For thousands of years, India has offered us a holistic, preventive medicine that considers the whole person: ayurveda. A health system derived from Vedic wisdom, ayurveda is both a spiritual and physical practice designed to improve the quality of life. In this article, we explore the main principles of this ancient tradition.
In Sanskrit, "Ayurveda" translates as "science of life". It is based on three fundamental pillars: Ahar (food), Nidra (sleep) and Brahmacharya (balanced lifestyle). Ayurveda is a lifestyle practice that aims to balance the body's energies to maintain health and prevent disease.
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One of the most distinctive concepts in ayurveda is the theory of the 'doshas'. According to this system, each individual possesses a unique combination of three vital energies, or doshas: Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (water and earth). The balance of these doshas influences our health and well-being.
Vata governs movement and is linked to qualities such as dryness, lightness and cold. Pitta controls metabolism and is characterised by properties such as hot, pungent and oily. Kapha is responsible for structure and stability, associated with attributes such as heavy, slow and soft.
To maintain the balance of the doshas, Ayurveda recommends a diet suited to the individual's constitution, a healthy lifestyle and natural treatments such as medicinal plants, Ayurvedic massages and purification techniques.
Food plays an essential role. Ayurveda recommends a varied and balanced diet, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal and local foods. The diet must also be adapted to our dominant dosha to optimise our digestion, a key factor in our health according to ayurveda.
Lifestyle is also crucial. Ayurveda stresses the importance of good quality sleep, a daily routine (dinacharya) including physical exercise such as yoga, and stress management through meditation.
Here's a simple quiz to help you work out which Dosha might be dominant in you.
1. My physical constitution is :
a. Slim, with slight muscles
b. Of average height with a well-defined muscular structure
c. Broad and robust
2. My weight is :
a. Low or changeable
b. Average, my weight gain is easily controllable
c. High, I tend to gain weight easily
3. My skin is :
a. Dry, rough or cold
b. Hot, sensitive and prone to rashes
c. Soft, smooth and cold
4. My temperament is :
a. changeable, enthusiastic and full of energy
b. Passionate and sometimes irritable
c. Calm and compassionate
5. My memory is :
a. Unstable, I learn quickly but also forget quickly
b. Sharp and precise
c. Stable, I learn slowly but never forget
Generally speaking, most people have a combination of doshas, so don't be surprised if you don't fit neatly into just one category. Ayurveda is a complex system that offers an individualised approach to health and well-being. For an accurate assessment, it is best to consult an Ayurveda professional if you wish to explore the subject further.
If you have chosen mainly a, your dominant Dosha could be Vata.
If you are predominantly Vata, think 'comfort' when it comes to your diet. Hot, simmered meals such as soups, stews and gratins are good choices. Mild, slightly salty or slightly acidic flavours can help balance your Vata energy. Try to eat and sleep at regular times to promote stability. In terms of activities, opt for gentle, relaxing practices such as gentle yoga or walks in the open air.
If you have chosen mostly bs, your dominant Dosha may be Pitta.
In this case, try to eat fresh food. Salads, fresh fruit, wholegrain cereals and lean proteins will be good for you. Spicy foods, alcohol and coffee should be avoided, as they can overheat your Pitta energy. When it comes to exercise, choose refreshing sports such as swimming, and don't forget to allow yourself time to relax and unwind.
If this is the c you choose most often, your dominant Dosha could be Kapha.
For Kapha-dominant people, it is advisable to favour a light, stimulating diet. Cooked vegetables, wholegrain cereals and legumes are good allies. It is advisable to avoid foods that are too heavy, fatty or sweet, which can weigh down your Kapha energy. In terms of activity, the aim is to stay active, so opt for dynamic sports such as jogging, dancing, cycling or HIIT if these are possible for you.
This advice is general and may not be suitable for everyone. It's best to consult a professional for recommendations specific to your constitution.