“Ayurveda on Health: What it Actually Means to be Healthy” by Parnella Rayappan

We have been made to believe that we need to be slim to be considered “healthy”. When we start an exercise routine, the results are measured based on numbers that appear on a scale, whether our clothes fit better, and when someone says “Hey! You’ve lost weight!”.

However, we are not defined by numbers on a scale or the size label on our clothes. In Ayurveda, we are seen as physical beings that are powered by Prana – the lifeforce of the Universe. Whatever is created by the Universe, is reflected and manifested in our body, mind, senses, and actions.

Ayurveda teaches us how to live a life that is filled with positive energy, presence, love, respect for nature, giving back to the community, and gratitude. This 5,000 year old system of medicine focuses on preventive care first before looking into treatment. It teaches us that we have the power to make mindful choices that can either keep us healthy and vibrant, or be susceptible to early onset disease.

To be perfectly honest, we are all susceptible to illness, disease, decay and death. It is the way of Nature. We are governed by Creation, Preservation and Destruction; the 3 laws and forces of Nature. How long we live, how well we live, is entirely in our hands and in the hands of those who care for us and vice versa. This comes down to learning about what foods are suitable for our body types based on our lifestyles, pace of life, country, and how well we sleep.

The 3 Pillars of Health in Ayurveda are Food, Sleep and Lifestyle. Food is something we need to give us energy to perform our roles in life with vigor and enthusiasm. Sleep is essential to rest our mind and body to prevent us from falling sick. Lifestyle allows us to choose how we want to participate in society, stay active, creative and curious. Any imbalance in these 3 pillars will result in us having digestive issues, low energy and bad sleep.

Here are some humble tips that can help us live a life that is simple, vibrant and joyful: Start your day with warm water on an empty stomach to wake up your digestive fire, stretch your body for 10 minutes, go for a 10 minute walk under the morning sun, take lukewarm showers, enjoy simple meals that are freshly cooked with local vegetables, meet your friends regularly to socialize, do your work with gratitude, spend a few minutes in silent prayer or meditation, let lunch be your biggest meal of the day, and keep things simple.

About the Author

Parnella is an Ayurveda Therapist, Trainer and Yoga Educator at Union Yoga Ayur veda. She provides therapeutic services to patients from all walks of life and facilitates Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy Foundation classes to sincere and curious students. She truly believes that Ayurveda and Yoga are for everyone. Whatever your species, race, age, occupation – there is something for everyone because these sciences are gifts to us from the Universe. It is through sincere studying, curiosity and unwavering faith that we can live a life that is present, mindful and joyful no matter the circumstance.