Introduction
A holistic approach to health and healing is where you treat the whole instead of just some part. It addresses keeping overall health in good condition where the mind, body and spirit are all nurtured and nourished. It pays respect to the fact that the whole is made up of interdependent parts that give us each our uniqueness and that we need to maintain balance within these parts to feel healthy and happy.
Healthy living and the ancient science of holistic healing
When it comes to healthy living and holistic healing Ayurveda comes to mind, as it is an ancient medical system which originated in India over 3000 years ago. Based on ancient teachings it is a medicinal system that promotes the concept of a natural approach to maintaining balance between our life forces or dosha of which there are three – vata, pitta and kapha. We each have a unique combination of these three forces and when that balance is in harmony our mental health and physical health are strong and we feel content socially and spiritually.
Despite being one of the oldest medical systems, it has proved itself versatile and adaptable to today’s lifestyles as well, which is why more people are adopting it to their daily lives, as a practical way to holistic health. It advises on simple lifestyle habits that are easy to do and being flexible it is a system of healing that can work alongside conventional medicine.
What is holistic healing?
Holistic healing is a form of health care that puts you more in control of your health by being mindful of the choices you make and the impact they will have on your mind, body and soul. Ayurveda is a form of integrative medicine that helps you understand yourself as a whole and use alternative therapies to main your wellbeing. Holistic medicine practitioners design their treatments based on each individual’s unique requirements explaining why these treatments are recommended. Holistic medicine allows people to play a stronger role in their journey towards health.
Ayurveda helps you maintain the balance between your dosha to regain harmony, based on our unique combinations. It can also provide remedies and relief for specific health conditions such as arthritis, asthma, increased blood sugar and even changes in your mental health.
Does ayurvedic treatment work?
There are numerous studies that have proved the positive effects of ayurveda with its lifestyle interventions and natural therapies that help you navigate your health and nourish your whole being. However, ayurveda should be used as a complementary and alternative medicine to be done alongside conventional medical care when it comes to treating serious conditions. Holistic health approaches wellbeing by giving you a greater understanding and ability to tune into your body and mind.
What are the different types of illnesses that can be treated with Ayurveda?
There are specific illnesses and health conditions for which ayurvedic treatment is recognised as a viable means to bring about long term relief and in some cases even as a cure.
Digestive illnesses – According to ayurveda a lack of a strong digestive system leads to dosha imbalance and build up of toxins or ama that cause diseases. Treatments include ayurvedic herbs, massages and panchakarma treatment to cleanse and strengthen the digestive system.
Heart disease – Ayurvedic treatments include therapeutic massages with sesame oil to help reduce high LDL cholesterol levels.
Arthritis – Here too therapeutic massages are used to strengthen the joint muscles and invite the natural flow of toxins out of the body. Herbs are also used to completely flush toxins out of the body.
Mental health conditions – Through diet, the gentle movement of yoga, herbs and meditation mental health is gradually strengthened. Abhyanga is a full body massage with medicated oils which is relaxing and beneficial for mental health conditions.
Insomnia and sleep disorders – Shirodhara is profoundly relaxing for the nervous system and so is excellent to treat sleep disorders along with herbals and natural therapies such as drinking a warm glass of milk with saffron among a host of other treatment options.
Chronic pain management – In ayurveda a vata dosha imbalance is always associated with chronic pain and so treatments are geared to balance the vata dosha and thereby reduce the build up of ama which causes chronic pain.
Ayurvedic treatment for cancer patients – Ayurveda cannot cure cancer, but it can be used alongside other treatments to bring relief through therapies such as bowel cleansing, yoga, meditation and herbal massages to mention a few options.
Healthy living through holistic healing
Ayurveda is all about living a life that is guided by holistic healing as it prescribes certain lifestyle changes that nurture wellness.
Following ayurvedic diet
Consult an ayurvedic practitioner to determine your dosha combination and based on that the best types of food to suit your constitution. You will be advised to include seasonal vegetables and fruits and to eat mindfully so that you feel properly satiated after each meal.
Ayurvedic daily routine
There are a number of ayurvedic routines that can be included in to your daily life for positive change. It is advised that you start your day with a glass of warm water, to take a few minutes for mindfulness or meditation, to take time for movement such as yoga or walking and to allocate proper times for your meals.
Sleep and relaxation
Sleep plays a very important role in leading a healthy life and ayurveda says you should adopt a wind down routine to promote good sleep. Take time to switch off from work and to relax and indulge in some reading or listening to music, anything that helps you relax. It also advises to have a set time daily where you go to bed so that your body prepares for sleep.
Managing stress
According to ayurveda you should avoid caffeine and other stimulants while making time to relax. Yoga is a great way to destress as some poses are geared to reduce stress. Breath deeply and take time to manage your time without simply rushing from one task to the next.
Exercise and physical activity
It goes without saying that physical activity whether intense or gentle plays a vital role in leading a health life. Find a form of exercise that suits you best and make sure to set aside time daily for this. You can gradually increase the duration as the habit becomes more firmly fixed in your daily routine.
Yoga and meditation
For some yoga and meditation go hand in hand though they can each be practised separately. Yoga is a form of meditation that also strengthens the body through a series of poses and stretches with focus on proper breathing. Meditation too helps calm your mind giving it time to heal and destress.
Ayurvedic treatment and remedies
Ayurveda has a range of holistic treatments and remedies that bring back harmony to your dosha constitution from herbal drinks to herbal massages such as abhyanga to detox or cleansing treatments such as the popular panchakarma treatment to acupuncture. All these treatments work to remove ama or toxins from the body so that the body can regain its natural balance.
Conclusion
Holistic healing is a great way to take control of your everyday health habits to lead a healthier lifestyle. Easy to adopt and adapt to suit your needs, holistic healing is the way to nurture and nourish yourself.