The
mention of yoga brings to mind a set of physical exercises with a
flavor of India. And yes, there is meditation involved too. But there
is more to yoga than this. Yoga involves both physical and mental
disciplines; however, the purpose is to help those who practice yoga to
achieve their spiritual goal. The physical fitness and mental calm
gained in the process are incidental.
Ayurveda is the
ancient Indian science of health that deals with both physical and
mental health – absolute necessities on the spiritual path.
Cultural significance
The
purpose of a human existence according to Hinduism is to achieve
oneness with the Supreme Reality. Ill health can be a major deterrent
to this goal. Therefore, ancient Hindu seers amassed a wealth of
knowledge for both physical and mental well being. We know them as yoga
and ayurveda, a combination of which results in physical, mental and
emotional health, rendering a person holistically fit.
Origin
Hindu
Vedic philosophy has six main systems, with the system referring to
yoga called Yoga Darshana. This was compiled by Sage Patanjali; the
compilation was based upon ancient yogic teachings of several other
sages before him. Sage Charaka is considered the Father of Ayurveda,
with the Charaka Samhita being the source of all the ayurveda that is
currently practiced, with the root source being the Vedas – ancient
Hindu texts of wisdom.
Basic principles
Ayurveda
is a system that makes use of certain inherent principles of nature to
ensure good health. The basic surmise is that all human beings contain
the same five elements that the universe is made of – air, fire, water,
earth and ether. These elements are evident in the human body in the
form of life-forces or doshas, classified as vata, pitta and kapha. The
body remains healthy as long as the three remain in balance. Ill health
of any kind is caused by an imbalance in these doshas and the treatment
aims to correct the balance.
The science of yoga is based on five basic principles. These are:
• Proper relaxation
• Proper exercise
• Proper breathing
• Suitable diet
• Positive thinking
Ayurveda
and yoga go hand in hand. Exercise, breathing and diet can affect the
life-forces or dosha that impact overall health. Similarly, depending
upon the age and physical condition of a person, the dosha or
life-force balance varies. Appropriate exercises or asana as they are
called in yoga, suitable pranayama –breathing exercises, and a proper
diet differ according to the dosha balance in a person. It is possible
that an asana or breathing technique that benefits someone else might
actually cause you discomfort.
Yoga and ayurveda in the West
Yoga
has been around in the West since the twentieth century. However, the
West’s introduction to ayurveda happened much later – only in the
mid-1980s. The health benefits of yoga were acknowledged, but its full
healing potential in combination with modern allopathic medicine was
never realized. In the 1970s alternative medicine became popular in the
West and yoga practitioners tried associating yoga with naturopathy,
herbal remedies and even Chinese medicine. By the time ayurveda reached
Western shores, yoga had its own existence without the influence of
ayurveda. However, now there are many centers in the West that combine
yoga and ayurveda and offer personalized advice to address specific
needs.
Yoga therapy, with ayurveda as a key component, as well
as ayurvedic treatment that prescribes yoga, is now recognized as a
complete system of medicine.
