• 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
Air pollution

Impact of Air Pollution on Human Health: Risks, Effects and Prevention

Air pollution has become one of the most serious public health challenges worldwide. In India, rapid urbanisation, vehicle emissions, industrial activity and seasonal factors contribute to high pollution levels, especially in metropolitan cities. Understanding the impact of air pollution on human health is essential because exposure to polluted air significantly increases the risk of chronic illness and premature death.

According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is responsible for millions of premature deaths globally each year. Studies published in The Lancet highlight India as one of the countries most affected by air quality-related health burdens.

 

What Is Air Pollution?

Air pollution occurs when harmful substances such as:

  • particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)

  • nitrogen dioxide

  • sulfur dioxide

  • ozone

  • carbon monoxide

accumulate in the atmosphere at unsafe levels.

Among these, PM2.5 particles are particularly dangerous because they are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.

 

Respiratory Health Effects

The most immediate and visible impact of air pollution is on the lungs.

Short-Term Effects

  • coughing

  • throat irritation

  • wheezing

  • shortness of breath

Long-Term Effects

  • chronic bronchitis

  • asthma worsening

  • reduced lung capacity

  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Children and elderly individuals are especially vulnerable.

 

Impact on Heart Health

Air pollution does not only affect the lungs. Fine particles enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation.

Long-term exposure increases risk of:

  • hypertension

  • heart attack

  • stroke

  • atherosclerosis

ICMR reports show cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of mortality in India, with pollution being a significant contributing factor.

 

Impact on Immune System

Constant exposure to polluted air weakens the immune response.

This leads to:

  • frequent respiratory infections

  • slower recovery from illness

  • increased susceptibility to viral diseases

Pollution also increases systemic inflammation.

 

Effect on Children’s Health

Children are particularly vulnerable because:

  • their lungs are still developing

  • they breathe more air relative to body weight

  • they spend time outdoors

Long-term exposure may reduce lung growth and increase asthma risk.

 

Impact on Pregnant Women and Infants

Research published in Lancet indicates that high pollution exposure during pregnancy increases risk of:

  • low birth weight

  • premature birth

  • developmental complications

Protecting pregnant women from pollution exposure is critical.

 

Air Pollution and Cancer Risk

Prolonged exposure to air pollution increases the risk of lung cancer.

WHO classifies outdoor air pollution as a carcinogen.

 

Mental Health and Cognitive Impact

Emerging research suggests pollution may contribute to:

  • cognitive decline

  • mood disorders

  • reduced concentration

Clean air supports brain health.

 

Seasonal Pollution in India

During winter months, many cities experience severe smog due to:

  • crop burning

  • temperature inversion

  • increased emissions

Monitoring Air Quality Index (AQI) helps individuals take precautions.

 

Signs of Pollution-Related Health Impact

  • persistent cough

  • chest tightness

  • eye irritation

  • unusual fatigue

  • worsening asthma

Individuals experiencing these symptoms should consult healthcare providers.

 

Preventive Measures to Reduce Exposure

Monitor AQI

Avoid outdoor activities during high pollution days.

 

Use Protective Masks

N95 masks filter fine particles effectively.

 

Indoor Air Quality

Use air purifiers and keep windows closed during peak pollution.

 

Avoid High-Traffic Areas

Limit time near busy roads.

 

Maintain Healthy Lifestyle

Strong immunity helps reduce pollution-related health risks.

 

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Regular screening for:

  • lung function

  • blood pressure

  • heart health

helps detect early damage caused by pollution.

Urban populations should prioritise routine health checkups.

 

Long-Term Public Health Impact

Air pollution contributes significantly to:

  • healthcare burden

  • productivity loss

  • economic strain

Preventive awareness and environmental policies are essential.

 

Conclusion

The impact of air pollution on human health is profound and far-reaching. From respiratory disorders and heart disease to immune suppression and increased cancer risk, polluted air affects nearly every organ system. In India’s urban environment, proactive measures such as monitoring AQI, using protective masks and maintaining regular health screenings are crucial. Protecting oneself from air pollution is not just about comfort—it is a vital step in preserving long-term health and preventing chronic disease.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Air Pollution and Health Reports
  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Environmental Health Studies
  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Respiratory and Cardiovascular Data
  • NITI Aayog – Environmental and Preventive Health Strategy Reports
  • Lancet – Global Burden of Disease and Air Pollution Research

See all

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