Do you want to be healthy and happy?
Aha! What a magic! This is what everyone wants in their life.
Living disease-free and being happy. Doesn’t it sound good?
If you fancy this, then let’s do this. This is the secret of your health and happiness.
This is not a secret, but we are not doing it.
Eureka! For thousands of years, Rishis have shown us this.
Living Naturally, living with nature, eating and doing things which align with nature, are our swabhav- traits.
Over 50 per cent population in the UK take at least one medicine. Billions of pounds are spent on this. Sick leave, providing benefits and pressure on the NHS is very heavy.
There is no shortcut to your health. There is no solution with science and medicine only. There is no one formula for modern maladies.
The integral path: body mind and spirit are interconnected, indivisible and essential. Yoga and Ayurveda follow this method, which is the ultimate solution of modern diseases.
Modern medicine strives to cure diseases and alleviate symptoms only, and most of the time only surficial short-term remedies; however, it is not enough so we must follow the ancient complete system that emphasizes personal responsibility and holistic well-being.
Ayurved stressed the need to treat people based on their Dosha: Kapha, Pitta and Bata. Balancing these three is the best way to be healthy. ‘All bodily functions are governed by three fundamental energies: Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth)’, according to Ayurved.
Ayurveda and Yoga talk about this. It is better to be careful and eat and do things which help us to be healthy and happy.
In the modern stressful world, health and happiness often seem abstract. But what if the answer lies in ancient wisdom? The Rishis of old Sanatan Dharma knew the secret. It’s about living in harmony with nature. This includes how we eat, move, and think- the Yogic way.
Yoga is more than just physical postures. It’s a way of life. It teaches balance and mindfulness. Swami Ramdev, a modern yoga guru, says, “Yoga is not just exercise. It is the art of living a healthy life.”
Daily yoga practice can reduce stress, which is one of the main causes of most of the diseases. It improves flexibility and mental clarity. It can cure lifestyle diseases and many others. We can live to be completely healthy and happy.
I have seen thousands of people- most of them suffering from diseases, some with serious illnesses like cancer, and kidney and liver problems, telling their stories that they were able to cure the disease through lifestyle change.
Doing yoga and meditation regularly, eating healthy foods and getting up early in the morning- Brahma muhurt.
Can we not change our lifestyle? Ayurveda, the ancient medical system, offers profound insights. It categorizes food into three types: Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic. I will discuss in detail about this in another article.
Sattvic foods are pure and nourishing. They include fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods promote health and well-being, clarity and calmness.
Rajasic foods are stimulating. Coffee, spicy foods, and fried items fall into this category. They can cause restlessness.
Tamasic foods are heavy and dull. Processed foods, meat, and alcohol are examples. They can lead to lethargy and confusion.
Ayurveda recommends a primarily Sattvic diet. This supports both physical health and mental peace.
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras specify a systematic approach to achieving holistic health through the eightfold path, or Ashtanga Yoga. This path includes ethical guidelines (Yamas and Niyamas), physical postures (Asanas), breath control (Pranayama), withdrawal of senses (Pratyahara), concentration (Dharana), meditation (Dhyana), and ultimately, liberation (Samadhi).
Patanjali’s framework is a comprehensive guide that addresses physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual growth, signifying that health extends beyond the absence of illness to include a state of complete harmony. Ayurveda, the traditional Hindu system of medicine, complements yoga by emphasizing individualized treatment and preventive care. It operates on the principle of balance among the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Moderation is key in Ayurvedic eating. Eat only two meals a day. Make these meals balanced and nutritious. Start each meal with green salads and fresh fruits. This aids digestion and provides essential nutrients. Eat mindfully, savouring each bite. Avoid eating late at night. Give your body time to digest before going to sleep.
Many modern diseases are lifestyle-related. Diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are examples. The good news? We can often prevent or manage these through lifestyle changes. After all, these are called lifestyle diseases.
Dr. Dean Ornish, a renowned lifestyle medicine expert, states, “Simple lifestyle changes can reverse many chronic diseases.” His research shows that diet, exercise, and stress management can even reverse heart disease.
Living in tune with nature can transform our health. Wake up early with the sun. Spend time outdoors. Eat foods that are in season. These simple acts align us with natural rhythms. They support our body’s innate healing abilities.
Modern science is catching up with ancient knowledge. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that Ayurvedic and yoga interventions can significantly improve health outcomes. Another study in the International Journal of Yoga showed that regular yoga practice can reduce inflammation, a root cause of many diseases.
Changing lifelong habits needs commitment. If you want to live a healthy life you need to change your lifestyle.
But the benefits are immense. Start small. Add one healthy habit at a time. Maybe it’s drinking more water. Or take a short walk each day. These small steps can lead to big changes.
Remember, health and happiness are interconnected. As we care for our bodies, our minds benefit too. And as we cultivate peace of mind, our bodies respond positively.
The path to health and happiness is not a secret. It’s been known for thousands of years. By embracing the wisdom of Ayurveda and Yoga, we can transform our lives. We can live in harmony with nature and our true selves. This is the real magic — a life of vitality, joy, and purpose.
