Translated from Sanskrit, "Ayurveda" is the science of long life. This ancient Indian healing system was included as a separate Veda in the Atharva Veda - the first treatise on medicine in the history of mankind. In ancient manuscripts at that time helminths, microbes, natural antibiotics, operations, and surgical instruments were already described. Information was also found on methods of treating various diseases - from childhood to those that arise in old age, including mental disorders and sexual impotence.
Brief historical background
According to Indian legends, Ayurvedic art is bestowed on people from Brahma himself. The heyday of teaching falls on the formation of Buddhism. The main difference between science and classical medicine is recognized as the basis for the vital activity of the interaction in the human body of water, air and fire, which are concentrated in the "prana", mucus and bile. A harmonious combination of all these substances is considered health. Pathologies provoke disturbances in the balance and the destructive effect of the elements on the human condition. The doctrine has spread far beyond India. Its development continued until the 17th century, when European medicine began to acquire the greatest popularity.
"Second Life" of Science
By the middle of the twentieth century, they were again interested in learning: centers began to be organized, Ayurvedic products shops opened around the world. According to the doctrine, the main "gross" components are combined in the body - ether, air, water, fire and earth. Body tissues - “dhatu” are formed from them. All components, in turn, are connected into three "doshas" - the main forces. They provide human life. Thus, all people are divided into three categories: "watts" (air and ether), "kapha" (earth and water), "pitta" (water and fire). For a normal existence, doshas and dhatus need food and water. The original human nature - "prakriti" depends on the correct balance of the main forces of the body. At the same time, a person is able to manage it, regulate the balance, preventing diseases. According to the Ayurveda teaching, the regimen of the day and nutrition are important components of preventive and therapeutic measures aimed at maintaining and restoring the necessary balance in the body. The state of dhatu at a particular moment is called "vikriti."
Teaching "Ayurveda". Nutrition by body type: "watt"
As mentioned above, people, according to this science, are divided into three categories: "pitta", "kapha" and "watta". Representatives of the latter type are not inclined to completeness; their skin, including on the head, is dry, which often leads to brittle hair. A distinctive feature of these people is energy: they are always passionate and busy with something. However, their interest in the subject disappears quite quickly. What does the Ayurveda teaching recommend to people like "watt"? Food for this category should be as follows: milk, buckwheat, brown rice. Sweet fruits, bananas, avocados, grapes, oranges, cherries must be present in the diet. Raw vegetables, soy products, peas, apples, melons are not recommended.
Pitta
The "pitta" people are characterized by an elegant physique, they are not prone to fullness. As a rule, their skin is thin and white, and their hair is fair. They, like the people of "watt", are energetic, actively participate in public life.
However, they are characterized by some incontinence, and sometimes even aggressiveness. In the diet, people of this type are recommended to include more dairy products, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, legumes, peas, asparagus, celery. Be sure to include in the dishes garden greens (dill, parsley and other types),
seasonings (coriander, cinnamon). The use of plums, oranges, mangoes is recommended. Exclude from the diet should be garlic, tomatoes, red meat, bananas. It is undesirable to eat saffron and ginger, sour fruits, nuts.
Kapha
People like Kapha have a good physique, but tend to be overweight. Their weight increases especially rapidly with an improperly prepared diet. People of this category are distinguished by clean, fresh skin, calm character. Such individuals are independent and non-conflict. Along with this, they are characterized by inactivity, lethargy and passivity. According to the Ayurveda teaching, kapha food should include more brown rice, soy cheese, Brussels sprouts. It is recommended to use coffee, ginger, various spices, dried fruits. Pomegranates and cranberries should be included in the diet. Kapha melons, chicken and beef, pineapples, dates, coconuts are not recommended for people. White rice, milk, and sweets should also be excluded (some honey is allowed).
Teaching "Ayurveda". Food. Some recipes
According to the doctrine, all food is divided into three types: tamas, rajas and sattva. The principles of nutrition in Ayurveda are balanced diet, the right combination of tastes. Sattvic food is easily absorbed, it is pure and rich in prana. What foods are related to sattva? First of all, these are fresh fruits, greens, steamed vegetables. It should be said that sattvic dishes are recommended mainly for those who have problems with weight. The diet includes fresh cottage cheese, milk. Mandatory presence of spices: fennel, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger. Recommended nuts and seeds (lightly toasted). Too sweet foods are excluded. It is allowed to consume honey, palm sugar (in small quantities). You can quickly bring the state of the body back to normal and maintain it at the required level, if you follow what the teachings of "Ayurveda" recommend. "Nutrition for weight loss" - as so many people call sattvic food.
Tamas and Rajas
A stimulating effect on the body is provided by rajasth food. With its frequent use, nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, and excessive activity appear. In addition, the level of toxins in the blood rises. Fried, salted, spicy foods, vinegar, marinades, mushrooms are considered rajasth food. Irritatingly affect the body of onions and garlic, coffee. Tamas food causes lethargy, confusion, disorientation, and in some cases aggression. The products that provoke such conditions include canned food, refined sugar, fish, meat. In the diet, there are an abundance of flour products, fats, oils. According to the teachings of Ayurveda, nutrition at 75% should be vegetarian. The main dish is kichari. When used, it does not form, but rather, toxins are removed from the body. For cooking, you should take a cup of yellow lentils, 3 cm of ginger root (fresh), two cups of basmati rice (white), ghee (2 tsp), half a spoonful of turmeric, coriander seeds (ground), cumin seeds (whole) and mustard (black preferably), 1/4 tsp. fennel, salt and dill. A pinch of asafoetida and eight cups of water is added. Rice and lentils thoroughly rinse, add water and cook until soft, covered with a lid. In a separate frying pan, oil is heated, spices are added, slightly fried. The mixture obtained in the pan must be added to the almost cooked rice. Then, putting cilantro and salt, bring to readiness.
Braised zucchini
For their preparation, you should take ghee (2 tbsp. L.), 0.5 tsp. seeds of mustard and cumin, 1/4 tsp. turmeric and salt, a handful of cilantro (fresh) leaves, a pinch of asafoetida, a pod of hot green pepper, dry or fresh curry leaves (4 pcs.), four cups of zucchini (sliced in stripes or cubes), a cup of water. Oil is poured into the heated pan, mustard, asafoetida, cumin are added. When they start snapping seeds, you should put turmeric, cilantro, chili, carry, zucchini. The dish needs to be salt, pour a cup of hot water, partially cover with a lid. Stew should be on low heat.
Key recommendations
According to the Ayurveda teaching, nutrition has a significant impact on human health. There are several rules, observing which you can maintain the optimal balance of doshas.
- There should be sitting, without being distracted by foreign objects (reading or TV). The situation should be calm.
- The main meal is best done at noon.
- You should not eat in a state of sadness, anxiety.
- Breaks between meals should be at least three hours.
- The best food is freshly prepared dishes.
- Too hot or very cold foods should not be consumed.
- Drink milk separately from other dishes.
- Food should correspond to the weather, season, physiological characteristics of the body.