an ancient language of Indo-Aryan. The literal meaning of Ayurveda is “the science of life.” which is derived from the Sanskrit words Ayur (life) and Veda (Science).

Evidence suggests Ayurveda to be the oldest healing science in the world. It is a system of planned traditional strategy of medical care that is curative and preventive and widely used across Asia. It covers medicinal topics from psychology to surgery, from paediatrics to geriatrics.

In those Vedic times, Masters (Guru) taught Ayurveda in an oral tradition to their disciples (Sishya). A few thousand years later, some of this traditional knowledge existed on prints, and most of it is still inaccessible. The three principal authors of classical Ayurveda scripture are Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata. Their literary works are the foundational texts of Ayurveda.

Ayurveda in India is considered a type of medical care that is equal to conventional Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and homoeopathic medicine. Indian Ayurvedic practitioners are subject to state-recognised and institutionalised training.

The central concepts of Ayurveda are so relevant in today’s time. You must have heard or read the following advice or article repeatedly, such as the importance of gut health; harmony between mind, body and spirit brings ultimate happiness; or how the earth’s ecosystem is interconnected in nature etc… 

Ayurveda brings our attention to the fundamental need for a healthy life and world. For this reason, all of its central concepts always remain relevant to humankind. The stress was still there a few centuries ago. An urge to find the calling of your soul was there earlier and still today. We might have advanced in technology, but our core questions about life have remained the same. Science has still been unable to answer any of these!

Let’s see some of these concepts below:

• Bring balance to mind, body and Spirit: The heart of Ayurveda is in bringing balance to one’s mind, body, and spirit. Mainly done through right thinking, a sattvic diet, conscious living, the usage of herbs & massages, yoga and meditation. The science of Ayurveda teaches ways to bring balance to body, mind, and soul (consciousness) according to one’s constitution (Prakriti).

• Interconnectedness: The universe manifests in the combination of five elements: Space (Akasha), Air (Vayu), Fire (Agni), Water (Jal), and Earth (Prithvi). These elements also manifest in humankind as humans represent a microcosm of the universe, a macrocosm. Thus, Ayurveda confirms a close connection between humans and the universe.

• The unique body´s constitution (Prakriti): Every one of us has a unique energy pattern, just like fingerprints. This unique energy pattern is a combination of physical, mental, and emotional characteristics making up their constitution (Prakriti). The origin of this constitution happens at the conception of the foetus. One’s constitution also depends upon many other factors. Throughout one’s life, this constitution remains the same. The disease or illness results from the disruption in the proper functioning of the constitution.

• Preventive approach: Ayurvedic principles work on the idea of prevention and encourage people to live and maintain a good health and healthy lifestyle. Instead of disease, it draws attention to solutions to living a well-balanced life.

• Healthy digestion: There is a great importance of having a healthy “digestive fire,”. A healthy digestive fire helps absorb nutrients and eliminate waste/toxin elements from the body.

Ayurveda in India is considered a type of medical care that is equal to conventional Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and homoeopathic medicine. Indian Ayurvedic practitioners are subject to state-recognised and institutionalised training.

In European countries such as Italy, Germany and the UK: recognised by medical councils and universities, doctors can now study Ayurvedic medicine within the postgraduate medical education.

Ayurvedic medicines can contain metals, herbs, and minerals that could be dangerous if they are not used correctly or under the supervision of trained practitioners. These medicines may interact with or be counter to Western medication. You should investigate the background and training of Ayurvedic practitioners you consider using.

Discuss any Ayurvedic treatment you are using with your doctor. Ayurvedic medicine should be discussed with your doctor if you are pregnant, nursing or considering using it to treat a child. It is crucial to ensure that your healthcare provider has extensive experience managing the condition or diagnosis of a disease.