(This article is the third of a five-part series on some disciplines of alternative medicine.)
Ayurveda and the Christian Lifestyle
Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that originated in India more than 5,000 years ago. It is based on the concept of balance among the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. Ayurveda aims to promote health and well-being by harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit with the natural environment.
Ayurveda is not only about physical health, but also about mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. It encompasses various aspects of life, such as diet, lifestyle, hygiene, exercise, meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, massage, sound therapy (including mantras detoxification, herbal remedies, and more. Metals, minerals, and gems are also used in pellet, tablet, or powder form combined with herbs (Rasha sastra medicine).
Ayurveda believes that each person has a unique constitution or dosha, which determines their physical and psychological characteristics. The three vital energies of the body are known as doshas. Ayurveda is rooted in the belief that by understanding a person’s dosha and following the appropriate guidelines for it, a person can achieve optimal health and happiness.
Ayurveda is not a religion, but rather a science of life. It does not conflict with any faith or belief system but complements and enhances them. Ayurveda respects the diversity and individuality of each person and does not impose any rigid rules or dogmas. Ayurveda is compatible with Christianity and any other religion, as it promotes universal values such as love, compassion, peace, and harmony.
In Exodus 4:2-9, God asked Moses what was in his hand and then told him to use it. It was a walking stick but when Moses threw it to the ground it became a snake. God uses what we have, and we need to exercise our faith in using them. He has given us knowledge and materials that we can use to make our lives better. If we do nothing that goes against His word or that is harmful, we can use beneficial medicine and practices. Many natural compounds in plants can be used to treat different illnesses. Many synthesized drugs have been made by mimicking them. Some people reject using natural products and favor synthetic ones without understanding the connection. Both natural and pharmaceutical products taken as medicine can have harmful effects and require guidance from a professional.
Ayurveda’s basic system can be utilized without any religious components attached. Many Indian Ayurvedic schools use a more clinical approach, not a spiritual one. In the Western world, this ancient practice is often used alongside spiritual practices such as yoga, chanting mantras, or Buddhist meditations. Ayurveda can be used as a preventative practice to promote good health. Herbal medicine is the oldest medicinal practice known to man along with hydrotherapy (water baths). The three wise men gave Jesus’ parents frankincense and myrrh, which are plant products, as gifts they brought along with gold. Those were valuable products in those days. People continue to use those products for tea and aromatherapy in the present day. 1 Corinthians 3:21-23, states that all things are ours who are Christ’s.
Herbs and Spices Commonly Used
Ayurveda uses a variety of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor, aroma, and health benefits of food. These spices include grounded roots, bark, fruits, flowers, or seeds derived from plants. Some common herbs and spices used in Indian kitchens include turmeric, coriander powder, cumin seeds, ginger, etc. Some of the most powerful Ayurvedic herbs and spices with their health benefits are:
– Ashwagandha: This is a small woody plant native to India and North Africa. Its root and berries are used to produce a popular Ayurvedic remedy that helps the body manage stress, lower blood sugar levels, and improve sleep, memory, muscle growth, and male fertility. It also reduces inflammation and boosts the immune system.
– Boswellia: This is also known as Indian frankincense or olibanum. It is made from the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree. It has a spicy, woody aroma and anti-inflammatory properties. It may reduce joint pain, enhance oral health, improve digestion, and increase breathing capacity in people with chronic asthma.
– Triphala: This is a combination of three small medicinal fruits: amalaki (Indian gooseberry), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and haritaki (Terminalia chebula). It is a potent antioxidant that may lower cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. It also supports digestive health and detoxification.
– Guggul: This is a resin extracted from the Commiphora mukul tree. It has been used for centuries to treat obesity, high cholesterol, arthritis, acne, and thyroid disorders. It may also have anti-cancer effects.
– Cardamom: This is a fragrant spice that comes from the seeds of the Elettaria cardamomum plant. It has a sweet and spicy flavor and may help with digestion, nausea, bad breath, respiratory problems, and urinary tract infections. It may also lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation.
How Can You Incorporate Ayurveda in Your Daily Routine
Ayurveda is not difficult to practice as it requires no special equipment or ingredients. Ayurveda can be easily incorporated into one’s daily routine by making simple changes in one’s diet, lifestyle, and habits. For example, one can start the day by drinking warm water with lemon or honey, eating according to one’s dosha and season, doing some yoga or breathing exercises, massaging oneself with oil, meditating for a few minutes, and other techniques. Ayurveda also offers many natural remedies for common ailments such as colds, headaches, indigestion, insomnia, and more.
In Ayurveda, food is important and can be seen as medicine. For some a lifestyle change would be required to eat foods that are beneficial to your health and condition and to refrain from eating those that are harmful. How food is prepared and consumed is also important to get optimal benefits. Generally speaking, the Ayurvedic diet includes whole foods such as organic produce, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices. Some include meat and dairy products. Diets are dependent on the condition of a person different types of diets can be eaten. The number of meals and their regularity are also important considerations.
There are three main categories of diets based on body type:
– For the vata dosha warm grounding, and hydrating food with a soft, smooth texture is recommended. Spices, proteins, and fat are also included.
– For the pitta dosha foods that are cooling, energizing, dry, and high in carbohydrates are best. Raw and cooked fresh, whole foods are eaten to decrease internal heat.
– kapha dosha are encouraged to eat whole foods that are light, dry, warming, well-spiced, and easy to digest. Meals are best eaten warm or hot and freshly cooked for this type.
There are supportive herbal supplements for each type of diet.
Instead of using harmful chemical-based products, you can use essential oils and natural products that incorporate them. Washing your fruits and vegetables with natural, citrus essential oil cleansers or using essential oils as air freshers in your home can be beneficial rather than using those with toxic ingredients that can harm you. Many natural–based products are available that may be less harmful to your health than other options.
Conclusion
Ayurveda is similar to other types of traditional medicine such as Chinese medicine or Native American medicine in that they all share a holistic view of health and disease. They all recognize the interconnection between the body, mind, and spirit and the influence of the environment on them. They all use natural methods to prevent and treat illnesses and to promote well-being. However, they also differ in some respects such as their theoretical foundations, diagnostic methodology, therapeutic modalities, and cultural contexts. Each of these systems has strengths and limitations and one can benefit by learning from all.
One can choose to utilize aspects of these holistic medicines and not participate in the religious aspects. Colossians 2:16-17 states, “Don’t let anyone tell you what you must eat or drink. Don’t let them say you must celebrate the New Moon festival, the Sabbath, or any other festival. These things are only a shadow of what was to come. But Christ is real!” Each person should choose what to participate in based on their convictions and what the Bible states.
Any information on conditions, illnesses, diseases, remedies, and treatments discussed in this blog is intended for general guidance only and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by your doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals. As always, please consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.