“Shariram Satvam cha Aatma Trayam Atat Tridandvat”
– Charak Samhita

The physical body, mind and soul are the three pillars of the human architecture. The harmony of the body, mind and soul allows for a healthy life while any imbalance can shake the eqilibrium leading to various ailments. Dharma [Purpose], Artha [Wealth], Kama [Desire], and Moksha [Liberation] are the four fruits of human life which can only be achieved and enjoyed by a healthy person.

Let’s Discuss 5 Tips For Healthy Living …

1. Avoid Contradictory Food – (Viruddha Ahara) 
Any diet which aggravates doshas [bodily humors] and is not eliminated properly from the body is considered contradictory food. If the contradictory food is consumed repeatedly it then burdens the digestive fire producing ama [undigested food; toxins] which can inevitably lead to diseases of the body.

2. Avoid Stress ~ Be Happy
Stress appears to be a significant cause of many diseases in our present day. Stress, strong emotions, unexpressed anger, and anxiety are ever increasing. Therefore, to help maintain balance of the mind we should develop a routine to promote sound sleep, and even consider meditation, shirodhara and nasyam to help alleviate stress.

3. Avoid Fast Food And Junk Food
Fundamentally, we know that certain conditions such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and even skin conditions are largely due to poor eating habits and consuming highly processed and refined food. Therefore, one must avoid eating such unhealthy choices and instead consider more healthy alternatives such as boiled vegetable soup, takra (butter milk), boiled milk, and/or lime water as these are considered healthy and rejuvenating choices.

4. Eat A Sattvic Diet (Blissful or Holistic Food)
Sattvic diet consists of fresh fruits such as pomegranates, apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes. Similarly, grains such as rice and wheat in small quantity, and dairy ideally milk and ghee are also considered sattvic [pure] food. A sattvic diet helps keep the physical body clean and agile, and the mind calm and serene. Likewise, fresh buttermilk, fresh green vegetables like spinach and green beans along with moong dal are good examples of sattvic food. Although mildly sweet tastes is considered sattvic, too much of sweets as in chocolates etc, will likely increase tamasic [heavy and dull] qualities within both the body and mind. Those individuals who consume a sattvic diet will often demonstrate good character and righteousness.

5. Do Yoga and Meditation Daily
Devote time during the day especially during the early morning period for yoga and meditation.  These are, by far, considered the best medicine to keep you healthy and stress free.

THE CONCEPT OF DISEASE IN AYURVEDA
According to Ayurveda when the digestive fire is unable to digest and assimilate food properly, the undigested food is considered poisonous in nature. This undigested waste is called  “Ama”. There is no equivalent of the concept of “Ama” in modern sciences. Just for convenience of understanding we can assume that when the digestive fire is not working properly, we can see then how carbohydrates and fatty acids are converted to lactic acid instead of glucose, glycerol and mono fatty acids.

Similarly, proteins are converted into uric acid instead of normal amino acids. This correlation is just to make the concept of “Ama” [toxins] a bit more understandable, otherwise there is no such similarity between these two concepts. Therefore,  this “Ama” is the causative factor for all types of disorders as per Ayurved. According to Ayurveda “Ama” is responsible for most of the diseases we suffer from.  “Ama” is of sedentary nature so it tries to sediment where-ever it gets a chance. This sedimentation of waste in the body will definitely occlude the micro nutritive channels of the body which will further weaken the bodily systems.

THE CONCEPT OF HEALING IN AYURVEDA
Ayurveda emphasizes on preventative and healing therapies along with various other methods of purification and rejuvenation. Ayurveda is more than a mere healing system, it is a science and art of appropriate living which helps one to achieve longevity. It can also guide every individual in the prevention of disease and long term maintenance of health. To achieve this balanced state of body, mind and consciousness, Ayurveda prescribes Panchakarma Therapy for the cleansing of body toxins.

So friends, by applying the above mentioned 5 tips you can help to prevent health problems and start living more healthy.
~ Dr.Gaurang Joshi

You can visit Dr. Joshi’s personal website at:
https://www.atharvaayurvedindia.com
twiiter @drgaurangjoshi

DISCLAIMER:
This is strictly for educational purposes only. Not medical advice.