Ayurveda, often called the mother of medicine, is one of the oldest forms of healing. In 1979, it was officially recognized by the World Health Organization as a philosophies of health.
This healing system originated over 5,000 years ago in India and is still valued in Asian countries. The name is a combination of two words: ayus (life) and veda (wisdom, knowledge). In a nutshell, Ayurveda is the knowledge of life. According to Hindu wisdom, there is an inextricable connection between the human body, soul, and mind. Ayurveda treats the spheres of body, soul, and mind as one, and the method of treatment is based on maintaining the balance of these spheres. Only then can we speak of Ayurvedic healing. It can be applied to all illnesses of the body and mind. Each case is considered individually. It is important not to go against one's own nature, not to imitate anyone, and to remain in harmony with one's own self. Only then will we maintain balance, and thus health. Any disruption of this balance affects us with illness.
Ayurvedic practitioners explain that each of us has a unique energy model. The stronger it is, the more resistant we are to illness. When following Ayurvedic principles, we must remember that a person is both body and mind. We cannot heal the body if the mind is ill. These two aspects are closely intertwined, and to maintain inner balance, we must equally care for our physical and mental health. Today, we increasingly hear about the inseparability of mind and body, but it was the Hindu sages who understood this thousands of years ago and even then practiced the teachings that have become fashionable in our country in recent years.
Ayurveda – what does treatment look like in practice?
Therapy is tailored to each patient in a detailed and individualized manner. The therapist carefully observes the patient, learning about their lifestyle, preferences, and habits. They ask about their profession and interests. They learn about the patient's eating habits and inquire about their stresses and worries. This is the only way to identify the causes of internal imbalances and restore harmony. During the examination, the doctor also conducts a visual examination of the patient, as according to Ayurvedic medicine, many external signs indicate the internal condition of our body. After a thorough analysis, the doctor selects appropriate methods based on the patient's medical history. These may include herbal medicine, cleansing treatments, a carefully planned diet, yoga, and other exercises, as well as the all-important work with one's own emotions.
Ayurveda diet
Ayurveda promotes a vegetarian diet. According to Ayurvedic medicine, unprocessed, fresh foods are most easily absorbed by the body and, therefore, digested more quickly. Not only is the selection of appropriate ingredients crucial: vegetables, fruits, juices, sprouts, nuts, milk, grains, rice, and spices, but the way we consume them is also crucial. It's crucial to eat slowly, in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere, savoring every bite. Meals should be small, and drinks should be taken after eating, not during. Eat enough at a time to leave your stomach one-third empty. This will help your body digest the meal faster and avoid feeling heavy. Of course, regular mealtimes are also crucial, with breaks between meals no longer than four hours.
Ayurvedic cleansing
Following the principles of Ayurvedic medicine, we first undertake cleansing. We must rid the body of all toxins accumulated due to an unhealthy diet and emotional disturbances. To thoroughly cleanse the body, we can use oils, steam baths, and even detoxification treatments (inhalations, laxatives). Only after a thorough cleansing will a specialist begin therapy. Herbs are an important component of the therapy. Herbs strengthen, cleanse, and prevent disease. Herbs contain active compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidepressant properties. The composition of each therapeutic mixture is individually selected. Herbs, diet, lifestyle – these new recommendations will allow the patient to restore proper balance and thus cope with their ailments.
Ayurveda recipes
Agnieszka Maciąg is a well-known advocate of the Ayurvedic diet. In her publications, she shares recipes for delicious dishes consistent with the Ayurvedic diet. One of her favorites is a recipe for a delicious, cleansing tea.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of boiling water
- 1/2 cup of mint leaves
- 1/2 cup of dandelion leaves
- 3 cm ginger root, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric
- juice squeezed from 1 lemon
Execution:
Pour boiling water over all ingredients except lemon juice and steep, covered, for 15 minutes. Then add the lemon juice, strain, and drink the warm infusion.
