Ayurveda: Not Just "Woo Woo"
Some may dismiss Ayurveda as mystical mumbo-jumbo, but it's grounded in 5,000 years of wisdom and practicality, making it one of the world's oldest healthcare systems. While not so long ago, Ayurveda was touted as “unscientific” because of a lack of understanding (with even John D. Rockefeller dismissing natural medicine), now Ayurveda has been brought into some of the most prestigious western medicine hospitals. Medical facilities are beginning to offer “integrated medicine” as a health care option, which includes Ayurvedic practices. Research studies have shown Ayurvedic herbs, treatments, and lifestyle practices to be effective in treating the whole person [6].
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes Ayurveda as a traditional system of medicine, highlighting its global importance and relevance. In India and some other parts of the world, including the West, Ayurveda is now integrated with modern medicine in prominent hospitals and medical centers. Patients can receive Ayurvedic treatments alongside conventional medical care, showing that it complements rather than contradicts modern medicine.
So now you know - Ayurveda is anything but "woo woo." It's a time-honored, holistic, and personalized system of medicine that continues to evolve and find further acceptance in the West.
Haunting Health Stats
🧟♂️ Did you know that air pollution is responsible for over 6.5 million deaths each year and causes health risks for even more [1]? That's scarier than any haunted house! Poor air quality is linked to respiratory issues, heart disease, weakened immunity, and more.
Ayurvedic Insight: Ancient Ayurveda teaches us that clean air (Prana) is vital for our well-being. Try Pranayama, a set of breathing exercises, to purify your lungs and stay resilient against environmental toxins. Oil pulling is another great way to prevent pollutants from entering through the mouth, clearing out harmful bacteria and strengthening the mouth’s mucous lining. Herbs such as tulsi, giloy, and ginger fight to keep your respiratory system strong - all ingredients in our Immunity Potion!
😱 Chronic stress is like the monster under your bed, constantly lurking and causing anxiety, depression, and a weakened immune system. Over 3/4th of adults report having symptoms of stress in their daily lives, and around 284 million worldwide have some sort of anxiety disorder [2].
Ayurvedic Insight: Ayurveda prescribes stress-reduction techniques like yoga and meditation to calm the mind and balance stress hormones. If your lifestyle feels frantic and busy, slowing down for a while and practicing some self-care could be one of the best things you could do for your health. Stress is a major sign that your dosha may be imbalanced, so caring for your health type is an important way to treat and prevent health problems.
🍬 Our sugar consumption is sky-high, with the average American consuming over 17 teaspoons of added sugars daily. The holidays make us especially guilty of over-indulging! This sugar epidemic leads to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease [3].
Ayurvedic Insight: Ayurveda emphasizes a balanced diet, avoiding excessive sugar intake. Opt for natural sweeteners like honey or jaggery and incorporate bitter flavors to help curb sugar cravings. If you’re ready to detox your kitchen, here is a list of red flag ingredients to avoid, which will turn you into a healthy, savvy consumer!
🪦 Sedentary behavior is on the rise, with people spending hours glued to screens. In fact, 1/3 of the global population does not get sufficient physical exercise, and Americans spend an average of 7.7 hours per day in sedentary behavior [4]. Lack of physical activity is linked to obesity, musculoskeletal issues, and poor mental health.
Ayurvedic Insight: Ayurveda advocates for regular physical activity to maintain optimal health. Try incorporating a daily routine that includes walking, yoga, or other forms of exercise to keep your body and mind in balance.
😴 Sleep deprivation is rampant, with about 50-70 million Americans afflicted with sleep disorders and insomnia symptoms in 30-40% of American adults [5]. It's like a never-ending zombie apocalypse, leaving us tired, irritable, and prone to chronic diseases.
Ayurvedic Insight: Ayurveda places great importance on quality sleep (nidra) for overall health. Maintaining our circadian rhythm is important to make the most of awake and sleep periods. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and consider herbal remedies like ashwagandha or passion flower to improve sleep quality.
