• Published on: Nov 09, 2021
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Ayurveda And Its Benefits

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Ayurveda and its benefits

Ayurveda is about matching your body with food, exercises, rituals to the qualities of nature.

Ayurveda prescribes healthy eating habits while suggesting appropriate yoga poses for various ailments. It also prescribes herbal therapies and values medicinal plants. The ultimate goal is wellness which takes into account physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. 

The best thing about ayurvedic treatment is that it addresses both the physical as well as mental wellness of an individual holistically without any side effects or adverse reactions. You will not face any difficulty in adjusting to anyone's day-to-day routine once you have been cured of your condition using ayurvedic therapy.

Ayurveda is a healing system that originated in India. It's based on the natural elements of space, air, fire, water, and earth. The body needs these elements to create balance which leads to healing.

It has three main objectives:

  • to unify the individual with their universal nature
  • to establish dharma balance
  • to create harmony among one’s inner self and outer world

Aurvedya teaches us that we're one with all cosmic creations and can work towards achieving what is called Swasthya "Health", not just physical but also mental and spiritual health, where we can live our life fully unhindered by disease or suffering.

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of alternative medicine to prevent and treat bodily disorders. Ayurveda's therapeutic routines differ significantly from various other procedures in its use of malas, or ritualistic objects and practices that guide the patient through the experience. These rituals promote relaxation and provide methods for cleansing and detoxification, while simultaneously removing toxins from the mind-body connection by focusing on breathing, meditation, coloring mandalas (visual arts), practicing yoga poses (physical pursuits) and eating foods that align with your dosha type (digestion). Breathing exercises such as pranayama can help relieve depression by calming cortisol secretion.

Ayurvedic cooking recipes vary widely based on geography and personal preference. The basic idea is to prepare food in a way that enhances the body's natural functions, providing its energy for physical work and emotional stability. Benefits include increased vitality, weight loss, deep insight into one's emotions, improved digestion and assimilation of nutrients, boosted immune function with improved resistance to infection as well as developmentally appropriate tips for children from those with experience raising them from birth through adolescence.

Ayurveda is a traditional Indian medicinal practice, from the Sanskrit word from ayur for "life" and veda meaning "knowledge". Ayurvedic medicine is more than just a set of remedies. It's also an approach to life to reduce stress on the body which can lead to progressive imbalance and disease. There are many ways in which people sleep badly that affect their health over time - being too hot or cold, being woken up frequently by alarms or other factors, not enough deep sleep cycles. As a result, there are many missed opportunities for cellular repair and rebalancing.

Ayurveda includes a philosophy that posits an individual's personality and environment to create the right balance of mind and body for optimum health. Indian traditional medicine looks at seven bodily systems to maintain both physical and mental health. They are: kapha (mucus), pitta (blood), vata (wind or air); earth-fire; agni (digestive fire); samana (waste product removal) and heat regulation, mala dhatu through thyroid hormones, metabolism control; endocrine system; immunity surveillance; nervous system.

Ayurveda is an ancient healing modality that, like yoga, aims to balance the three constituents of our being - body (our form), mind (our thoughts and emotions), and spirit (our purpose or soul). The word "Ayurveda" loosely translated means 'the science of life' or 'knowledge about life'. As many other traditional medicines do, Ayurveda believes disease has multiple causes like genetic predisposition, external factors including diet. Mental wellbeing is known to influence physical constitution. Nowadays this holistic traditional system is regarded as complementary rather than alternative medicine that complements Western treatment plans for cancer patients.

Ayurveda is a holistic healing system originating from the Indian subcontinent. The word 'Ayurveda means “knowledge about life,” and ayurvedic medicines are designed to help balance the natural forces of mind, body, and spirit that lead to an optimal state of well-being

Fasting can be an invaluable aid to purification for people who need extra energy to handle excess toxins in their systems due to either excess workload or diet. In general, fasting can be useful as a calming measure when one experiences heightened levels of stress or find oneself thinking obsessively over issues that cause anxiety. Though sometimes fasting is not advised if one's physical health is impaired due to serious illness or recent surgeries.

Ayurveda is the traditional Indian food therapy that says that your diet affects your health. It's an ancient system of natural practices for mindful eating, healthy living, and weight loss. Ayurveda teaches principles to maintain equilibrium in mind and body through gentle detoxification techniques, yoga practices, meditation exercises, whole foods diet, exercise routines including walking or swimming every day.

The most common goal for most people adopting a healthy lifestyle under ayurvedic guidance is better overall health along with losing weight when necessary to achieve perfect proportions of height and weight ratios as defined by traditional ayurvedic teachings. More young children are also seeking assistance from a qualified Ayurved therapist because they have been teased throughout their lives. Ayurveda is an approach to holistic medicine that originated in India 2,000 years ago and focuses on the balance of mind, body and spirit.

The primary result of balancing these three entities is a state of "good health" where the patient experiences natural healing and emotional wellbeing. Such good health benefits include increased energy levels, better sleep, immunity from disease and ailments such as diabetes mellitus, asthma, or osteoporosis. More specifically, there are many benefits based on the cleansing practices performed during a treatment session called Panchakarma.

Read Blog
How Cold Weather Affects Health: Understanding Winter’s Impact on the Body

How Cold Weather Affects Health: Understanding Winter’s Impact on the Body

Seasonal changes influence human health more than most people realise. Cold weather, in particular, places unique stress on the body and can worsen existing health conditions while increasing susceptibility to new illnesses. Understanding how cold weather affects health is essential for preventing seasonal complications and maintaining wellbeing during winter months.

In India, winter-related health issues vary by region but commonly include respiratory infections, cardiovascular strain and joint discomfort. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and World Health Organization (WHO), cold exposure is associated with increased morbidity, especially among older adults and people with chronic conditions.

 

Why Cold Weather Impacts the Body

The human body works constantly to maintain core temperature. In cold environments:

  • blood vessels constrict to conserve heat
     

  • energy expenditure increases
     

  • immune responses may weaken
     

  • organs work harder to maintain balance
     

These adaptations, while protective, also create health vulnerabilities.

 

Increased Risk of Infections

Weakened Immune Response

Cold weather can suppress immune function, making it harder for the body to fight infections.

Factors contributing to winter infections include:

  • reduced vitamin D due to less sunlight
     

  • dry air affecting mucosal defenses
     

  • closer indoor contact
     

Common winter infections include colds, flu and respiratory illnesses.

 

Respiratory Health Problems

Cold air irritates the respiratory tract.

This can lead to:

  • worsening asthma symptoms
     

  • bronchitis flare-ups
     

  • increased cough and breathlessness
     

WHO reports higher hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses during colder months.

 

Impact on Heart Health

Cold temperatures affect cardiovascular function.

Blood Vessel Constriction

Cold causes blood vessels to narrow, increasing:

  • blood pressure
     

  • heart workload
     

This raises the risk of:

  • heart attacks
     

  • strokes
     

People with existing heart disease are particularly vulnerable.

 

Joint and Muscle Pain

Cold weather affects musculoskeletal health.

Common complaints include:

  • joint stiffness
     

  • muscle aches
     

  • worsening arthritis pain
     

Lower temperatures reduce joint lubrication and increase sensitivity to pain.

 

Metabolic and Weight Changes

Winter often leads to:

  • reduced physical activity
     

  • increased calorie intake
     

  • metabolic slowdown
     

These changes contribute to weight gain and worsen metabolic conditions such as diabetes.

 

Skin and Hydration Issues

Cold air holds less moisture.

This leads to:

  • dry skin
     

  • cracked lips
     

  • worsening eczema
     

Dehydration is also common as thirst perception reduces in cold weather.

 

Mental Health Effects

Seasonal changes can influence mental wellbeing.

Cold weather is associated with:

  • low mood
     

  • reduced motivation
     

  • seasonal affective symptoms
     

Limited sunlight affects circadian rhythm and serotonin levels.

 

Cold Weather and Older Adults

Elderly individuals face higher risks due to:

  • reduced temperature regulation
     

  • weaker immunity
     

  • existing chronic conditions
     

Winter-related complications are a significant cause of hospitalisation in older populations.

 

Why Chronic Diseases Worsen in Winter

Conditions such as:

  • hypertension
     

  • arthritis
     

  • asthma
     

  • diabetes
     

often worsen due to reduced activity, stress on organs and infection risk.

 

Preventive Strategies for Winter Health

Maintain Body Warmth

Layered clothing and warm environments reduce cold stress.

 

Support Immunity

Adequate nutrition, vitamin intake and sleep strengthen immune defences.

 

Stay Physically Active

Indoor exercises and regular movement prevent stiffness and metabolic decline.

 

Manage Chronic Conditions

Regular monitoring and medication adherence are critical during winter.

 

Hydration and Skin Care

Drinking fluids and using moisturisers prevent dehydration and skin damage.

 

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare helps:

  • identify seasonal risk factors
     

  • adjust treatment plans
     

  • prevent winter complications
     

NITI Aayog highlights seasonal preparedness as an important public health strategy.

When to Seek Medical Help

Medical attention is necessary if:

  • infections persist or worsen
     

  • chest pain or breathlessness occurs
     

  • joint pain limits mobility
     

  • mental health symptoms interfere with daily life
     

Early care prevents serious outcomes.

 

Long-Term Impact of Ignoring Winter Health Risks

Ignoring cold weather effects may lead to:

  • severe infections
     

  • cardiovascular events
     

  • chronic pain progression
     

  • reduced quality of life
     

Seasonal awareness plays a critical role in long-term health.

 

Conclusion

Understanding how cold weather affects health allows individuals to take timely preventive measures. Winter increases the risk of infections, heart strain, respiratory problems, joint pain and mental health challenges. With proper warmth, nutrition, activity and preventive healthcare, most cold-related health issues are manageable and preventable. Seasonal care is not optional—it is essential for protecting health and wellbeing throughout the colder months.

 

References

  • ICMR – Seasonal Health and Infectious Disease Reports

  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Seasonal Morbidity Data

  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Seasonal Preparedness Strategy

  • WHO – Cold Weather and Health Impact Guideline

  •  Lancet – Seasonal Variation in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases

  • Statista – Winter Health Trends and Illness Data

  • Indian Journal of Public Health – Climate and Health Studies

See all

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