स्वस्थस्य स्वास्थ्य रक्षणम् आतुरस्य विकार प्रशमनं च ।।
Charak Samhita
Ayurveda not only treats diseases but also emphasizes their prevention. It provides holistic guidance to maintain the health of the healthy while ensuring overall well-being.
At the beginning of the New Year, I will share some essential Ayurvedic principles to help you maintain your health and wellness. These principles, which I have also applied in my OPD practice, have proven beneficial for patients and can equally effectively promote your overall well-being.
त्रय उपस्तम्भ
Three Pillars of Body
आहारशयनाब्रह्मचर्येर्युक्त्या प्रयोजितैः।
शरीरं धार्यते नित्यमागारमिव धारणैः ।।
Ashtang Hridya
Ahar (diet), Shayan (sleep), and Brahmacharya (celibacy or discipline) are the three pillars of the body, just as a house is supported by its pillars. To maintain a healthy body, following a proper diet, ensuring adequate sleep, and practising Brahmacharya is essential. To maintain a healthy body, one should consume a wholesome diet, including foods such as wheat, Shathi rice, Shali rice, pointed gourd, ghee, etc. Proper sleep restores the energy depleted during the day and enhances strength, happiness, and nourishment. Additionally, one should follow the path of Brahmacharya, which supports vitality and is essential for ensuring healthy progeny.
आहार काल When to Eat
When the body is in a balanced state with proper elimination of stool and urine, a clear and calm mind, no obstruction in the channels, proper belching, the natural onset of hunger, and proper movement of Vata in the body, along with an enhanced digestive fire, lightness in the body, and clarity of the senses, then one should consume food that is appropriate, regulated, and taken at the proper time. Such a time is considered ideal for eating. Avoid overtalking, walking beyond 100 steps, sleeping, or travelling immediately after meals.
अन्नपान विभाग Division of Stomach Part for Food
Diseases often arise due to Mandagni or low digestive fire. To maintain proper digestion, healthy eating habits are essential. According to Ayurveda, the stomach should be filled in a balanced manner: two parts with solid food, one part with liquids, and the remaining one part left empty to allow the movement of Doshas. This means 25% of the stomach should remain unfilled. Overeating can disrupt this balance, leading to conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, etc.
पादांशिक क्रम Shallow Shift Method Pathya refers to a healthy regimen, while Apathya signifies an unhealthy one. Many people aim to give up their bad habits at the start of a new year. However, sudden discontinuation of such habits can be harmful, as the body takes time to adapt. This is where Padanshik Krama plays a crucial role. For example, in cases like OSMF (Oral Submucous Fibrosis), if a patient suddenly stops consuming substances like pan, mawa, or masala, the abrupt change can worsen the condition, leading to severe issues like mouth closure. To prevent such complications, it is essential to gradually reduce the intake of Apathya substances by one-fourth while simultaneously incorporating Pathya practices. This gradual transition ensures that no harmful conditions arise during the change process.
अधारणीय वेग Non-Suppressible Urges
Just as diseases arise due to Mandagni (low digestive fire), they can also occur from suppressing natural urges. Ayurveda identifies several urges that should not be suppressed, including those for stool, urine, hunger, thirst, sneezing, sleep, coughing, exertion, tears, vomiting, yawning, and sexual intercourse. Suppressing these urges disrupts the body’s natural functioning, leading to imbalances in the Doshas and the onset of various diseases. For instance, suppressing the urge to vomit may result in conditions such as anaemia, fever, skin diseases, asthma, and other ailments. Responding to these urges is essential for maintaining harmony in the body.
आचार रसायन Behavioral Rejuvenation
At the beginning of the New Year, seeking blessings and maintaining a positive demeanour is paramount. Ayurveda emphasizes the concept of Achara Rasayana, a code of conduct that promotes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
One should strive to follow this regimen to cultivate virtues such as truthfulness, freedom from anger, abstinence from alcohol and excessive indulgence in sexual activities, non-violence, avoiding strain, maintaining calmness, speaking pleasantly, engaging in chanting, practising cleanliness, remaining composed, being generous, devoted to penance, and serving deities, cows, Brahmanas, teachers, gurus, and elders. One should be compassionate, empathetic, knowledgeable about place, time, and measures, skilled in reasoning, free from ego, wellbehaved, focused, and inclined toward the spiritual. Revering the wise, associating with the faithful, and studying scriptures—all these qualities define a true Rasayana.
Conclusion
Incorporating Ayurvedic principles such as a balanced diet, proper sleep, discipline, and behaviour rejuvenation can significantly enhance your health and wellness. This holistic approach fosters long-term vitality and well-being, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.