Welcome to Exploring Physical Vitality After 50!
In this blog we will be drawing on Ayurveda and holistic strategies for maintaining your overall physical health. It is undeniable that our bodies change as we age, but when we understand the process we can implement strategies to ensure we are supporting a healthy lifestyle.
My goal is to help you thrive as you age with energy, balance and physical vitality!
My Introduction To Holistic Health
Over the years, I have become frustrated with our medical system. Western medicine has made amazing advances and is invaluable when it comes to addressing acute medical issues such as traumas and surgeries. However, when it comes to addressing chronic disease, mental health issues and preventative medicine, the Western system simply falls short.
Western medicine generally follows a “reductionist view” where complex systems of the body are broken down into smaller components and parts. As a result, the system is more focused on treating symptoms (parts) as opposed to the root causes of disease. But I am happy to see change is in the air!
We are now learning we are not simply a bunch of separate and independent systems, but rather complex beings with interconnected systems that are in constant intelligent communication with each other. Our approach needs to address the whole and not just the parts. Thankfully, mindsets are shifting and we are seeing an emergence of integrative medicine, functional medicine and holistic approaches based on ancient wisdom.
To address my health issues, I started researching holistic medicine and discovered Ayurveda! When I first delved into the world of Ayurveda, it immediately clicked with me because it is about living in balance with the rhythms of nature. As a nature loving Accountant, for me EVERYTHING is about balance! To expand my knowledge in this area, I enrolled in a program to become a certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda originated in India and dates back over 5,000 years. It is one of the oldest healing systems and is believed to be passed down from the creator of the Universe to sages for the benefit of mankind. It was originally shared orally and later translated into books of knowledge known as “The Vedas” which are India’s most ancient texts.
The term Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words of “ayur” which means “life” and “veda” which means “science or knowledge”. The term literally translates to “Science or Knowledge of Life”.
Ayurveda is a whole-systems medical approach providing a holistic system of self-care which addresses physical, mental and emotional health with a goal of balancing and harmonizing the body, mind and spirit.
Ayurveda is based on the idea that everything in the Universe is connected and that we are subject to the same laws of nature as the rest of the Universe. Our natural state is “healthy” which results from being in balance with the forces of the Universe. When we are out of balance, and don’t correct that imbalance, disease and illness can develop.
Ayurvedic Concept of Health
What does it mean to be healthy? While many in the Western world define health as absence of disease, the Ayurvedic concept of health is much more encompassing and defined as follows:
“One who is established in Self, who has balanced doshas (corresponding to one’s individual constitution), balanced agni (digestive fire), properly formed and functioning dhatus (bodily tissues), proper elimination of malas (waste) and one whose mind, spirit and senses are full of bliss is called a healthy person.”
While Ayurveda provides for holistic treatments of disease, it is more focused on preventing disease. Ayurveda believes each individual is unique and born with a certain “constitution” or ratio made up of the five elements of nature: space, air, fire, water and earth. Our constitution requires balancing throughout our lifetime in order to maintain optimal health. We address balance by examining the following key areas:
- Lifestyle & Habits – our daily and seasonal habits
- Diet & Exercise – which foods and exercises are appropriate for our unique constitutions according to the seasons
- Mental & Spiritual Practices – our mindset and connection to nature and the Universe as a whole
Ayurveda is deeply entwined with nature and is based upon living our life according to the rhythms of the natural world which is constantly fluctuating. The time of day and each season brings its own elements which have an effect on us, so we need to adapt our lifestyle to live in harmony with the changes. There is no one size fits all solution in Ayurveda, it is tailored to each individual and season based on their unique constitution.
Above all, Ayurveda is about learning to go within to become intimately aware of our uniqueness so we can recognize when we are out of balance and then take action to adjust and bring ourselves back into balance. Health and vitality are our natural state and the end result of living in harmony with nature!
My Thoughts on Ayurveda
Until I was introduced to Ayurveda, I also thought being “healthy” meant absence of disease. Through my journey with Ayurveda, I am learning our health encompasses so much more and we often ignore many important aspects of health.
When I started learning about my unique constitution, I found clarity and a deeper understanding of myself and my personal health issues. By developing an Ayurvedic lifestyle and incorporating the practices of Yoga, I am learning more effective ways to address my health issues and what it really means to find balance and maintain physical vitality.
Developing Physical Vitality
Through this blog, I will share what I am learning through Ayurveda and how the practices are helping me manage my health issues. Our bodies change as we age and Ayurveda provides a holistic framework for understanding the natural process of aging.
By looking at aging through the lens of Ayurveda, we can develop a healthy attitude and implement practices which will help us maintain balance and physical vitality throughout our lives.
Thank you for reading!
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