"ESSENTIALS OF AYURVEDA - a science of Life... !!!

हिताहितम सुखं दुखामायुस्त्स्य हिताहितम ! मनम च तच्चा यात्रोक्तामायुर्वेदाह स उच्यते !!

The science that deals with Hita-aayuh (useful Life), ahita-ayuh (harmful life), sukha-ayuh( happy life) and Dukhayuh (Unhappy or miserable life), along with that span (short & long) of life is designed in Ayurveda, it is clear from this verse that Ayurveda is a science of Life which imparts knowledge of life with special reference to its four aspects i.e. useful, harmful, happy and unhappy life. It not only covers the knowledge of life but also the knowledge of healthy living. Also Ayurveda is not merely a science or knowledge of drugs, herbs or some effective remedies but has much wider aspects.


सो अयमयुर्वेद: शाश्वतो निदिर्श्यते, अनादित्वात, स्वाभावासंसिधालाक्ष्नात्वात ,भावास्वभाव्नित्यात्वाच्च !! Ch. Su. 30/26 In support of eternity of Ayurveda, Charak states that as it has no beginning, as it deals with the things which are inherent in nature and as these natural manifestations are eternal.

No science can stand the test of time and prove its validity in practice without having concrete footings of its fundamentals. The fundamentals once postulated and verified by various means and measures, when get established, should never face otherwise, in every past, present, and future situations acted Ayurveda fully justifies this principles, as its fundamentals are ever changeable and unaffected by ‘winds of Doctrines,’ even though there had been many additions and implications from time to time to the application and implications of the original principles, without however altering or changing their essence. Contrary the fundamentals of basic sciences and modern medicine temporarily stand the test of time and are liable to change with further advances, in the field of concerned. The reality & steadily of any science could be easily detected by understanding the themes of its fundamentals which form the basis for all the practical, theoretical applications and benefits of the science.


The ancient medical science required great medical practice & cosmic spiritual knowledge to be applied in proper way. The Ayurveda-a science of life, where all the fundamentals doctrines have been isolated from ‘darshamas’, teaches us an outlook of problem of health. It has been said that health is chief basis for development of religious, economic, worldly and heavenly happiness of man. The wealth of country merely depends not merely on its natural resources but also on the vitality of the people. Hence it is necessary to have basic conceptions pertaining to science of life( Ayurveda) and its approaches to attaining ‘health’ – a basis for dharma( religious), artha (economic), kama( worldly happiness) and moksha ( heavenly pleasure ) of a man. “धर्मार्थकाम मोक्षनामारोग्य मुलमुत्तम !!

The basic doctrines over which all the Ayurvedic concepts of physiology, pathology, pharmacology, medicines and therapeutics are depend on theory of ‘panchmahabhutas’ (five great elements), The modern anatomy may be said to be classified into different tissues and organs and limited to its detail description. In Ayurveda in addition to these, it is ‘atma’ (soul), ‘panchmahabutas’( 5 great elements), ‘mana’ (mind), which forms essential constituents for ‘doshas’(body humors), ‘dhatus’ (tissues) and ‘malas’ (waste) are regarded as fundamental structural cum functional units of the body. Basically, the body is believed to be composed of 5 primordial factors, i.e. Prithvi (solid components), jala( liquid componenets), teja (heat or energy components), vayu (gaseous components), aakash (ethereal components). The whole universe is also believed to be composed of the same and hence, the food we eat and water we drink and the air we breathe – all these are to aid the nutrition of our body – are composed of the same five components. This leads to a harmony existing between the microcosm (man) and Macrocosm (universe).


The physiology aspect of Ayurveda deals with the combined functions of soul, mind, sense organs, and the body. Here the functions of the body consisting of different systems have been described in terms of trigunas (satva, raja, tamas), five elements, body humors/doshas, tissues/dhatus, malas/waste. In ancient views, all matter whether subtle or gross, exhibit the characteristic of trigunas in terms of reveal, to make active and to suppress or make passive, respectively.

The basic knowledge of preparation and application of drugs depends on its rasa/taste, guna/qualities, virya/potency, vipaka/end product, prabhav/special action. These five factors are responsible to govern the action of the drug and entire pharmacology of Ayurveda is based on this theory. It is most essential particularly on the part of Ayurvedic physician to estimate the correct proportions of combination of the drugs in accordance to the amount of derangements in ‘doshas’, & ‘dhatus’ of the patient to bring about the equilibrium or harmony of the body.


In Ayurveda, entire process of digestion and metabolism is controlled by ‘agni’. Out of 13 types of ‘agnis’ are described in Ayurveda, it is Jatharagni, which plays important part in digestion of food. The ‘bhutagnis’ and ‘dhatwaagnis’ both are directly supported and controlled by Jathargni.


In Ayurveda, the term ‘Vyadhi’ is defined as that which brings about the different forms of unhappiness and the word ‘Roga’ is defined as that which causes discomfort. It is believed that an equilibrium of somatic doshas i.e. vata, pitta, and kapha, maintains homeostasis and brings harmony in functioning of the body. These somatic dosas when they are normal in proportion and action rule the functions of the body in normal manner and thus person enjoys normal health, but due to abnormal diet, practices and certain other obvious reasons, which there is derangements or change in proportions and actions, the body suffers.


Vyadhikshamatva or immunity is one of the many significant concepts developed in Ayurvedic literature. It deals with the body resistance and possesses tremendous importance to the daily welfare of the living body.


Ayurveda-a science of life is like knowledge compared with ocean, its pleasure to learn even one drop of it.

PLANTS THAT CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE…NEWS FLASH…!!!! ANCIENT AYURVEDIC KNOWLEDGE CAN BE YOUR TICKET TO……WHY THEN IT IS NOT YOUR HEALTH REMEDY NO. 1???

To most of us something that’s ours, something we claim that but something we know next to nothing about. What’s alternative medicine to the rest world is – to us – what our grandma’s forced us during fevers, sprinkled on cut, and rubbed in the backs in the summer. As we grow older & move to aspirin and protein supplements, we continue to use balms and herbal shampoos but forgot overall good health simple twigs and herbs can give us. Why? Is it because we seek instant gratification in our jet-age lives? Or is it because we haven’t been kept in loop about how traditional plants are solid way to stay healthier.

The answers is : Both. Sure, everyone wants things “NOW” and there is nothing wrong with it – we are stressed and have too many things to pack in, right? But this is why Ayurveda is more relevant today. Ayurveda is relevant as the shift in medicine from reductionist to holistic is taking place. Lifestyle related immunological and non-infectious diseases have an answer only in holistic methods not in quick fixes.

By “holistic” ayurvedic practioners means that while ayurveda may not match the “quick results” (that too depend on variable factors) of allopathic medicines, it can effectively target the multifactorial & multi targeted effects of a disease to evolve long-term solution.”It treats the root cause of the disease rather than focusing on the symptoms.”

Here is how: Ayurveda seeks to maintain (or help regain) a balance of three substances or doshas: wind/spirit/air (VATA), phlegm (KAPHA), and bile (PITTA). A balance in doshas ensures that various channels in the body are free to transport fluids from one point to another. And the way to open up blocked channels is either through sweat or through herbal intervention (or through balance & moderation, be it in terms of food, sleep, hygiene or the intake of medicines.)

Look at it this way: if you bathe, clean your teeth, skin, and eyes regularly, eat well and get in some exercise, you’re going to be in good shape all your life. If you can’t do this regularly – and none of us can- use the means as prescribed in ancient texts to make sure your pipes and tubes –nerves, arteries, veins, oesophagus, and intestines are clog free. And these texts are ancient. “The knowledge on how to lead a long and healthy life – and fix the disease and ailments that are obstacles – has evolved after deep discussion between sages.”

Now days it is important to monitor all this as traditional knowledge is being lost and because a proliferation of herbal brands has made control necessary. There are more than millions herbs and plants that ayurvedic practioners use to create formulations. There are barks, roots, fruits, leaves, oil….and endless list of nature’s beauty. Fortunately for you, there is little need to become a botanist or a gardener. Or to grind hundreds herbs for handful of the good stuff. Though each herb has its own specific use from boosting your libido to blasting cholesterol, you can easily incorporate into your life to become healthy, happy and muscular.

If you can incorporate few plants into your diet, you’ll be ready to name your great, great grandchildren. And these plants may hold more answers. “Ayurveda offers effective treatment against rheumatoid arthritis, skin diseases, neurological disorders that affect locomotor function and allergic respiratory disorders. It makes sense to do things in moderation. Remember, Ayurveda is about the “balance.” Seek advice from qualified practioner who’ll outline an authentic product. For your part, store any herb in a place free from contamination by air. Ayurveda is preventive and you can see positive changes in the respiratory and digestive system, better sleep, more energy or relaxed state of mind.

But in these days of lab-dominant medicines, can there be an Ayurvedic future? Plant molecular biotechnology & nanotechnology help unravel the secrets of formulations. This, in effect will make ayurveda relevant in the treatment of new age diseases. Advance in science have enabled us to isolate molecules to enhance their benefits? Who believes, however, that isolating molecules in herbs can lead to a “one drug to one target relationship,” which “undermines the herb’s total benefit.”

Apart from adding these plants to your diet, “what should be understood is that healthcare has to be based on integrated approaches to medicine that combine the best of conventional medicine with ayurveda. Again, it’s about balance. : The key to good health through ayurveda is knowledge of one’s unique Prakruthi (constitution), and a genuine ayurvedic doctor can assess one’s prakruthi with accuracy.

“One can select a diet suitable to one’s constitution, plan the daily regimens suited to one’s nature and gather early warning signs about the disease one is predisposed to.”

Awareness on eating....AYURVEDA perspective....!!

Our health is sum of what eat and how we eat… and this all depends on the process of digestion and absorption. Ayurveda invites us to look more deeply into this…!!! Let’s have a look on qualities of food what we are eating and how it affects or digestion.



Digestion: - digestion is the process by which we break down what is coming in from our outer environment in order to make it an integral part of our inner environment. Absorption is the process by which we integrate these digested elements into our cells. Elimination is the process by which we integrate these digested elements into our cells. Elimination is the means by which we let go of any unneeded elements, digested & not. How well the balance between these three processes is working dictates to great extent how well-nourished we are, and how good we feel.


In Ayurveda the keys to fine digestion are good health, strength, and agni or digestive fire. Agni translates in Western terms into that ability of all the digestive organs to be lively, effective and coordinated in function when given an appropriate amount of food. This “appropriate amount of food” is an important part of the effective digestive process. Too much food can act like sand on fire, dousing agni, and demanding more work of it than it can realistically deliver. Too little food can starve agni, like expecting fire to burn brightly with but a few twigs to fuel it. In these days of intense focus on dieting, obesity and anorexia, determining what is too much and what is too little can be loaded question. Yet the reality is that your body, when balanced can tell you how much you need through the simple messages of hunger and satiation. You can trust these messages. The thing is that it can sometimes take a long while- weeks, months or years – to create the inner balance, depending on your particular circumstances. The important thing is to know that it can be done.


The power of digestion always depends upon bodily strength. And the maintenance of strength is dependent upon good digestion. If you are having trouble with either your health or digestion, do not be discouraged. Know that each need is important and suggest something. Now question how can you know if your digestion is good? The well greased machine moves smoothly with little sound and commotion. If you are experiencing gas, bloating, irritation, burping, belching, or what not….now you need attention and some assistance.


In ayurveda, one takes into account both the food and how it is prepared and combined. In general food that are light ( laghu) by Ayurvedic standards are easiest to digest, while heavier(guru) are more difficult to digest. There is wide variety of food which are light, including lettuce, munga, etc also there are variety of food are heavy as cheese, banana, black lentils lentils. These heavier foods are useful for strengthening, grounding and nourishing, take more energy in digestion so best use in smaller quantities. Light foods can be taken in greater quantities and tend to stimulate appetite and digestion. Heavy foods by nature suppress appetite.


Foods are also classified as hot (ushna) or cold (shita) in Ayurveda. Foods considered hot by Ayurvedic standards stimulate digestive fire. These include most spices, chillis, garlic, yoghurt, red lentils and honey among others. Cold foods will tend to calm/or slow down digestion; these include milk, coconut, dill, and coriander, to name a few. A balance of cooling and heating foods and spices is optimal for best digestion. The concept of heating and cooling is widespread in many cultures. And yet there is much disagreement between cultures.

In these days extensive use of pesticides & other chemicals, it is possible that given food may have unexpected effects based on contamination. For ex. over exposure to some pesticides stimulates fever, diarrhea & other burning symptoms in people. These exposures can be & are mistaken for common flues, & viruses, when they are responses by the body to chemical overdose. For ex. Grape treated with heavy dose of insecticides may cause such a feverish reaction. It is no longer cooling at all. Or it could be more cooling than normal, depending on the contaminating agent & response. How modern toxicology integrates with ancient Ayurveda is yet to be explored.

In ayurveda concepts oiliness & moistness (snigdha) and dryness (ruksha) also effect digestion. Oily foods in general will promote lubrication of the digestive tract and secretions of digestive elements, when used in moderation. In excess, they can be inhibiting by overworking of the liver and gallbladder. Fodds which are slimy(slakshana) like okra tend to support lubrication and hence digestion. Soft (mrudu) foods will soothe digestion yet mildly inhibit agni. Tapioca is example ofthis. Rough (khara) foods tend to move digestion and eliminating along, as demonstrated by oat & wheat bran. And yet rough food can be too harsh for some people. Sharp (tiksha) foods like chillis stimulate digestion, on occasion too abruptly. Hards(kathina) and dense(Sandra) foods behave much like heavy foods, putting more of demand on agni, while building the body. Nuts are example of these. Foods which are liquid (drava) enhance lubrication and salivation, especially aiding digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth. Static (sthira), gross(sthula) and cloudy(avila) attributes inhibit agni and digestion; a fast- food meal with milk shake would be a good example. Whereas mobile (chala), subtle (sukshma) and clear ( vishada) attributes stimulate the digestive process of mind and body. Herb gotukola would be an ex for this.

What is important is the beginning of awareness: being aware in a relaxed fashion of what you are eating and how it feels to be eating eat. Realize that this will bring new data in the form of experience and observation for you to integrate, and that today’s experiences are not the last word in your learning.

Why to study Oriental Sciences..???The superior doctor prevents sickness; The mediocre doctor attends to impending sickness; The inferior doctor treats actual sickness.

 India’s Life today appears to depend on the West – the developed world – for supply of everything which it needs in order to take part of what we call modern civilization. With each passing year, India makes greater and greater demands on the West, both for concrete manufactures and technical know-how. The thoughtful and serious-minded Westerner, however, will be able to see a different and truer picture of India’s contribution.

The natural range of temperature of temperature moisture, availability of water, shows an atmosphere which is very suitable to all living beings. The climates elsewhere in the world do not allow the man to live without artificial heating or cooling of the residential environment. In these parts of world, clothing and residential protection required is also more. Similarly the conditions for natural growth of agricultural products are also not much favorable. In India, naturally favorable ecological factors are present. Hence it can be assumed that the beginning of mankind or even that of other life.

The oriental sciences which grasp facts of life constant and consistent. Ayurveda also does not change its fundamentally accepted principles every now and then. The developed sciences at present are changing their concepts every now and then, and are calling this progress. It is seen that if “drug of choice” thirty years back is regarded as “drug worth rejection” ten years after, then the method and approach of accepting that particular drug as the “drug of choice” needs consideration. And if this is continued for 50 to 60 years, then it must be stated that it is not the drug but the approach that needs reconsideration. As this is the common fact in the medical profession worldwide, they are eager to find reliable method of understanding these factors. Therefore people are eager to learn oriental sciences.  Since the cells are consistent then drugs (stimuli) designed for this should be consistent. And this is the theme of the science of Life called Ayurveda. It has established certain methods to examine prepare and describe foods, the drugs and behaviors that are totally helpful to stage of health and disease. And it has not changed the principles to maintain health or the principles to treat the disease since its inception. The Orientals have everlasting character as against the ever changing, non-Orientals. All the sciences in East have their independent origin and therefore, it is worthwhile to study them including the science of positive health – Ayurveda. The present day sciences are laying more emphasis on analytical view. But the oriental sciences do not give that much weight to this. Instead of giving importance to various ingredients, Ayurveda give more weight to the total effect of any substance on being or individual. The biochemistry, for instance may not be able to find a difference between the diverse effects produced by consumption of vegetable oil and ghee. But the fact is that, the effects of both are quite different. If the ghee and oil are biochemically similar, then why are their effects on the human body not similar? Similarly Ayurveda understanding of Ushna(hot) or Sheet(cold), describes totally different quality not so far discovered by biochemistry.

In diet there are varieties of pulses in use. But certain pulses are maximally absorbed while others, not only help for mere absorption but also help for adding bulk of stools and formation of more gas. In all these examples, if biochemical analysis does not provide a guide for different effects that are actually seen, then it must be due do certain qualities. Ayurveda has mentioned all these qualities by which different effects can be scientifically explained. There are so many causes contribution that are not even touched by the so called modern sciences, but are scientifically and professionally elaborated by Ayurveda.

It is important to understand the basic difference in the format of oriental and non oriental sciences. Understanding the concept as whole and find a probable and vulnerable comparison. While describing various Ayurvedic principles, it is not possible to provide exact dictionary parallel. So it is important to understand the  basic concept.

 "Only the healing art enables one to make a name for himself and at the same time give benefit to others."

Ayurveda Diet

AYURVEDA DIET  :-

Its is imporatant to choose a suitable diet for balance, harmony and health in your life based on ayurvediy principles. Diet can play good role in healing and norishment and in maintaining health. Proper food .

The ayurvedic tradition offers much insight in to what food will suit and balance each individual, how to  prepare and cook  the food properly.how to avoid food combinations that will create  toxins in the body, and what eating habits  to cultivate and –which to avoid  in order to recievde most  nourishment  from what you eat.

’’ AYURVEDA greatly emphasises diet,  both for its direct effects on physiological state and on drug action. Proper digestion is essential for good health.

Ø  Avoid drinking milk with meat, fish , eggs, citrus fruits, radishes , tomatoes and alcoholic drinks, yoghurt. (As this are opposite in qualities  which creates toxinds in the body.)

Ø  Eat high protein and fat foods seperatly from light foods ( vegetables, starch)

Ø  Eat fresh fruits seperate from other meals.

Ø  Eat cooked and raw foods seperately.

General Guidelines :-

Ø  Eat only when hungry , at moderate pace , chewing food.

Ø  Eat freshly cooked meals . Eat fresh and Satvic food of the best quality  you can offord.

Ø  Interval  of 2-4 hrs between light meals and 4-6 hrs between heavy meals.

Ø  Fill one third of your stomach with food , one third with water ,  and Leave one-third  to tone quarter of the stomach empty for aiding digestion.

Ø  During meals , dont drink iced drinks  or fruits juice, sip a little warm water between mouthfuls of food.

Ø  Choose food according to your  body constitution. It will nourish you and will not aggrevate your body componenet ( DOSHAS )

Ø  Choose food according to season .

Ø  When eating eat . That is dont  read , watch TV, or be distracted too much conversation. Focus on the food.

Ø  Honey should never be cooked . If it is cooked , the molecules becomes like a glue that adheres to mucus membranes and clogs the subltle channels, producing toxins.

Unheathy Eating habits :-

Ø  Overeating, eating too soon after a full meal.

Ø  Drinking too much water, or no water during meal. Drinking chilled water during a meal, or indeed at any time.

Ø  Eating at the wrong time of the day, either too early  or too late.

Ø  Eating too much heavy food or too little light food.

Ø  Eating fruit or drinking fruit juice with a meal.

Ø  Eating without real hunger. Emotional eating.