An Article by Dr Shubhamangala Acharya आयुर्वेदोऽमृतानां (charaka samhita) Ayurveda is like nectar (amrita) for
An Article by Dr Shubhamangala Acharya
आयुर्वेदोऽमृतानां (charaka samhita)
Ayurveda is like nectar (amrita) for humanity.
The 11th Ayurveda Day will be celebrated on September 23 and, since last year, has been aligned with the autumn equinox. Derived from Latin, meaning “equal night,” the equinox signifies an almost equal duration of day and night. It marks the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere. This day symbolizes balance between day and night, which can be compared to the Ayurvedic principle of Tridosha, the harmonious balance of the three doshas within the body.
This year’s theme for Ayurveda Day is “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow.”The theme is highly relevant in today’s world.
In the name of development, we are increasingly distancing ourselves from nature and damaging the environment. This has contributed to the rise of an unhealthy society. According to a World Health Organization study, non-communicable diseases claimed approximately 43 million lives in 2021, accounting for nearly three-quarters of all non-pandemic deaths worldwide. In the same year, around 18 million people died before reaching the age of 70 due to these conditions, with 82% of these premature deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
The solution to this growing problem lies in our ancient health science, Ayurveda. In fact, the very definition of Ayurveda offers an answer to the challenges of modern life.
हिताहितं सुखं दुखमायुस्तस्य हिताहितंमानंच् तच्च यत्रॊक्तमायुर्वॆदः स उच्यतेच सू१/४०च्
According to Acharya Charaka, Ayurveda is the science that restores health to those with an unhealthy lifestyle and brings happiness to those experiencing suffering.
The primary objective of Ayurveda is the preservation and promotion of health.
How to Stay Healthy According to Ayurveda
One can lead a healthy life by following:
• Daily Regimen (Dinacharya)
Waking up early in the morning, exercising regularly, applying oil to the body, taking a bath, eating two meals with proper appetite, having an early dinner, and consuming locally available foods are some of the recommended daily practices.
• Seasonal Lifestyle Adjustments (Ritu Charya)
As environmental conditions change, the body responds accordingly. Therefore, our lifestyle and diet should adapt to the seasons. During winter, nutritious foods such as dry fruits are beneficial, while in summer, light and hydrating foods help maintain balance.
• Practising Morally Correct Behaviour (Sadvrutta)
Maintaining good mental health requires living harmoniously within society by helping those in need, caring for our elders, and protecting nature.
• Avoiding Suppression of Natural Bodily Urges (Adhaaraniya Vega)
Natural urges such as passing stools, urination, hunger, thirst, and sleep should not be suppressed. In modern society, people often ignore these urges due to work commitments, travel, examinations, or night shifts. Such practices may contribute to various health problems, including cardiovascular disorders.
• Controlling Harmful Emotional Urges (Dhaaraniya Vega)
Excessive desire, anger, fear, jealousy, sadness, and similar emotions should be managed to maintain mental well-being. Practices such as yogasana, pranayama, and meditation can help individuals achieve emotional balance.
These principles can be adopted by anyone, anywhere in the world. However, they should be adapted according to right place and correct time. For example, Ayurveda recommends waking up early, but sunrise and sunset timings vary across different regions. Accordingly, lifestyle practices should be adjusted. Similarly, food should ideally be sourced locally.
If individuals follow a proper daily routine and make seasonal adjustments as recommended by Ayurveda, they can remain healthier and reduce their susceptibility to diseases. This approach supports both physical and mental well-being, as described in the Ayurvedic definition of health.
As explained in the Sushruta Samhita:
समदोषः समाग्निश्च समधातु मलःक्रियाः.प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनः स्वस्थ इत्यभिधीयते॥
According to Ayurveda, a healthy person is one whose doshas are balanced, whose digestive fire (agni) functions optimally, whose body tissues (dhatus) are in harmony, and whose excretion of urine, faeces, and sweat is normal. In addition, true health requires a pleasant state of the soul, senses, and mind.
