Ayuveda: the ancient holistic health philosophy could make you fitter, happier and healthier

Ayuveda fans include celebrity health-hunters Gwyneth Paltrow, Oprah and Madonna, and as the holistic Hindu philosophy gains more recognition in the West, it's time we found out how it can help in the search for optimal health and wellbeing.

Meaning “science of life”, this 5,000 year-old holistic medical system incorporates diet, yoga, breathing, massage and herbal treatments to balance the mind, body and spirit.

While conventional Western medicine examines illness in isolation, treating only the affected area, according to Ayurvedic teaching, the body and mind are inextricably linked, with true health only achievable when the two are aligned.

Forced to go underground after being banned by the British during colonial rule, the Ayurvedic movement flourished and today, is practised in India by almost 80 per cent of the population.

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Cheap and cheerful
“One of the reasons Ayurveda is so popular in India, aside from its obvious physical and emotional benefits, is because it’s inexpensive to practise,” says Angela Hope-Murray, an Ayurvedic practitioner at The Hale Clinic in London and author of Ayurveda for Dummies. “It doesn’t require pricey drugs – everything you need can be found in the soil or in the kitchen.”

Proponents of Ayurveda claim its many benefits include improved sleep, increased energy levels, more balanced emotions, a stable weight and a clearer complexion.

“Ayurveda is all about harmonising with nature,” Angela explains. “When you practise an Ayurvedic lifestyle, you wake up earlier, sleep better, and women find that menstruation starts to align itself with the cycles of the moon.”

Identifying your dosha
Ayruveda teaches that the world is made up of five elements: Fire, Water, Earth, Air and Ether. These elements are represented in humans by three constitutional types or doshas: Vata (Wind), Pitta (Fire) and Kapha (Earth). For each element there is a balanced and an imbalanced expression. The theory is that health exists when the three doshas are balanced.

Each person has a dominant dosha, though often people have two prevalent doshas. There are several online quizzes that will help you identify your constitutional type (see doshaquiz.chopra.com or pukkaherbs.com). Once you have identified your dosha, you should follow the lifestyle and diet that fits your constitution.

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Vata
Vata is the energy that controls the bodily functions associated with movement and communication. These include the circulation of blood, breathing and the elimination of waste. Vatas tend to have a slim build, cold extremities and dry skin. They are creative types, experience high amounts of energy in short bursts and are prone to anxiety, bloating and joint disorders when out of balance. Vata diseases include osteoporosis, arthritis and Alzheimer’s.

Tips for Vatas
•    Vatas benefit from routine, so try to eat and sleep at the same time each day.
•    Avoid strenuous workouts, instead opting for low intensity exercise such as yoga and swimming.
•    Meditate daily to achieve focus and keep feelings of stress and anxiety at bay.
•    Plump for nourishing and sweet foods that are easy to digest, such as sweet berries, rice, nuts and dairy products.
•    Visit a sauna or steam room regularly.

Pitta
This energy is associated with the metabolism. Pittas tend to have a medium build and athletic body, high energy levels and good fertility. They sleep well and are intolerant to the sun. They are charismatic, full of life and energy and good planners. When out of balance, Pittas are angry, frustrated and irritable and can suffer from heartburn, insomnia and skin irritations.

Tips for Pittas
•    Keep cool – seek out shady spots and avoid saunas and steam rooms.
•    Steer clear of spicy foods, meat and alcohol and cut down on salt and caffeine.
•    Opt for fruit, vegetables and ice cream, which have a calming effect.
•    Take up a martial art to alleviate feelings of anger.

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Kapha
Kapha controls growth and is responsible for supplying water to all parts of the body. Kaphas are physically strong with a sturdy, heavier build. They are compassionate, loyal and calm. When out of balance, Kaphas can oversleep and suffer from a sluggish digestion. They are also prone to being overweight. They may have heart problems, diabetes or high cholesterol.

Advice for Kaphas
•    Vary your routine by eating at different times and trying new activities.
•    Exercise every day if possible.
•    Eat warm, spicy and dry foods, especially ginger, cumin, chilli, black pepper and bitter dark greens.
•    Avoid iced food and drink and cut down on bread and sweets.

Meditation
Ayurveda is very much tailored to the individual, so it’s best to seek the advice of a registered Ayurvedic practitioner before you begin. There is one aspect of the system, however, that will benefit all doshas: meditation.

“Daily meditation, even 10 minutes a day, will harmonise all the prana (energy) that’s moving through the body. If you start with the mind, you will eventually encourage the body to make the right choices like not having that second piece of cake,” says Angela.

A system that attends to your physical and emotional needs and helps you to stay in shape? Where do we sign up?

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