Ayurveda for Lifestyle Diseases
It is no wonder that lifestyles diseases are increasing manifold across the world, the most accurate thought would be that we lead a hectic and lifestyle with lack of daily routine. Wrong eating habits, craving for unhealthy food and irregular sleep pattern are the major reasons for these conditions. Stress and lack of physical exercise further aggravates such condition. When it comes to lifestyle diseases, there is a certain need to look at human body with a different approach. This is where the ancient Ayurvedic system has a major role to offer. Ayurveda believes that the lifestyle diseases are not restricted to particular organ or organ system. This is what makes it challenging for the modern medical system, it understands human body structurally as Cells-Tissues-Organ-Organ System. Until a few decades ago, there were no such specific groups of diseases called lifestyle diseases. They are called so because these diseases are the outcome of sedentary and inactive lifestyle.
Some of the common lifestyle diseases predominantly are stress, hypertension, depression, diabetes, cholesterol, obesity, loss of bone density, rheumatism, arthritis and poor vision etc. Occurrence of one condition can invite the other associated health conditions. Modern medicine can only alleviate the symptoms of diseases and many of these lifestyle diseases require the patient to rely on medicines for long time to manage their health issues. While many of these lifestyle diseases have no remedial treatment in modern medicines, fortunately many people can find that Ayurvedic medicine / herbs can assist in a big way.
Ayurveda system understands the functioning of human body as a whole and any disease is understood to be due to imbalance of Tridoshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha or can be understood as Movement, Transformation and Growth/Support respectively. Ayurveda therapy validates the physical, psychological and spiritual wellness of an individual. It provides a well-organized system of traditional health care, both in preventive as well in curative spheres – and this has won its wide acclaim. Undeniably, the science of Ayurveda is age-old and time-tested. Since time immemorial this system of medicine has been in use and has proved to be result-oriented and correct. The same drugs and formulations that had been used for hundreds of years are still in use and there have been few or no replacements at all.
Ayurveda offers various methods to manage lifestyle disorders by following Dincharya (day routine), Ratricharya (night routine), Ritucharya (routine according to season), Panchakarma or with help of “Rasayanas” (Ayurvedic preparations) . The entire regime are followed to achieve the homeostasis and not just to counter the specific symptom. That is why it outscores the conventional medicines when it comes to tackle a multi-dimensional disorder like Lifestyle disease. Ayurveda is the science of life, the way of life and system to blissful life. Ayurvedic principles on health and diseases are quite simple.
According to Ayurvedic concept, diseases and health are related to food and lifestyle. Eating is the predominant concept stressed vitally in Ayurveda. Eating healthy food curbs down and almost eliminates the prevalence of a majority of lifestyle diseases. When combined with healthy lifestyle, it is completely eliminated. Also, this ancient medicine connects the body with mind. No one can be happy and healthy without a healthy mind and healthy body. Absence of one, say healthy and positive mind, ruins the happiness of others. It is a science, throws light on the path where we can move to reach the optimal health.
Ayurveda suggests simple lifestyle routines for a healthy and disease-free life. Lifestyle diseases have a unique approach in Ayurveda, called ‘Swasthavritta.’ This refers to following of healthy regime for healthy life with appropriate activities. Swasthavritta focuses on individual hygiene and public health
The optimum health can be achieved by checking lifestyle and including Dinacharya (Daily routine) and Ritucharya (seasonal routine).
