Many scholars consider Ayurveda to be the world’s oldest healing science. Its roots can be traced to around 2500 BC. The science is a study of nature (including human nature) and the consequences of daily diet and lifestyle decisions. Ayurveda understands that everyone is unique from birth and changing daily. The science teaches that people were designed to be healthy at all times. When the body’s natural intelligence is functioning as it should, life is vibrant. But when biological energies are out of alignment, imbalances and, eventually, diseases result.
Ayurveda recognizes that long-term health is impacted by the accumulation of daily diet and lifestyle decisions. Learning about the science is an exploration into one’s individuality and how simple choices can function as self-healing. At the core, it empowers people to take charge of their own wellbeing, offering an immense body of knowledge and some of the world’s most complete writings and studies on subjects like nutrition.
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of living in alignment with the season. This can be intuitive. Sleep a little less during the summer when the days are longer and sleep a bit more in the winter when the days are shorter. Keep cool by wearing loose fitting clothing when it is hot. During cooler months think about clothing that hugs the body.
Less understood in our modern world are the benefits of eating according to the seasons. As a general rule, what is fresh and local will help to keep alignment. Summer is the time for eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. They are abundant locally and cool body heat. In autumn and early winter, the body craves more protein and fats to endure the cold weather. Spring brings detoxification. It is best to eat less fat and more astringent and bitter foods, such as local leafy greens and asparagus. With theses eating practices, the local farmers’ markets becomes a wonderful guide for meal planning.
Ayurveda has evolved over thousands of years by understanding our interdependence with nature. The science is about maintaining a healthy existence through common sense practices.
