AYURVEDA - FOUR PILLARS OF HEALTH

One of the key components to leading an Ayurvedic life is the concept of the four pillars of health, each contributing to your overall wellbeing.

The four pillars are:

• Diet (Ahar)

• Lifestyle (Vihar)

• Sleep (Nidra)

• Management of energy (Brahmacharya)

DIET

All of your body tissues are assimilated from the food that you consume. Ayurveda looks at food as medicine, what you eat effects your mind, body and spirit. Food provides nourishment, promoting good health and vitality. Food should be freshly prepare and of high quality. Processed food doesn’t contain any life energy, this leads to stagnation and dullness and ultimately disease. Feed your body well and you will be rewarded.

Ayurvedic guidelines in relation to food also encompass how you eat your meals, this includes chewing properly, eating warm freshly cooked food in a pleasant calm environment, eating at regular times with no snacking, including all six tastes in each meal and respecting your digestive fire (known as Agni). In our fast paced modern world it is easy to forget these simple actions.

LIFESTYLE

The way you live your life contributes to your overall health and wellbeing, this is as important as the food you consume. You should follow a regular schedule (known as dinacharya) each day, your body appreciates consistency and routine.

An Ayurvedic approach to life will provide balance and harmony. Having a regular daily routine should include waking and sleeping at the same time each day. A moderate but not excessive amount of exercise and movement is particularly beneficial both physically and emotionally. An evening dinacharya could include having a warm bath, eliminating stimulants (such as TV/movies, use of electronic devices), having a drink of warm milk, meditation/prayer and journaling.

SLEEP

There are 3 areas of sleep to consider - quantity, quality and position.

Quantity of sleep is largely determined by your predominant dosha, Vata types need around 6-7 hours, Pitta types need around 7-8 hours and Kapha types need around 8-9 hours.

Quality of sleep will be dependent on many factors. With regards to timing it is important to get to sleep before 10pm to allow the body time during the pitta time of day to digest the day’s food and emotions between 10pm & 2am. Having a good evening dinacharya as mentioned above will provide opportunity for good quality sleep as will a clean, clutter free bedroom with good quality bed linen.

Your sleeping position is also important. Lying on the tummy will inhibit your ability to breath and also compress your organs. Sleeping on your right side is helpful when your mind is overactive, sleeping on your left side can aid digestion.

MANAGEMENT OF ENERGY

The management of your energy is an important aspect of our wellbeing. Brahmacharya is specifically related to your sexual energy and when used for procreating and enjoyment is a fulfilling experience. Like all things the enjoyment element should be in moderation and balance. When sexual energy is not used for these purposes it should be transformed in to spiritual energy to raise your consciousness and spiritual awareness.