In Western Medicine, one definition of health is being free from illness or injury. The World Health Organization (W.H.O.), on the other hand, defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.
Ayurveda delves even deeper than this and understands health as balance in body, mind and spirit as well as the social well-being. Ayurveda is concerned with the early signs of illness as well as lifestyle choices that have the potential to create ill health if they continue.
Spiritual health, or the state of our inner world is of paramount importance in Ayurveda. Although this is something that has not been traditionally addressed in conventional medicine, recent research into the measurable physical and medical benefits of meditation and mindfulness are changing that landscape.
The outward and obvious signs of a healthy person in Ayurveda include:
A lovely even and clear skin
Clear and bright eyes
Regular and easy elimination
Good energy levels
Harmony in relationships
Deep and refreshing sleep
Although Ayurveda offers many different kinds of treatments for illness when it arises, the emphasis is on preventing it from happening in the first place. Prevention is achieved by following the habits laid out in the Ayurvedic tradition. All of the very practical Ayurvedic habits fall into one of four categories or pillars of health. There are a number of different interpretations of what these four pillars are, but this one is simple to understand and certainly works in our modern world.
The four pillars are:
Food (Ahar)
Lifestyle (Vihar)
Sleep
Energy Management
However you understand the 4 (or sometimes 3) pillars of Ayurveda the underlying concept is the same. Healing requires us to live simply, in tune with the rhythms and seasons of nature and the natural patterns and laws of planet earth.
Wisdom teachings in each of the four pillars can guide us to a happy and healthy life.
Food- Choose fresh, local, seasonal plant-based food that is as freshly picked and prepared as possible. Eat just enough food that is cooked well, chewed well and eaten during daylight hours.
Lifestyle- This refers to the habits that make up your days, weeks, months and years. Ayurveda guides you to create a beautiful daily routine based on your individual circumstances and constitution. There are many lovely practices to choose from to help you live your best life, free from addictions and out-of-control habits. Learning these habits and putting them in place brings not only a deep level of self-care but puts a bug in the system and short circuits old negative choices.
Sleep — Getting enough good quality sleep is essential for good health and this is recognized by Ayurveda as well as conventional western medicine. Sleep deprivation has been recognized as a “public health epidemic” and is linked to a range of medical and mental health issues. Ayurveda can guide you back to a wonderful sleeping routine that will give you energy and protect your future health.
Energy Management— What you do with your life energy really impacts on your health. Do you feel happy, fulfilled and are you using your energy wisely? If you are not, Ayurveda gives you a structure and some habits to help you take stock and make changes so that you can start living your best life and be the best version of you possible. This can be facilitated by Yoga, meditation, pranayama, mantra, mudras and other practices to help you live an aligned life.
Ayurveda provides the practical guidance on what to change, and I can guide you through the process of how to change.
If you feel like your habits are out-of-control and ruling your life, I can help you breakthrough to excellent self-care.
You can change. You can trust that your changes can be permanent.
I know because I have been there and was making some pretty bad lifestyle choices for a long time. I’ve made habit change my life’s learning and work and I can help you get in control of your weight, eating, drinking, sleeping, exercising or other lifestyle choices. My health and life has changed drastically and beyond recognition and yours can too.