Discover Ayurveda: Balance Your Body and Mind with This Holistic Lifestyle
- Luisa
- Mar 6
- 4 min read
Introduction
Ayurveda is an ancient alternative holistic healing system from India. It combines the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects to balance internal energy and relies on the body's own strength to prevent illness and, when necessary, heal. Unlike Western medicine, which often treats symptoms with medication as a "band-aid" for the problem, alternative healing methods like Ayurveda heal the body and mind from within by bringing connection and balance through appropriate nutrition, movement, and self-care.
Nowadays, there is a growing interest in a holistic lifestyle and alternative healing methods. More and more people are becoming aware of what they put into their bodies and are looking for natural ways to improve their health. Ayurveda provides valuable insights into holistic living and practical ways to apply it.
Doshas
According to Ayurveda, every person consists of three fundamental energies, also known as Doshas. There are three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which are present in every person, with one usually being dominant. (Although rare, some people may have two dominant Doshas or even all three, known as Tridosha.)
Vata (Air & Ether): Represents movement and change. People with a dominant Vata Dosha are creative and energetic but may suffer from dry skin, cold hands, and restlessness.
Pitta (Fire & Water): Regulates metabolism and digestion. Pitta types are ambitious and sharp but may experience overheating, inflammation, or irritability.
Kapha (Earth & Water): Represents stability and strength. Kapha people are patient and caring but may struggle with weight gain and sluggishness.
To balance the Doshas, a specific lifestyle, diet, and self-care routine can help. Bringing Doshas into balance is central to Ayurveda, and when this is achieved, a person radiates health and feels good. An imbalanced Dosha can cause unpleasant symptoms. For example, Vata may lead to dry skin, as Vata is naturally dry. An excess of dryness, caused by eating drying foods, for instance, increases Vata in the body. To restore balance, Vata should eat foods that replenish moisture. The same principles apply to Pitta and Kapha, each requiring different foods, movements, and lifestyle adjustments.
Elements of Balance in Ayurveda
Certain elements are considered essential in Ayurveda for achieving internal balance and good health.
Ayurveda makes use of Abhyanga, massages with natural oils tailored to the Dosha. For example, warming sesame oil is beneficial for Vata, while cooling coconut oil is good for Pitta. These massages promote relaxation and blood circulation.
Meditation is a powerful method for calming the mind and finding relaxation. It brings awareness inward, allowing you to temporarily disconnect from the outside world. The practice is about letting go of stress and worries and restoring inner peace.
While meditating, but also as a separate practice, breathing exercises (Pranayama) can be performed, especially before meditation. Breathing provides us with energy, calmness, and mental clarity. It is beneficial to take a moment to focus on your breath. When experiencing stress, there is a reason why we say, "Take a deep breath in and out."
A combination of breathing, meditation, and movement—yoga—connects the body and mind. Yoga involves adopting specific postures, yoga asanas, in a particular sequence. Read more about Yoga here.
The final element is nutrition. In general, following a healthy diet is important, but Ayurveda also focuses on choosing foods that help balance the Doshas. The timing and quantity of food intake also play a role. Additionally, the way you eat matters. In Ayurveda, eating without distractions and focusing solely on the food is crucial. This means no phone, no book, minimal conversation—just mindful eating. Eating under stress can cause the food to become Rajas.
Gunas
I just mentioned Rajas, but what exactly is that? In addition to the Doshas, Ayurveda recognizes three Gunas, which are qualities or characteristics present in everything and everyone. The Triguna consists of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas.
Sattva represents harmony, goodness, and tranquility. Rajas signifies movement, passion, and activity. Tamas embodies laziness, ignorance, and sluggishness.
Gunas also exist in food. Sattvic foods that bring clarity and make you feel good include most fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Rajasic foods that are stimulating include garlic, onions, coffee, and spicy herbs. These can be useful but may cause restlessness in excess. Tamasic foods that reduce energy include old or processed food, mushrooms, burnt or fried foods. These are just a few examples of how Gunas influence food.
Stress and emotions can also impact how food is experienced. For example, a normally Sattvic meal (such as a salad) can become Rajasic if eaten hastily or under stress. This is why mindful eating is a core principle in Ayurveda.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is much more than just a healing method; it is a holistic lifestyle that helps create balance between body and mind. By gaining insight into your Dosha and making conscious choices regarding nutrition, movement, and self-care, you can lead a healthier and more harmonious life.
X's,
Luisa
Sources:
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre (2018) Practical Ayurveda: Find Out Who You Are and What You Need to Bring Balance to Your Life.
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