Crash Course In Ayurveda

June 3, 2016

Written by IQ'ed Smart Nutrition

June 3, 2016

Written by IQ'ed Smart Nutrition

You may have heard that IQed contains "Ayurvedic" botanicals Turmeric, Amalaki, Haritaki, Gymnema, Green Tea, Guggul, Cocoa, Cinnamon, and Cayenne Pepper . For those that don't know what Ayurveda means, below is a crash course.

Ayurveda literally translates to ‘science of life’ because the Sanskrit meaning of Ayu is life and Veda is science or knowledge. Considered by many scholars to be the oldest healing science, Ayurveda is a holistic, eco-friendly, cost effective, organic, natural, lifestyle-integrated and easily replicable approach to health.

Ayurveda is possibly the most ancient system of healthcare in the world. It has been practiced in India for at least 5,000 years, and has recently become popular in Western cultures. Ayurveda is also called the “science of longevity” because it offers a complete system to live long, healthy, balanced lives. It offers programs to rejuvenate the body through nutrition and lifestyle. Originated in India, Ayurveda is conceived as the union of the body, senses, mind and spirit.

Ayurvedic Lifestyle

1. Nutrition

Much of the wisdom of Ayurvedic nutrition rests on the tip of your tongue. According to Ayurveda, the sense of taste is a natural guidemap towards proper nutrition. Ayurveda identifies 6 primary tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent) and considers their presence in our diet essential for optimal nutrition and metabolism. It recommends that we try to incorporate each taste into every meal we eat.

Ayurveda favors whole foods, organic fruits and vegetables, high quality oils and grains. Try to avoid foods that are overly processed or synthetic. with artificial colors, flavorings, additives, preservatives, chemical pesticides, and genetically altered ingredients. All natural IQed which contains 9 Ayurvedic botanicals is a healthy, wonderful addition to anyone's diet.

2. Exercise

Exercise has been an important part of the Ayurvedic routine for thousands of years before it became a modern fad. Exercise gets rid of heaviness and stiffness of the body, because it burns ama (digestive impurities) and creates more flexibility, lightness, smoothness and easiness. The wise Ayurvedic physician Charaka wrote, “From physical exercise, one gets lightness, a capacity for work, firmness, tolerance of difficulties, elimination of impurities, and stimulation of digestion.”

Other benefits include enhanced firmness, endurance, and ability to do work. It pacifies all three doshas and creates balance when suitable for the body type and season. It enhances the digestion, and if done properly, it dissolves impurities in the tissues. Exercise enhances immunity and capacity for food. It banishes fatigue, stops early aging, and retards weight gain. To keep your body in peak condition for as long as possible, you need to exercise it regularly, but this doesn’t mean pounding your muscles into shape. In the Ayurvedic view, exercise is meant to leave you feeling invigorated, happy, and ready for the day’s activities—not exhausted. Each day try to do at least a few minutes of gentle stretching or yoga, deep breathing, and meditation. Being that yoga and Ayurveda have been referred to as inseparable sisters, here are some comments from Yogi Cameron

3. Nature

There are ample studies that show that connecting via the earth can be very beneficial for your health. Earthing means walking barefoot on soil, grass or sand (meaning: any natural surface). Ayurveda, the ancient healing tradition of India, recommends spending time in nature each day. Doing so allows us to experience the wonderment of this existence with all our senses. In addition sunlight and fresh oxygen is great for the mind and body.

4. Relax

One of the most important first steps in balancing stress is to slow down. Take time to reflect upon your thoughts, emotions, and overall experiences of the day. There are numerous ways to nurture and care for yourself. Take a hot bath, go for a massage, lie down, read an uplifting book, play with your dog, listen to relaxing music are a few suggestions.

5. Sleep

It is also important to put greater awareness into sleeping well. Restful sleep is called the ‘Diet of the Mind’ in Ayurveda. It repairs and refreshes the mind and body on so many levels.

Here are a few tips for a restful sleep:

* Be in bed by 10pm

* No electronics in the bedroom

* Avoid caffeine late in the day

* Try some deep breathing exercises before bed

* Take a warm bath

* Cooler bedrooms make for a better nights sleep

Your Dosha

Ayurveda sorts everyone into one of three doshas, or constitutions. While all of us have elements of all three doshas, in most people, one dominates, influencing physical and emotional health, behavior, and more.

1. Vata (Wind) People in which Vata dominates tend to be naturally thin and wispy physically, lively, chatty, and always on the move (AKA all over the place). Vatas are airy and helps us to explore creativity and inquisitiveness, and remain in motion. A balanced Vata can be creative, artistic, and sensitive.

2. Pitta (Fire) Pitta types have a fire burning within. They’re intense, intelligent, and goal-oriented, with vibrant complexions and luscious locks. They’re great leaders and public speakers. Pittas are fiery, and what drives us to achieve, accomplish goals, and exhibit fiery qualities like passion and anger. People who are considered Pittas are often described as "type A, overachievers."

3. Kapha (Earth) Kaphas have their feet firmly planted on the ground. They’re strong and muscular physically, and are emotionally stable, calm, and patient. Kaphas are Earthy, and what helps us to feel grounded, nurture others, and exhibit a calming presence in stressful situations. Kaphas tend to be calm, loving, and begrudge change.