Healthy living in the modern world

Quite simply, there is no substitute for our own 'right' living. It cannot be bought at any price and another person cannot provide it for us. As long as we are not living in harmony with our constitution, we cannot expect to be really healed by any method. The beauty of Ayurveda is that it gives each one of us the knowledge and the opportunity to live in balance. It provides the guidance for our particular type covering all aspects of our nature, including physical, psychological and spiritual. But Ayurveda can only succeed if we are willing to invest the time and effort in ourselves.

One of the failings of modern culture is that it deprives us of the time that we need to take care of ourselves. We are caught in a process of expending energy, but not renewing it. However, if we really value our well-being, we must make the time. The responsibility is only ours; no one else is to blame if we do not make the effort.

Diet and herbs

Diet is the most important long-term physical remedial measure. Its effects take time to manifest, often up to six months, but are enduring. However, we may need to modify our diet to account for seasonal changes, age or for specific illnesses.

Herbs are like subtle foods. They can, and should be, taken on a regular basis by almost everyone. They are part of our requirement and provide nutrition that would not otherwise be available from our regular diet. According to Ayurveda, the correct nutrition is not only taking our daily food, but also taking our herbs on a daily basis.

Oils and massage

Massage and external application of oils are very useful. Therapeutic touch communicates with our body and breaks stagnation along its surface. A massage using oils is said to nourish the heart and calm the mind. It gives elasticity to the muscles and ligaments and strengthens the bones.

Essential oils and fragrances are also an important part of life. They open the mind and heart and purify the air and aura. Incense works along the same lines.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle is probably the most important factor in physical and mental health. The right lifestyle does not mean suppressing our nature, but bringing out its deeper powers. In Ayurveda, this includes not suppressing our natural urges like eating, sleeping, sex, elimination, urination, sneezing, weeping, coughing or yawning.

Lifestyle considerations for everyone involve such physical factors as the right amount of rest, sufficient exercise, right exposure to sun, heat or cold, and a pleasant and natural environment.