Ayurveda medicine contributes a vast body of medical knowledge and practice for holistic and natural healing. The word Ayurveda translates to the Science of Life, Ayur – Life, Veda – Knowledge-Science and dates back some 4000- years to India. It is known for its holistic approach to health and in the 20th century Ayurveda made a resurgence gaining global recognition and popularity over the past five decades.
Over the past two centuries the advent of modern technologies and medicines has seen amazing discoveries, at the same time has accelerated the pace of life resulting in signs of fatigue, stress related illness, mental health issues, and chronic lifestyle diseases.
Research shows an increase in mental health problems, chronic disease, over prescription of pharmaceuticals and antibiotics in late 20th century. Many medical practitioners and scientists are becoming concerned and the 2014 Preventing Over diagnosis conference was held at the Centre for Evidence Based Medicine, Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK September 2014.
In 2013 over 320 scientists, clinicians, policy makers and consumer advocates attended the Preventing Over Diagnosis conference, hosted by The Dartmouth Institute of Health Policy & Clinical Practice in partnership with one of the world’s most respected medical journals, the BMJ, the leading New York based consumer organisation Consumer Reports and Bond University.
In the 21st century a global consciousness shift is taking place and people are becoming more aware of, and wanting to live healthier lifestyles, less stress in their lives, eat chemical free foods, live in healthier environments free of pollution, chronic lifestyle diseases, modified foods, and use less prescription drugs opting for more natural products and services.
People are starting to realise that answers do not lie in the newest medical technologies or latest pharmaceuticals but rather by taking responsibility for their own health, becoming better informed and making better choices.
In ancient times Eastern medical healers and practitioners embraced a holistic and gentler approaches to health emphasising balance in life. According to Ayurveda principles the health of a person is maintained by adopting various healthy practices that include diet, whole foods, behaviours, lifestyle, organic herbal supplements, exercise, herbal massage. Today ancient healing wisdom and knowledge is beneficial to modern times and to modern sciences.
In Ayurveda medicine the disconnect between health regimens trigger imbalances in the body, mind and consciousness resulting in poor health. A more tailored holistic approach taking into account the whole person, their circumstances, means identifying the root cause of an illness, making various adjustments to help the person return to a more balanced state of health, less stress and improved well being. There is no miracle pill.
Many people are now integrating other approaches for their health care from changes in lifestyle to organic foods, herbal remedies, meditation and ways to relieve stress naturally. Some clinical centres are beginning to offer integrative medicine strategies.
Stress can, and does have a positive effect on your life actually strengthening you through the fight or flight Stress Response, preparing you for survival. However, prolonged stress weakens your immune system and your well being. Hans Selye, the father of stress research, coined the word Stress. He theorised effects of stress on the body cause long term chemical changes and can lead to causes of disease. He introduced the General Adaptation Syndrome G.A.S. model in 1936.
Stress is ubiquitous,though different people react to pressures, tensions and other stressors in different ways. However if you are continuously experiencing symptoms of stress, real or imagined, the body’s own switch button can become faulty and remain swtiched On thus too much adrenaline results in the body. The excess production of these hormones can cause damage to cells and muscles resulting in stress related disorders.
According to Ayurveda teachings stress is related to the imbalance of the body and mind and depletion of a substance called Ojas. Ojas is at the core of our immune system and provides strength, well being and contentment. A nourishing diet and good digestion is essential for healthy Ojas. Poor digestion, bad eating habits, not enough rest deplete our body of Ojas, which amplifies stress.
In Ayurveda managing stress begins by understanding your constitution and how to balance constitutional energies of the three Doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each person is different and unique in terms of the Doshas and needs to be treated individually.
Ayurveda describes vital energies as three fundamental Doshas that govern Movement (Vata), Transformation (Pitta) and Structure (Kapha). Each of us has a unique proportion of these three energies that shape our nature or constitution.
These energies are disturbed by stress by unhealthy diet, poor relationships, external events. An important goal of Ayurveda is to determine which Doshas are out of balance and intervene using lifestyle changes, nutrition, diet, wholesome foods, organic herbs, meditation to re connect that balance.
You can begin your path towards a stress free life, take charge of your health and relieve stress naturally. As with all things in life it is wise to be informed and find the right remedies, organic products, ethical and expert practitioners. Read labels on herbal products that you use, ask questions of your practitioner to ensure you are aligned. The old saying, ‘Buyer beware’ is applicable in all situations.
The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda health and well being practices will not only help you manage stress better but also guide you to finding optimal mind and body health.
For more detailed information go to our book Rejuvency BodyHealth, Experience the Ayurveda Difference.
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