More than 5,000 years ago, one of the world’s first holistic medicine systems was created. Known as Ayurveda, it is based on taking a natural approach to every aspect of well-being and overall health, which in turn can prevent disease.
Ayurvedic knowledge has been preserved through ancient practices and literature, which highlights both the historical significance and the evolution of the system of healthcare throughout the Indian subcontinent.
The main concept of Ayurveda is that every person has specific life forces, known as doshas, and that everything is connected in the universe. If one area is experiencing an imbalance, it posits, then it can have significant effects on others. And if imbalances aren’t addressed and fixed, then illness and disease can happen.
Today, Ayurveda is considered a complementary health approach in the United States and other parts of the world.
It has a natural connection to the food we eat and how we prepare our food in general. One food that is central to the practice of Ayurveda in the traditional context is dahi, a traditional fermented yogurt that also originated in the Indian subcontinent.
Below, we dive deeper into the ancient practice of Ayurveda, its pairing with dahi and how it all can be applied for modern wellness.
Historical Context of Ayurveda
The word “Ayurveda” comes from two Sanskrit words — “Ayur,” which means “life,” and “Veda,” which means “knowledge” or “science.”
It’s based on a simple concept — that everyone has their own unique constitution, known as prakriti, which is determined by three common doshas — the vata, pitta and kapha.
To prevent disease and maintain health, Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of the environment, lifestyle and diet.
While Ayurveda’s origins date back thousands of years, its principles and traditions were preserved in ancient texts. The earliest recorded mention of Ayurveda, in fact, was made in the Rigveda, one of the oldest Hindu scriptures.
Renowned ancient Indian physicians such as Sushruta and Charaka further refined and developed Ayurveda, and they wrote extensively on the subject.
In fact, the “Charaka Samhita” and “Sushruta Samhita” are considered foundational texts that continue to influence the practice of Ayurveda today.
For centuries, it was practiced throughout India and some other parts of the continent. In recent years, it’s seen a resurgence and a wider reach, as an increasing number of people are seeking alternative and holistic approaches to wellness and health.
Understanding the Three Doshas
Ayurveda is based in three doshas, each of which is basically a type of energy. These doshas each dictate and control body functions as well as determine individual characteristics.
An imbalance in one of these doshas can lead to an imbalance in others, which then can lead to many different health issues, the practice believes. The three doshas are…
Vata: Associated with air and space, it determines blood flow, the way people breathe, flexibility and the movement of joints and muscles.
Pitta: Associated with fire and water, it controls things such as metabolism, hormones and digestion.
Kapha: Associated with earth and water, it’s responsible for holding things together and making things work properly, which is is why it’s known for lubrication and endurance.
Ayurvedic Medicine and Treatments
Ayurvedic practitioners use a variety of tools and treatment plans that are tailored to each individual’s unique dosha. The aim is to identify any imbalance so it can be fixed, through which they will help promote optimal health.
They use things such as herbal supplements, catering a specific healthy diet and promoting lifestyle changes to achieve this. Ayurvedic medicines are based on natural ingredients, including minerals, plants and herbs.
In addition, practitioners may use things such as oil massages, herbal medicines, repeating mantras and breathing exercises to promote the restoration of balance to the doshas.
The Importance of Dahi in Ayurveda
From a nutritional standpoint, Ayurveda focuses on natural ingredients and beneficial foods to promote balance. One of the common foods that is used in Ayurvedic cooking and medicine is dahi, which is a type of yogurt popular in India.
Dahi is believed to have many health benefits, including helping to reduce inflation and improve digestion.
Dahi is often used as a base for Ayurvedic medicines since it’s considered a food full of nutrition. It also serves as a base for herbal medicines in Ayurvedic practices, which work to integrate modern health approaches into ancient wisdom.
Nutritional Aspects of Dahi
Sometimes referred to as Indian yogurt, dahi is a staple of Ayurvedic cuisine. It’s celebrated both for its therapeutic and nutritional properties.
It’s considered to be a soothing and cooling food that helps to balance out the digestive system and, in turn, reduce inflammation. Because of how it’s made — with fermented milk — dahi is rich in probiotics, which promote healthy gut flora.
Ayurvedic practitioners commonly recommend dahi because it can help to alleviate conditions such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. The cooling properties of dahi make it an excellent remedy for restoring balance to the pitta dosha, which is associated with inflammation and heat.
Dahi is also used as a base for herbal medicines, since it can enhance the body’s absorption of herbs and nutrients. And since it’s so versatile, it is a valuable component of the Ayurvedic diet.
Ayurvedic Daily Routine
Following an Ayurvedic lifestyle means sticking to a daily routine that begins and ends in a similar way. Typical morning and evening routines, for instance, aim to promote balance and well-being, which can help you stay balanced for the day while you’re awake and overnight as you rest.
Morning routines could include practices such as yoga and meditation, as well as eating a healthy breakfast. Evening routines, meanwhile, should integrate relaxation techniques and only a light dinner.
By sticking to a consistent daily routine, Ayurvedic practitioners believe it will help to maintain optimal health and prevent disease.
Managing Health with Ayurveda
Like other holistic practices, Ayurveda takes an integrative medicine approach to health, considering physical, mental and emotional factors to help create a well-rounded individual.
Practitioners of this ancient medicine system use various techniques such as tongue analysis and pulse diagnosis to determine each person’s individual characteristics and identify any imbalances that they might have.
Through specific treatments, those who follow the Ayurvedic lifestyle seek to restore balance and promote optimal health.
Ayurvedic Approaches to Mental Health
Mental health is finally getting the attention it deserves in modern western cultures. This, combined with the fact that holistic approaches are gaining in popularity, could be the reason why Ayurveda has seen a resurgence in recent years.
Ayurveda offers multiple approaches to managing mental health issues such as insomnia, depression and anxiety. Herbal medicines such as brahmi and ashwagandha are used to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Other treatments are also integrated to promote overall mental health, including breathing exercises, meditation and yoga.
Ayurveda and Women’s Health
Women have unique physiological make-ups and health needs. Ayurveda actually offers various approaches that support women’s health and wellness, helping to address things such as fertility and menstrual health.
Herbal medicines such as ashoka and shatavari might be used by Ayurvedic practitioners to promote this well-being, in addition to the other exercises that can reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Ayurvedic Wellness Programs
While Ayurveda is a holistic medicine system that can be practiced every day, there are many wellness retreats available for people to get away and refocus their thoughts and energy on restoring balance.
These Ayurvedic retreats might include different practices, herbal medicine treatments and more — designed in an all-in-one way to help individuals learn about and adopt an Ayurvedic lifestyle. These retreats help people gain knowledge about Ayurveda as well as how to integrate it as a practice into their life.
Ayurveda and Modern Science
The principles of Ayurveda remain highly relevant today, even though it’s been practiced for thousands of years. The scientific community has moved much more toward holistic practices in recent years, which has led to an increased interest in the benefits of Ayurvedic practices on health.
Modern research is even helping to shed new light on the efficacy of Ayurveda today, and how ancient wisdom is still applicable to daily life.
Many studies have demonstrated, for instance, that Ayurvedic herbs such as ashwagandha and turmeric possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This knowledge has helped to support their traditional use in improving cardiovascular health, promoting cognitive function and reducing inflammation.
Ayurveda’s emphasis on a healthy diet and lifestyle are also now being recognized as valuable tools to prevent and treat diseases.
Bridging Ancient Practices with Modern Research
In many ways, combining the principles and practices of Ayurveda with modern research and technology can revolutionize healthcare. The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and contemporary scientific methods together can lead practitioners and researchers to develop well-needed innovative approaches to wellness and health.
This has already happened in some forms, in fact. The study of Ayurvedic herbs has shown a lot of promise. Ginger and turmeric, two herbs long used in Ayurvedic medicine, have been studied for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which is paving the way for new treatments and preventative measures for a wide variety of diseases.
Personalized medicine is another area in which Ayurveda has influenced modern medicine. Utilizing genetic testing and modern technologies, practitioners can create treatment plans that are tailored to each patient, considering their individual and unique health needs.
A personalized approach to health like this aligns perfectly with Ayurveda’s emphasis on individualized care.
Benefits of Ayurvedic Treatments
So, why choose Ayurveda?
Simply put, its treatments offer a variety of benefits, such as promoting overall well-being and optimal health. The holistic approach considers physical, mental and emotional factors — all of which have been proven in modern medicine to be tied together.
Not only that, but Ayurvedic treatments are natural and non-invasive, which is why they’re a popular choice for those seeking alternative medicine.
Pairing Ayurveda and Dahi for Modern Wellness
While Ayurveda is an ancient medicine system, it can be applied to modern times to promote good health and prevent disease. It takes a holistic look at wellness through the lens of diet, lifestyle and herbal supplements.
Ayurveda promotes healthy eating by integrating dahi, a type of yogurt popular in India, and other beneficial foods and herbs. By focusing on health in this way, and catering treatment plans to each individual patient, better outcomes can be achieved for all.