In this world of hustle and bustle, one cannot escape different types of health problems that arise from working conditions, diet, and physical inactivity. Several of these issues are just limited to physical inconveniences or mental issues but are actually a result of imbalance in our everyday schedules. Ayurveda – a system of medicine from India – provides uncomplicated, authentic, and spiritual ways of regaining balance in the human body and spirit.
The sooner we adapt to the ideas of Ayurveda and begin to follow the precepts of this medicine in our daily practice, the healthier we will become. In this blog, we will focus on how some aspects of Ayurveda can be effective in solving usual work-related and lifestyle-related health issues.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is derived from two Sanskrit words: Ayu, denoting life, but practically it means science of life span, and Veda, meaning knowledge. It is a system of medicine designed by Indian physicians to rebalance the body and the mind. According to Ayurveda, every individual is made up of three primary energies, or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
These doshas perform various tasks in the body:
- Vata (air and ether) controls movement, circulation, respiration, and muscles.
- Healthy digestion, proper metabolism, and body temperature are maintained with the help of Pitta (fire and water).
- Composed of earth and water, Kapha is responsible for body strength, immunity, and stability
The body & mind are always healthy when doshas are aligned. However, when the imbalance because of wrong dieting, unhealthy lifestyles, stress, or other factors arises, diseases occur.
We also at Tharavad Ayurveda Retreat recognize agni, the physiological process of the digestive fire imperative to metabolism according to ancient knowledge of Ayurveda. The weaker agni forms ama (toxins) in the body and causes diseases. A healthy diet and a proper elimination are thus very health-enhancing processes that must be achieved.
Book your appointment now to balance your doshas!
How Ayurveda Can Help with Work-Related Problems?
Many scholars have claimed that the current world of work can be energetically and psychologically challenging, causing many health issues. ‘Work-Related Health Issues’ range from strains, including those of the wrist, to high levels of stress. According to Ayurveda, there are several approaches to the management of these issues. We at Tharavad Ayurveda Retreat have identified various methods that can treat these problems.
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)
In today’s digital world, the screens of our PCs & laptops are our lifelines. But do you know how bad it can be? It can cause you carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and lower back pain.
Don’t worry! We at Tharavad Ayurveda Retreat resolve this with Abhyanga (self-massage) and Swedana (herbal steam).
- Abhyanga (self-massage) is effective in increasing blood circulation in the body and also relieves spasms and tightness of muscles, facilitating healing.
- Swedana (herbal steam) can reduce stiffness of muscles and also enhance blood circulation.
Other preventive measures include stretching exercises that should be implemented prior to and taking frequent breaks to minimize the incidence of strain injuries. According to Ayurveda, one should try some easy yoga stretches or recommend practicing some kind of exercise to reduce stiffness.
Call us now & end your Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI).
Computer Vision Syndrome
Prolonged operations on a computer without a break can cause eye stress, dryness of the eyes, headaches, and blurring of vision known as computer vision syndrome. Ayurveda advises some processes also known as nasya, which means application of oil in the nostrils, to moisturize and revive the eyes.
Nasya clears the oppression in the forehead area that includes sinus and eye strain-relieving headaches.
Staring at the computer screen for a long time leads to eye strain. One takes breaks after every one hour to look at a distant object.
In addition, practices such as trataka, which involves gazing at a single point, and the use of eyewash herbs would also serve to calm uneasy eyes.
Work-Related Stress
Work-related stress in the long term results in anxiety, burnout, and digestion and sleep disorders. Stress is treated in Ayurveda through recommended rituals including pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation.
Pranayama assists in the regulation of the nervous system, enhances the oxygenation of the blood, and stills the mind. Some of the asanas that are quite beneficial to relieve stress include anulom vilom (alternate nostril breathing) and bhastrika (bellows breath). Meditation also focuses the mind and calms the nerves while also allowing the brain to think more clearly.Also, yoga is a critical component of managing excessive muscle strain and unwanted thoughts. Stress may have adverse effects on the body and mind; however, yogas like hatha or restorative yoga can help towards avoiding some of these impacts.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Sitting is a problem that most of us deal with in our workplaces. Due to desk-bound jobs and long working hours, it creates complications such as back pain, poor posture, and reduced blood flow. Therefore, in Ayurveda, it is recommended to move or take a break to avoid health problems.
It is advisable to use the ‘five to nine rule,’ where one takes a break after working for 30 to 60 minutes to stretch, take a walk, or do a couple of yoga poses to ease any tension or cramp in the body. Ayurveda also prescribes physical activity that enhances muscle flexibility and strength in order to offset the negative impact of sitting.
Occupational Asthma
Respiratory diseases such as asthma may be precipitated by exposure to dust, chemicals, or any pollution at the workplace. Some of the herbs that are said to be useful in the respiratory system in Ayurveda are a few turmeric and tulsi.
Turmeric has a great ability to decrease inflammation within the airways, which can be extremely beneficial. Tulsi, or holy basil, is an adaptogen of nature and also helpful in improving lung capacity and immunogenicity. Worksites, especially those that have poor ventilation, should be clean and well-ventilated, and the use of natural air purifiers supports respiratory health.
How Ayurveda Can Help with Lifestyle Problems
Apart from work-related issues, persons in modern society also suffer from numerous other chronic illnesses such as poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, and mental health issues. According to Ayurveda, human health disorders are manageable through natural remedies, especially those resulting from lifestyles.
Diabetes
Ayurveda treats diabetes by encouraging the correct eating, the right exercise, and, of course, the proper herbs for the right course. Herbs like triphala (a blend of three fruits: contains many fruits considered useful for metabolism and detoxification, including amla, bibhitaki, and haritaki), while guggulu (a resin obtained from the Commiphora tree), can cure metabolism.
Triphala has benefits in digestion and detoxification, which are essential for a diabetic.
Guggulu is good in the regulation of blood sugar and cholesterol levels, hence useful for prediabetic individuals. Moreover, walking or doing yoga can also keep blood sugar levels in check.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a result of stress, unhealthy dietary practices, and low physical activity. According to Ayurveda, one can also try to avoid stress and do activities such as yoga, meditation, and certain breathing techniques, namely Bhramari (humming bee breath) and Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing).
Herbs like brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) are used for stress reduction and effective heart functioning. Moreover, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) also minimizes stress and improves heart performance.
The active ingredient, Brahmi, reduces high blood pressure through regulation of circulation. Ashwagandha also lowers cortisol in the body, leading to a relaxed state. Moreover, high blood pressure risk can also be regulated by consuming more fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods, followed by regular exercise.
Obesity
Overweight is a widespread problem of the present society; usually, it stems from an emerging unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. Tharavad Ayurveda Retreat provides dietary advice and exercise, apart from the use of herbs to control weight and encourage weight loss.
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) and guggulu are potent for maintaining metabolism and regulating obesity. Triphala has laxative and blood-purifying properties that help to enhance metabolism. In addition to herbs, there are diet and lifestyle recommendations at Tharavad Ayurveda to consume foods appropriate to your dosha and engage in exercise, practice yoga, or walk regularly.
Heart Disease
People looking to maintain heart health are advised under Ayurveda to eat healthily, avoid stressing themselves out, and take herbal medicines. Terminalia arjuna, commonly known as Arjuna, is a herb that is particularly used in the human diet for high blood pressure.
It also lowers cholesterol and helps the heart muscles as well as the circulatory system. Moreover, eating lots of vegetables and fruits, particularly the green leafy ones, and taking nuts and seeds, and exercising daily will help lower the risk of getting heart disease.
If you are Facing any illness mentioned above, Book your consultation now!
Conclusion
There are numerous conditions that affect health in today’s society due to various work and lifestyle imbalances, discomfort, and chronic illnesses. But Ayurveda, when understood in its context of balance and a complete system of health, can provide some solutions to these modern issues. In this context, Ayurveda finds applications in addressing workplace concerns like repetitive strain injuries and computer vision syndrome. Moreover, it also addresses the solutions for lifestyle diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Ayurveda actively encompasses the body by maintaining one’s well-being and directly encouraging the body’s inherent ability to heal with a few methods like Abhyanga, yoga, pranayama, and use of medicinally effective herbs. Ayurvedic insights give people the signal to pause and rethink daily habits, considering how they contribute to the care of the person’s physical, mental, and soul parts. According to the philosophy of Ayurveda, it is possible to make adjustments to do with lifestyle and routines and bring harmony even to the contemporary way of life.
Finally, Ayurveda tells the story that well-being does not come from popping pills or following diets that are not in harmony. Instead, making wise choices that provide for the health and strength of body and spirit. Whether it is food, movement, or spices, Ayurveda provides time-tested wisdom that can be as valuable in the 21st century as it was in the third millennium BC.
