FROM INDIA TO THE WORLD
When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use.
When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.
~Ayurvedic Proverb
Never related so well with a proverb that holds relevant till recent times, isn’t it?
Why are we talking about ayurveda, older times, and medicine all at once you ask? Let us explain further.
Today, one of the most significant challenges for all countries is rising medical costs, which now consume a significant portion of both national and family budgets. The majority of drug-based medicines fail to produce positive health outcomes or to treat chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
From the perspective of Yoga and Ayurveda, such drug-based medicine is not wrong or unnecessary, but it should not be the first line of treatment. It should only be used when natural therapies have failed. To improve our health, we should first consider dietary changes, herbs, lifestyle changes, Yoga, and meditation.
Yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda are three invaluable gifts from India to the world. These are pieces of ancient wisdom that have been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years and have now become an essential part of Indian culture and tradition.
One might wonder how these ancient practices have managed to remain relevant in modern times. The answer is found in their deep connection with the life process, which is directly proportional to the functioning of nature.
Recent studies and scientific research have shown that incorporating the trio into one’s life has several benefits in terms of physical fitness and mental health. Here is a detailed explanation of Yoga, Meditation, Nutrition and Ayurveda and their significance in our daily lives.
Yoga
Although no one knows who discovered this unique form of exercise, it can be traced back to the Indian civilization over five thousand years ago. Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word Yog, which means union. Yoga is said to unite our consciousness with the universal consciousness when we incorporate it into our daily routine.
Pranayamas and Asanas are the two most important components of the practice. Pranayama is the inhalation and exhalation of breath, and Asana is the body position in which the breathing pattern occurs. Many common diseases, such as Diabetes, Blood Pressure, Osteoporosis, Arthritis, and Asthma, can be cured by increasing body flexibility and controlling the regulation of the breathing sequence. It also provides strength and endurance, as well as a youthful body and a glowing face. Yoga was once taught as an ascetic discipline in India, but it is now popular all over the world and practised by people from all walks of life due to its excellent results.
Meditation
Meditation is a unique practice for improving concentration and awakening consciousness that has been lost in the chaotic circles of thought. It emphasises the ‘power of now,’ or the importance of being present at the moment. Regular meditation practice can bring about significant changes within us. It not only helps to reduce all types of mental illnesses and heart ailments, but it also opens the door to new possibilities in terms of finding a life perspective, realising our full potential, and, most importantly, liberating us from the chain of negative thoughts that is the root of all our downfalls in life.
Nutrition
It is definitely worthwhile to pay some attention to the food that we eat as the ancient Indian texts say that we are what we eat! Yoga and proper nutrition-rich food have been important for living a healthy lifestyle for centuries and continue to be so in the twenty-first century. Our food should be Mitaahara, or in moderate proportions composed of organic fruits, whole grains, and vegetables, according to ancient scriptures such as Gheranda Samhitha and Haha Yoga Pradpik. Overeating should be avoided, and food should be consumed for nutrition rather than satiation.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is the oldest form of medicine, originating in ancient India. Ayurvedic treatment begins with internal purification and is based on the integrated approach of creating a balance between body, mind, and soul. Every person, like a fingerprint, has a distinct pattern of energy that exists in the mind, body, and soul. Ayurveda works towards the proper regulation of these energies. According to Ayurveda, the three basic energy forms are Vatta (the energy of movement), Pitta (the energy of metabolism and digestion), and Kapha (the energy of structure). Many people use Ayurveda as a complementary treatment in conjunction with allopathic medicine to completely heal from a specific disease.
Fascinating isn’t it? Shouldn’t we be proud of our country, which has born these gifts for the world? India contributes to making the world a better place, a place with healthy, content people who stand up for the collective good of humanity, eradicating war and strife. It is our responsibility as Indians not only to embrace this great Indian tradition but also to promote it globally as a tool for harmony and universal brotherhood.
ask? Embark on a journey with us to know that. Let’s start?
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