Health Is Your Wealth

‘Health is your Wealth’ as we say in Ayurveda.  If ever there was a time for recognising this, then it is now. We cannot buy good health, it is something we have to cultivate ourselves to the best of our ability.

One of the things I love about Ayurveda, other than the fact it is from the Vedas, which makes it ancient, and it focuses on not just the body and the mind but also…ta da da…the soul...is that it helps to promote good immunity, which is fundamental to the prevention of disease.

In fact one of the main objectives of Ayurveda is the prevention of disease through strengthening the immune system, which makes the immune system a significant element of Ayurveda. As we all know, our wellbeing is dependent on the body’s resistance to dis-ease, and the immune system plays a significant role in the prevention of, and recovery from, disease. 

What we also know is that some are more prone to disease than others. For example, among persons living in infected surroundings, only some of them are found to be affected, while others are left without any effect. It shows that the pathogenic (bacterium, virus or other microorganism) causes require particular favourable conditions and susceptibility of the individual in order for disease to form. Without these conditions, they will be destroyed by themselves. Thus the stronger our immunity, the safer we are from disease.

 In Ayurveda, the focus is not on the prevention of disease, per se, but on strengthening the immune system as a whole. In this way we can maximise ‘ojas’.  Ojas is a Sanskrit term which can be translated as ‘vigor’ or ‘essence of vitality’. Essentially, ojas is the vital energy that governs our immunity, strength and happiness – three things we want in abundance. If our ojas is weak, then our health, our spirits and our energy, decrease.

Like any hereditary characteristics, immunity is also inherited and greatly influenced by several other factors such as diet, environment, way of living, age, mental state, development or growth and pathological conditions of the individuals. In Ayurveda, factors affecting the immunity are classified as follows:

Factors that lessen immunity:

·      Mental stress such as fear, anxiety, anger, grief

·      Poor diet and nutritional disturbances

·      Lack of sleep

·      Excessive physical exertion/exercise

·      Alcohol, drugs and smoking

·      Severe infection

·      Injury, accidental or surgical

·      Excessive loss of bodily fluids

·      Wasting

·      Season, environment and age

·      Severe constitution derangement 

Factors that enhance immunity

·      Balanced diet appropriate for constitution

·      Mental peace

·      Proper exercise

·      Favourable climate

·      Characteristics of race and generation in which birth took place

·      Genetics of parents

·      Constitutional characteristics (vata, pitta, kapha)

·      Adolescence

·      Proper mental stimulation

In the ancient Ayurvedic texts (of Charaka and Vaghbhata), we are told the features of a healthy person include the following:

Dosha (one of three biological energies circulating within the body) – the doshas that are present in the body and the mind (vata, pitta and kapha) must be in a balanced state in order to keep a person healthy. When the balance of the doshas is disturbed, then this can lead to a state of disease and impact on the immune system.

Agni (fire) – in order for an individual to stay healthy, their digestive fire (‘agni’) must be balanced and effective. When the digestive fire is weak, this can cause many diseases. It is well known that the health of an individual is dependent on the strength of their digestion. 

Waste products  – the excretion of faeces, urine and sweat must be balanced.

Tissues  – the seven tissues of the body must be in a balanced state and able to function properly.

Senses – the sensory and motor organs and mind must be in equilibrium and able to discharge do their duties properly.

Mind – the state of mental health is more important than physical health. Look after your mental state! 

Soul – awakened consciousness, unifying body and mind for eternal health and happiness – hoorah for that!

So how can this be achieved?

·      Eating for your constitution, being aware of the impact various foods/drinks have on your digestive capability, and resulting mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Avoiding foods/drinks that don’t support your wellbeing on all those levels. Lots of vegetables and fruits. Avoiding cold or raw as can be difficult to digest properly unless your digestive function is brilliant! Nourishing soups using coconut milk and light spices, white rice, chicken, white fish, pulses, cereals, soft cheese, pitta bread that sort of thing. Think nourishing and warming (but not spicy).

·      Those who are pitta (fire and water) inclined, being mindful of excess heat in the body, especially if you’re suffering with stress, migraines, infections, acidity, stomach ulcers, inflammatory conditions and loose stools, tendency to anger easily, avoiding tomatoes, chilli and red wine. 

·      Those who are kapha (water and earth) inclined, being mindful of excess mucus, especially if you’re feeling sluggish, lazy, sticky, heavy and cold and digestion is slow, feeling unforgiving and avoiding dairy products and heavy foods if so.

·      Those who are vata inclined (air and ether), being mindful of feelings of anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, suffering with cold hands and feet and constipation (rabbit droppings) avoiding ‘bird’ foods such as nuts, seeds and dried fruits. 

·      By maintaining the proper functioning of your digestive system, only eating when hungry and avoiding too much snacking.

·      Yoga for promoting mental, emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing. Practising gently to nourish and support constitution, not create imbalance or exhaust you.

·      Taking adequate rest – use Yoga Nidra where you can. 

·      Appropriate exercising such as walking and swimming.

·      Socialising with friends and family (in light of social distancing this will need to be done at a distance for now).

·      Avoid ingesting anything that depletes you such as alcohol, smoking, drugs, junk food, screen time.

·      A clean and clear environment – spring clean and get rid of the junk and clutter.

·      Getting out into nature where you can. Walking on the beach or the cliffs. Noticing the sun and moon cycle, noticing the stars at night. Listening to the birds.

·      A positive outlook. Reducing exposure to negativity from the news and social media. Mixing with positive people where you can.

·      Surrounding yourself with colour. Avoiding black, for example, which can sap energy.

·      Wearing/holding crystals.

·      Ayurvedic medicine where necessary (you can talk to me about this).

·      Doing things which make you happy such as reading, writing, art work, singing, watching happy films. 

·      Smile and laugh as much as you can.

·      Connect into your heart. 

·      Giving yourself Reiki if you are Reiki attuned.

It seems so important to me that instead of focusing on the fear and anxiety that the Coronavirus has caused for many, that we focus on the positives, and doing what we can to promote our immunity and our health and wellbeing. Every cloud has a silver lining, and taking responsibility for our health and wellbeing should be up there, with recognising the simplicity in life again. I hope this article helps, let me know if I can help through Ayurveda or otherwise! [Happy to shop for anyone who can’t get out!].

 Love Emma x