Sen - Ayurvedic Home Remedies: An Essential Guide to Ayurvedic Home Remedies for the Treatment of Common Ailments, Balance and Well Being

Ayurvedicmedicine is based on the belief that there is a very fine balance between thebody, mind and spirit. Even the slightest imbalance could result in themanifestation of common ailments. By treating the specific imbalances, the body,mind and spirit are restored to their initial, healthful state. The focus liesin prevention more than on the cure. In Ayurvedic philosophy, and it makesgreat sense, we ask why suffer from an ailment when simple measures taken tomaintain balance can prevent disease from entering the body in the first place?

Accordingto Ayurvedic philosophy everything in the universe is interconnected, boththings that are living and things that are not. Every element in theatmosphere, every molecule in space is all connected and a part of each one ofus. As living beings we strive for balance and steer away from discord. Whenthere is a disruption in the balance of the elements within our body we willfeel and see the effects through the state of our own personal health.

Inthe universe there are five elements; Earth, Air, Water, Fire and Space. Eachpersons individual constitution, or Prakriti, is made up of these elements ina proportion that is unique to them. Human beings are predictable creatures,and even though we each possess our own unique combination, there are aresulting three Doshas that define us and the energies that lie within us. Thethree Doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

VataDoshas are primarily influenced by the elements of space and air. If you are aVata, you are characteristically always on the go. The space and air elementskeep you in motion. When balanced, you are lively and energetic. Though yournature is to always be doing, take care to keep yourself in balance withadequate rest and relaxation. Do not allow yourself to get so caught up in theflurry of activity that it becomes stressful for you. The same elements thatbring you joy and harmony can easily cause ailments if left to becomeunbalanced. Dryness is also a common trait of those with a Vata dosha. Dryskin, dry mouth, dry cough, etc. can become problematic for an unbalanced Vata.Maintain proper moisture and hydration both internally and externally. If, as aVata, you are beginning to feel unbalanced, but not experiencing a particularailment, there are things you can do to help restore harmony before sickness ordisease occurs. Along with proper rest and hydration, Vatas should avoid cold,dry environments, and favor warming substances. Warm drinks, warm massages andthe warming scents of cinnamon, clove, frankincense and vanilla are beautiful,calming ways to bring your dosha back into balance.

Pittadoshas are dominated by fire and water. The fire element makes for strongpersonalities in Pittas. If you are dominated by a Pitta dosha, you are likelystrong willed, direct, a leader and a decision maker. Periods of imbalance findyou easily agitated and angry. A body with a Pitta dosha may run an averagetemperature that is slightly elevated, and the skin will take on a rosy glow.Once a Pitta becomes unbalanced, and there is too much fire element present,the skin may break out, and burning disorders such as heartburn, ulcers andgeneral inflammation may appear. To keep your Pitta in balance, you need tomaintain some coolness in your life to counteract all of the heat. Spend timeoutside in the evening, away from the daytime sun. Allow a cool evening breezeto soothe you. Try to avoid stressful situations and argumentative people thatwill likely exaggerate your fiery characteristics. You may also practicepeaceful daily meditation while inhaling the cooling scents of rose, mint,lavender, chamomile or jasmine. As a luxurious way to balance Pitta, allowyourself time to relax while receiving a massage using cooling coconut oil.Once you are relaxed, spritz your skin with rosewater and rest quietly in aroom surrounded by the cooler colors of the spectrum, such as blues and purples.