“The journey of Ayurveda begins with self-awareness and self-love.”
Acharya Shunya [1]
Ayurveda, a refined lifestyle choice, offers a fusion of wellness and tranquility. It goes beyond remedies or yoga classes. Ayurveda becomes a guiding philosophy, weaving through daily routines. Imagine serene meditation mornings, nourishing meals rooted in ancient wisdom, and rejuvenating skincare rituals. An Ayurvedic lifestyle transforms existence into an art form, harmonizing body, mind, and spirit. It’s a choice for an enriching and fulfilling life, where health and well-being are a natural state. Embrace this lifestyle, making refined choices across all realms of being.
In an exclusive interview with UMA editors, a distinguished panel of Ayurvedic pioneers, featuring the esteemed Dr. Varalakshmi Yanamandra, Dr. Priya Bahuleyan, and Dr. Muskan Soni, graciously shared invaluable insights on embracing transformative lifestyle changes. These eminent experts illuminated essential considerations when embarking on a journey towards an Ayurvedic way of life. Specifically, they were kindly asked to expound on the initial 3-5 steps one can embark upon.
INSIGHTS ON EMBRACING TRANSFORMATIVE LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Our expert, Dr. Priya Bahuleyan, is a senior Ayurvedic physician and lifestyle consultant at Kerala Ayurveda Ltd. She shares her insights on embracing an Ayurvedic lifestyle in a discussion with Uma editors. Here are the key elements she emphasizes:
- Trust in the system: placing faith in the efficacy of Ayurveda.
- A mindset for sustainable lifestyle changes: adopting practices that are beneficial in the long run.
- Seeking guidance from qualified Ayurvedic doctors exclusively.
- Cultivating patience while recovering from chronic conditions.
Whereas, Dr. Varalakshmi Yanamandra believes that incorporating just 10% of Ayurvedic wisdom into our daily lives can have a profound healing impact on our bodies and overall well-being. Ayurveda, as a holistic healing science, emphasizes the interconnectedness between our lives and the natural elements. Optimal health is achieved by maintaining a delicate balance amidst the constant subtle changes within and around us.
Here are three key principles she suggests to follow:
a. Listen to your body: Begin by attentively observing the subtle signs your body communicates, such as appetite, bowel movements, and energy levels. These signals hold valuable insights into your overall well-being.
b. Harness your agni: Agni, our vital source of energy, plays a crucial role in digestion, assimilation, strength, immunity, and knowledge. Nourish it with wholesome food and positive thoughts to enhance its vitality.
c. Be in tune with Nature: Strive to align your diet and lifestyle with the changing seasons, emphasizing locally grown foods whenever possible. This practice strengthens your gut and harmonizes your well-being with the natural world.
In the words of Dr Varalakshmi
“Ayurveda is a healing science that says our life is intertwined with the elements of nature. Health is a result of finding a balance between the subtle internal and external changes that are happening every moment.”
Dr. Muskan Soni, an Ayurveda health coach, strongly believes in the effectiveness of Ayurveda for both acute and chronic conditions. These include knee replacement, migraines, digestive issues such as IBS, skin diseases like Psoriasis and vitiligo, as well as paralysis and sciatica, among others. Shared an overlay of how the Ayurvedic lifestyle should be explored:
- Discover your Prakriti (body type). This will help you understand your specific requirements.
- Follow a balanced, whole-food diet that aligns with your Prakriti, ensuring nourishment and balance.
- Incorporate daily self-care practices into your routine, such as Abhyanga, Nasya, and stress reduction techniques.
- Establish a daily routine that respects and synchronizes with your body’s natural rhythms.
- Eliminate unhealthy habits that harm both your body and mind, while nurturing healthy habits that contribute to your overall well-being.
Embrace this refined lifestyle choice and experience the art of harmonizing your existence through daily rituals rooted in ancient wisdom. By following these steps, you can embark on a journey towards optimal health and well-being.
“The wisdom of Ayurveda offers a roadmap to optimal living.”
Dr. Vasant Lad [2]
