People are becoming more and more aware of fitness and yet, our lifestyle is such that it actually takes us away from good health. We spend much more time than we ever did, just sitting in front of a computer or television. Even children spend more time on video games and television than on playing outdoors. Recent research has shown that children who spend more time sitting at the computer, television or smart pad become more predisposed to high blood pressure and other related ailments. On the other hand, studies also show that staying active with regular exercise and a healthy diet actually contributes to good health and improves resistance to disease.
As far as restoring good health is concered, Ayurveda believes in the body’s inherent capacity to heal itself. The way of life it advocates is aimed at raising the level of fitness and good health, which itself would strengthen the immune system and keep diseases at bay. The influence of the mind on the body is upheld by Ayurvedic principles. Therefore, good mental health and freedom from mental stress is necessary for total well-being. This is the reason why yoga and meditation were prescribed, to bring about harmony between mind and body. In fact, the way of life that is prescribed by Ayurveda is all-encompassing and takes into consideration, diet and fasting, physical exercise, relaxation, massage and so on.
Healing Ayurveda
The ancient sages of India placed high value on raw, natural foods and fresh fruit and vegetable juices. In fact, the detoxification of the body through raw foods and juices was considered to be the first step in curing disease and achieving good health. Today, the expensive “health farms” of Europe are upholding these nutritional facts of Ayurveda.
When we talk of natural foods, we include those that can be eaten raw, those that are naturally derived and those that are unrefined and unprocessed. Not only do they detoxify the system by promoting the elimination of wastes, but also bring about a sense of well being and vitality. This is because they ensure that the body receives the essential nutrients and help in achieving the desired acid-alkaline and sodium-potassium balances.
There is enough evidence that natural foods improve the external appearance. A diet that is high in fresh fruits and vegetables, unprocessed cereals, sprouted grains, nuts, seeds, yogurt, can make you look and feel much better. The vitamins, minerals and trace elements found in natural foods are extremely essential to the immune system too, protecting the body from disease, degeneration and premature aging. The general feeling of well being and vitality actually improves the mental outlook, helps the body to cope with stress, boosts self confidence and adds a zest to life.
As far as the external appearance is concerned, the old adage “Internal health for external beauty” holds true, more so today, when scientific research has upheld the empirical knowledge of Ayurveda. The vitamins play an important role in maintaining healthy skin. Vitamin C, for instance, keeps collagen healthy and thus keeps the skin firm and resilient. Vitamin A is also important for maintaining the youth of the skin and in the process of cell-renewal. It keeps the skin, soft and smooth. The B Complex Vitamins promote and protect the good health of both skin and hair, along with minerals like iron, iodine and copper. In fact, adequate quantities of the essential vitamins and minerals keep age-related changes at bay.
Healing Ayurveda
The ancient Indian doctrine of Yoga has attained universal popularity today. In fact, it has become very relevant to modern lifestyle, bringing about harmony of body and mind. Hatha Yoga, consisting of physical exercises, is the most commonly followed. The exercises or “asanas” are particularly beneficial for strengthening the body, making it flexible, supple and youthful. They are combined with breathing exercises, thus improving oxygenation, purifying the organ systems and inducing relaxation of both body and mind.
True physical fitness means a body that is not only free from disease, but is strong and resilient, capable of greater energy, endurance and stamina. Such a body has the ability to perform at its peak. It also has a mind that functions at its peak of efficiency and is able to deal with stress in a positive way. Studies carried out on people who have regular exercise have shown that positive changes have occurred in their attitudes, with geater self-confidence and emotional stability. The physical benefits are numerous. Exercise increases metabolic activity, improves blood circulation and elimination of wastes, keeps the weight under check, improves suppleness and stamina of the body and so on. It also helps to check the degenerative processes and delays the aging signs on manifesting themselves on the body. In fact, regular exercise not only benefits the figure, but improves the health of the skin and hair, by supplying more oxygen to the tissues. The body looks and feels youthful. All this has a direct effect on one’s self image, which really gets a boost.
Shanaz Husain
Ayurveda is the way that we can come close to Nature. Whenever we have gone away from nature, we have suffered, in terms of losing health and beauty and even in destruction to the world we live in. Twenty eight years ago, when I started my career, I adopted the concept of natural care and cure and the Ayurvedic system. I have always projected the idea of beauty through good health. I also promoted the Indian Ayurvedic heritage, because I firmly believe that India has a great deal to offer the rest of the world, by way of our great tradition of herbal healing. Today, the entire world is looking at Nature with enlightened eyes and at holistic systems like Ayurveda.
Source : http://wonderwoman.intoday.in/
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