Ayurveda and Yoga Sri Lanka
The word Ayurveda derived from Ayu and veda. Ayu means Life and Veda means science or knowledge. That means Ayurveda is the knowledge of the life or science of the life. Charaka defines “That science is designated as Ayurveda where advantageous and disadvantageous as well as happy and unhappy states of life along with what is good and bad for life, its measurement and the life itself are described” (Charaka Sutra 1-4).
Ayurveda represents a system of healing that has been perfected over more than five thousands years. It is South Asia’s ancient health care system based on herbs and diet. Ayurveda sees health and disease in holistic terms. It links the microcosm of the individual with the cosmos. It takes into account the relationship between energy and matter. This system of healing believes in treatment of not just the part affected by disease but the individual as a whole. It emphasizes on the harmony of mind, spirit and body to cure diseases. Moreover, the stress is on prevention rather than cure.
What can Ayurveda cure?
Ayurveda aims to improve the overall well-being. This form of alternative healing is considered effective in curing a number of diseases, even chronic in nature. Ayurveda Medicines cure a variety of ailments like hyper-acidity, asthma, constipation, diabetes, gastritis, hypertension, female disorders, heart burns, liver ailments and cholesterol problems.
Mediation and Yoga
Meditation is the attainment of a deeply relaxed state of mind and body. One’s rate of metabolism is said to slow down causing the release of anxiety, stress and even pain control. Breathing exercises, repeating mantras, and sitting in silence helps relax the mind and reduce focus on the stressful situations that surround us. Meditation is a component of serious Ayurvedic treatment that helps bring harmony to the mind and body.The term yoga comes from a Sanskrit word that means yoke or union.
Traditionally, yoga is a method that joins the individual self with the Divine, Universal Spirit, or Cosmic Consciousness. Physical and mental exercises are designed to help achieve this goal, also called self-transcendence or enlightenment. On the physical level, yoga postures, called asanas, are designed to tone, strengthen, and align the body. These postures are performed to make the spine supple and healthy and to promote blood flow to all the organs, glands, and tissues, keeping all the body systems healthy. On a mental level, yoga uses breathing techniques and meditation to quiet, clarify, and discipline the mind. Yoga is a vital part of long-term Ayurvedic treatments.