Ayurveda: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living
We often explore ways to boost health and find wellness practices to integrate into our daily routines. One such healing philosophy is Ayurvedic medicine, used by millions in India and around the world. The term “Ayurveda” is a blend of words which mean “knowledge of a long life” or “the Science of Life“, and experts teach healthy living along with therapeutic measures that relate to physical, mental, social and spiritual harmony. Reenita Malhotra Hora is a master of the subject and is also a wonderful author here on Feelgood Style! Ayurveda is increasingly gaining popularity in the west, with ayurvedic based spa treatments, especially with the healing arts and roots lovingly intertwined with yoga exercise. Actually, very recently I was reading that “Ayurvedic Yoga” is applying Ayurveda to the practice of Yoga which emphasizes the healing aspects of Yoga. Curious about the subject? Well I am, so here is a little interview we recently did on the topic of healing with Ayurveda:
- Vata (comprised of air/space) - highly energetic, quick thinking, creative individuals who are physically lighter and fleet of foot.
- Pitta (comprised of fire/water) - intense, passionate and highly intelligent individuals of a medium structure and athletic build.
- Kapha (comprised of water/earth) - calm, grounded, ‘long term oriented’ individuals with a dense bone structure and more solid physique.
2. For this season what are a few simple Ayurvedic treatments for heat stoke or sunburn this summer?
Aloe Vera, Aloe Vera, Aloe vera! Eat it or drink it to quell internal inflammation and apply it on your burns for almost instant relief. Another wonderful ’skin coolant’ is a mixture of crushed cucumber with half a teaspoon of turmeric added to it. This makes a wonderful body scrub that cools inflammation in the skin. And if you are very hot from inside then, nutritionally, go for bitter green vegetables. Kale, collard, seaweed, watercress…the more bitter, the better!
This small book is essentially a quick read. it runs through the medicine explaining its basics. Inner Beauty (top image) also explains the basic concepts but is more about self care…making your own Ayurvedic skincare and detox recipes, Ayurvedic Yoga routines (to answer your question on this) etc. The video is particularly fun, much like a Martha Stewart cooking show…except it’s about Ayurveda!Read More About Natural Healing and Yoga:
- Glow with Nature in the Summer Sun
- Yoga Interview
- Definition of Yoga
- Yoga Wisdom
- Glowing Naturally in the Summer Sun, Part II
[...] obsession with these creatures for centuries. Leeches are a critical player in an age old form of Ayurvedic detoxification known as Rakta Moksha i.e. the letting of toxic blood. The technique, drawn from ancient Ayurvedic [...]
[...] obsession with these creatures for centuries. Leeches are a critical player in an age old form of Ayurvedic detoxification known as Rakta Moksha i.e. the letting of toxic blood. The technique, drawn from ancient Ayurvedic [...]
[...] on the banks of Lake Vembanad, the largest lake in Kerala, this unique health resort offers ayurveda, yoga, and kalaripayattu (ancient martial arts) in old world Kerala style living. It provides the [...]
[...] coconut oil. If you are looking to address a specific hair issue then you might want to consider an Ayurvedic hair oil. Amla oil is used to maintain natural hair color and prevent premature graying; Bhringhraj [...]
There is almost 1.5 hours of video of a practicing Ayurvedic physician based in Rishikesh at http://www.indikana.com.
He describes the basics, vitality issues, doshas & dinacharya and even aphrodisiacs.
[...] celebrates Dhanwantari, the Ayurvedic Physician of the Gods. On this day, Indians indulge in Ayurvedic treatments to detoxify their mind and body. After waking up early in the morning to have a fragrant oil bath [...]
[...] from Sanskrit as The Science of Life, Ayurveda is probably one of the oldest known systems of sustainable living. Given that it enhances longevity [...]
[...] have not changed drastically over the course of civilization. And therein lies the healing power of Ayurveda. I refer to it as a wisdom practice because its tried and tested methods have been passed down the [...]