Ayurveda: Digestion and Vitality
By: Nishana Shukoor
Most of us perceive Ayurveda to be some ancient form of Eastern treatment involving unheard of herbs and queer smelling oils. However, very few of us know the interesting philosophy behind this traditional science of healing. Having originated in India, Ayurveda was earlier confined within the country. But now that the World Health Organization (WHO) has accepted it as an alternative system of medicine, it is becoming one of the most popular systems of medicine across the world.
This 4000 year old Indian philosophy of healing is considered to be the first medical system in the world. But with its holistic and scientific approach towards health and well-being, it is accepted more as a way of healthy living than a system of treatment alone.
Ayurveda prescribes good digestion, proper excretion and healthy metabolism as the keys to vitality.Metabolism is the series of chemical changes that take place in the body for converting the food that we consume into energy. This is carried out through the balanced processes of destructive and constructive metabolism (catabolism and anabolism). When the catabolic activities break down food into smaller particles for easy absorption by the body, it is the anabolic activities that build the complex tissues and organs from the smaller molecules, promoting growth and maintenance. These metabolic activities being the fuel-providers for the physical and mental growth of a person, erratic digestion can affect the metabolism and in turn his physical and emotional well being.
However, contrary to general perception, it is not only the kind of food, but also the person’s physical constitution, emotional state and environmental conditions that controls proper digestion and metabolism. The food that we consume is digested in the stomach by the gastric juices and enzymes secreted by the stomach walls. Consuming food when upset, or when in a highly excited state of mind, impairs the nerves from stimulating the stomach to produce the required amount of juices. This results in an upset stomach, weakness and general illness of the body. Similarly, the physical conditions and general constitution also play an important role in digestion. According to Ayurveda, it is therefore important to be aware of our physical nature and body constitution and regulate our diet accordingly.
Ayurveda categorises people into three body types based on the proportion of ‘the three doshas’ present in their body. The three doshas are ‘vata’, ‘pitha’ or bile, and ‘kapha’ or phlegm. Though all the three are present in every individual, the dominant principle determines their general constitution. An imbalance of these doshas, provoked by external or internal factors can upset the health of a person.
Vata Types
The vata body types are the people with higher proportion of vata in their body. These people have higher catabolic rates and are generally thin and bony with dull, lustreless skin. Hair is coarse and curly, and the face angular with underdeveloped chin. Teeth are generally irregular and protruded. Habitual worriers, the vata types are also restless and have a quick gait and fast speech. These people tend to be sensitive, artistic and imaginative. They are also the most sexually active of the three groups. Vata people typically suffer from improper digestion, anxiety, arthritis and joint pains. Prolonged exposure to cold and consumption of bitter, sour and frozen food can aggravate vata. Warm and nourishing food such as soups, stews, milk, cereals and fresh warm bread are highly recommended.
The pitha body types are medium statured, with strong muscular limbs. They have smooth, fair skin and soft shiny hair, prone to premature greying. They are intellectual, alert and focused by nature. Confident, proud and articulate, they can sometimes be argumentative and aggressive. Libido and passion is moderate. These people are prone to skin problems, heartburns and ulcers. Spicy, salty and oily food and excess amounts of red meat should be avoided. Vegetarian food is considered the best for Pitha types.
Kapha types are tall and broad with a well-developed frame and strong limbs. Skin is generally thick, oily and pale. They have profuse, healthy and lustrous hair. Teeth are strong and white, and face rounded and full. Calm, steady and even tempered, they cannot be provoked easily. Strong memory and excellent logic are some of the other attributes of these people. They sometimes tend to be overweight, and suffer from chest congestions and sluggishness. Fried food, sweets, meat, milk and milk products should be consumed in moderation, as they can increase the kapha or phlegm in the body. Baked, grilled or broiled (dry cooked) food is recommended over moist cooked (boiled, poached) ones.
Though it might not always be possible to follow the guidelines per se, a discipline and balance brought about by the awareness, can definitely pave the way to a healthier life.
