The main focus of Ayurveda is to focus on your life in-between the emotional and physical self. One of the main beliefs is that the food we eat affects our overall wellbeing, and can make us elated or miserable. Essentially, we can be full of energy and vitality or lethargic and run-down based on what we put into our bodies. This is known as the Sattvic approach.
WHAT IS SATTVIC?
First, Sattvic translates to ‘pure essence’ in Sanskrit. Sattvic is a diet based on foods recommended within Ayurveda and is one of the purest diets you can adopt and supports you in being your best self. This diet is designed to be holistic in nature, meaning it nurtures your mind, body, and soul, and therefore is a great support for your yoga and meditation practice.
Understanding that food is the fuel for our body, an additional benefit that coincides with this ancient practice is the clarity of the mind it gives us. Ayurvedic practitioners often report they can concentrate better, sleep better and feel less anxious overall. Here are 10 ways Ayurveda can benefit your life on a daily basis.
1. YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO LOVE YOURSELF
Ayurveda encourages you to find love in yourself instead of comparing yourself to other people. It wants you to understand that you are truly unique, and is designed so that you approach your individual life in the most tailored way possible. It encourages you to discover your individual needs, as well as grow, heal, and reflect on your life.
Ayurveda consists of three main body types and personality characteristics, otherwise known as doshas. The three doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
2. OFFERS A NURTURING APPROACH TO BEING HEALTHY
Ayurveda is all about understanding that health is your natural state. If you and your environment are in balance, that’s considered optimum health and the opposite goes for being unbalanced. For example, if you feel anxious or are suffering from health issues like constipation or generally lethargic-ness, it is simply a matter of being out of balance. Imbalances are not an overnight occurrence, so you do have time to prevent or slow down the process of imbalance. When you know what’s causing you to feel out of whack, you can simply refer to the suggested foods to eat or avoid according to your dosha to start the process of coming back to your proper state of balance.
3. YOU GET A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR PLACE IN LIFE
A principle of Ayurveda is that we are a part of nature. Nature has five elements which include:
- Space
- Air
- Water
- Fire
- Earth
These elements, their behavior, and the interaction they have in your life is a big deal in the practice of Ayurveda. For example, Air will show up in your body and mind as high energy and forgetfulness. Fire will manifest in your body and mind as inflammation, digestion, and anger. Earth relates to your bones, your stubbornness towards something and loyalty towards others. Once you recognize what elements show up most prominently for you, you can assess what dosha you are and can then work towards optimum balance.
4. WE LEARN TO CLEAR UP ENERGY
In this day and age, we often need to recalibrate our mental and physical settings. As ever-changing beings, it’s important to reflect and clear out what isn’t working for you and your life. This makes room for new things. Cleansing the system with an Ayurvedic-based diet, and cleansing the mind with things like meditation and yoga on a regular basis will allow you to recalibrate with greater ease, and greater access inner peace.
5. IT PROVIDES A FULL CIRCLE PHILOSOPHY
Ayurveda reminds you that you’re much deeper than your skin. There is an essence to you, and an energy that can light up the world. Ayurveda will continue to remind you that you are more than just muscle and bones, but you are also a spirit that embodies the elements. While the health benefits will positively impact your physical self, it also brings together your mind, body, and soul and keeps balance within it all. You will begin to really see and feel that healing begins from within, starting with the food you put in your body.
6. BETTER HEALTH AT A CELLULAR LEVEL
Research shows that Ayurveda can in fact help on a cellular level. It has been indicated that Ayurveda has the potential to actually regenerate cells, again showing that we have the power to begin healing ourselves of certain ailments simply by the way we treat our bodies. While studies are still being conducted, the scientific community is hopeful!
7. TOXINS IN THE BODY ARE REDUCED
The founder of the Maharishi Ayurvedic practice states that there are three different kinds of toxins. The most common is ama, which is the waste product that builds up in the digestive tract that stems from eating too much of the wrong food. If not cleared up, it will build up over time and will begin to circulate through your body, causing major feelings of imbalance. Various practices within Ayurveda, like eating your largest meal at lunchtime, when the sun is at its highest will prevent these toxins from further developing.
8. STRONGER DIGESTION
As you begin to eat for your dosha, your digestive system will strengthen. Certain foods will activate your digestive system during the right times of the day, causing a decrease of toxic build-up in your digestive tract. This prevents you from feeling lethargic, causing you to have higher levels of energy! Having optimal digestion also helps you to keep a healthy weight and feel less agitated.
9. REDUCED STRESS AND GREATER SENSE OF WELL-BEING
To put it simply, food influences how you feel. If your digestive system isn’t firing, you feel uncomfortable and tired which can manifest into negative feelings and ultimately affect our life. Through incorporating a diet that is specifically tailored to your needs, you can begin to find clarity in your body and mind.
10. A STRAIGHT-FORWARD REGIME FOR YOUR DIET
The Ayurveda diet is very clear about what you should eat based on your dosha. Normally we opt for a vegetarian diet, which includes fruits and vegetables such that we can archive positive energy.