A Deep Dive into Ayurveda—The Origin of Selfcare

1.10.2024  Harshini Vijayavelan, Co-Founder of DOSA

Intro 

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, especially with the widespread information on social media, ancient practices often resurface, Ayurveda being one of which is quite talked about. Nowadays we see ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago, gain increasing attention for its profound insights into health and longevity. In this article, we’ll discuss the scientific backing of ayurveda, the history, its health benefits, and its stance in our society today. 

The Science Behind Ayurveda

Ayurveda, often referred to as the "science of life," operates on the fundamental principle that our bodies are interconnected with the environment. This approach recognizes the unique constitution of each individual, known as doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), and seeks to maintain their balance for optimal health.

Research studies have delved into Ayurvedic principles, exploring the impact of lifestyle, diet, and herbal remedies on various health conditions. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2017) found that Ayurvedic practices, such as meditation and yoga, positively influenced mental health and well-being. Additionally, research in the International Journal of Ayurveda Research (2010) explored the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Ayurvedic herbs.

While Ayurveda may not always align with modern scientific terminology, there is a growing body of evidence supporting its effectiveness, especially in promoting preventive health measures and addressing chronic conditions. And there continues to be more proof that our current health practices today are based on the true roots and values of ayurveda. It utilizes nature and natural methods that are organic to the body—methods that have shaped our approach to medicine for the past century.

Historical Roots of Ayurveda

Ayurveda's roots trace back to ancient Indian scriptures, particularly the Vedas. The earliest Ayurvedic texts, Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, provide detailed insights into medicinal plants, surgical techniques, and the holistic approach to well-being. Over centuries, Ayurveda evolved and diversified, incorporating influences from various cultures and regions.

Ayurveda's historical significance is also evident in its contributions to medical knowledge. Sushruta, often regarded as the father of surgery, detailed surgical procedures and techniques that were far ahead of his time. The ancient Ayurvedic scholars demonstrated a keen understanding of anatomy, disease pathology, and the mind-body connection.

Health Benefits of Ayurveda

Balancing Doshas:

Ayurveda exclusively states the importance of maintaining the balance of doshas in order to maintain lasting health. Identifying one's dominant dosha will allow them to learn what changes to lifestyle need to be made in order to keep a healthy balance within.

Herbal Remedies for Healing:

Ayurvedic herbs such as turmeric, ashwagandha, and triphala have gained mass popularity for their extensive health benefits. These specific herbs are rich in bioactive compounds that aid inflammation, infection, as well as immune boosting. 

Mind-Body Harmony:

Ayurveda emphasizes the delicate connection between the mind and body. It heavily recommends practices such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness as they are essential to Ayurvedica principles—promoting well-being and the reduction of stress. 

Personalized Nutrition:

Personalized nutrition allows for flexibility and room for growth + experimentation in one's health plans. Altering one way of life (ex. Dietary needs) based on one's dosha as well as the time in the year can cause the betterment of digestion, metabolism, and vitality. 

To conclude…

Ayurveda, with its ancient wisdom, continues to play an important role with its holistic approach to health/selfcare today. Along with the ongoing scientific research, there is growing evidence suggesting Ayurvedas effectiveness in maintaining one's well-being and preventing diseases. As we navigate the complexities of modern health, exploring the age-old principles of Ayurveda may provide valuable insights into achieving a balanced life. 

—————————————important note*

In a desis perspective, these ways of life have been embedded into our lifestyle since the day we were born. These methods have been passed on from generation to generation, setting us on a path of self care and growth. However, desis who had grown up in foreign countries have faced pushback and teasing due to our peculiar practices. Whether it came to oiling our hair for school, or bringing certain traditional foods, there was always a form of bullying in someone's upbringing. The problem is, in the growing midst of Tiktok and Instagram, we see the things that we were bullied for as a trend. Oiling hair has now become the “clean aesthetic” and many don't acknowledge the origin of such knowledge. —more on our podcast(Navarasa on Spotify)!

Sources:

Sharma, H., Chandola, H. M., & Singh, G. (2017). Basishtakam: A Novel Ayurvedic Formulation Shows Antidepressant-Like Effect in Mice. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 23(12), 962–969.

Sumantran, V. N., Kulkarni, A. A., Boddul, S., & Chinchwade, T. (2010). Antiarthritic Activity of a Standardized, Multiherbal, Ayurvedic Formulation Containing Boswellia serrata: In Vitro Studies on Knee Cartilage from Osteoarthritis Patients. International Journal of Ayurveda Research, 1(4), 211–217.