Why physical wellness is so important to our overall health and well-being
Ayurveda is derived from 2 Sanskrit words, namely, “Ayus” and “Veda,” meaning life and knowledge, respectively. It literally means the science of life. Ayurveda, of which yoga is an integral part, is widely practiced in India and is gaining acceptance in many countries around the world. It is a comprehensive and holistic system, that focuses on the body, mind, and consciousness (Mamtani et.al, 2005). Yoga is an integral part of Ayurveda and has been shown to be useful to patients with heart disease and hypertension. Yoga reduces anxiety, promotes well-being, and improves the quality of life (Mamtani et.al, 2005).
According to Professor Roxanna Medieros of Maharishi International University, physical wellness is a state that refers to our body and physical ability. It is one of several dimensions that must be nurtured for optimal personal health and well-being.
When we are physically fit, we not only feel and look better, but our entire physiology is working at its optimum. Rest and activity are crucial in sustaining a healthy way of life.
We spoke about sustaining a daily routine a few weeks ago and now we will break down the essentials of what makes this routine so important by going over the following physical wellness tips in more detail.
Discover your Dosha to learn what routines and foods work best for to get you back into balance.
Learn more about Ayurveda by becoming a member or taking our Ayurveda Yoga Teacher Training course with us so you can learn more about how to care for yourself and others through a safe, natural, and consciousness-based approach to holistic wellness.
The Science Behind It
As Blair et.al (2001) state in this scientific explanation of the effects of physical wellness -
“Just as for cardiorespiratory fitness, all of the fitness variables have genetic components but also are strongly influenced by environmental factors. For example, the blood lipid profile has a genetic component, but diet is of great importance. Individuals who are regularly physically active are less likely than sedentary individuals to develop health problems.” Blair continues, “there is compelling evidence that regular physical activity extends longevity and reduces the risk of CHD, CVD, stroke, and colon cancer. For these outcomes, there is consistent evidence for an inverse dose-response effect across physical activity groups (Blair et. al., 2001).
The Ayurvedic approach believes physical exercise is best used for the preservation of health. This begins with adapting techniques for the purification of the body and the mind along with an intake of Rasayana drugs (rejuvenates). Accumulated mala (metabolic waste) at the level of the cell, tissue, or organ should be expunged to facilitate the restoration of the normal functioning of the body by five purification procedures.
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Ayurveda Panchakarma Treatments
These five ayurvedic procedures are known as (shodhana karma) often referred to as Panchakarma:
Vamana (emesis)
virechana (purgation)
asthapana Basti (evacuative enema)
anuvasana Basti (restorative enema)
shirovirechana (errhines) are indicated for healthy as well as diseased persons
Beyond managing our everyday choices, we have to realize our choices influence our time and energy when making physical wellness part of our routine. We start with something that makes us feel empowered about our body and ourselves. This “feeling good” sensation, removes that self-doubt and negative self-talk so we can celebrate the small achievements.
Let’s take some time to practice a few yoga movements together, and kickstart our way into healthy physical routines. Below is a Free Yoga class from our membership library. We also have daily classes on YouTube free to all. Please subscribe.
Next week, we will dive deeper into what contributes to our physical wellness and its origin. For now, enjoy the freebies, and let’s take this time to take control of our health and well-being.
To join our Ayurveda Yoga Teacher Training both 1:1 or in a small group setting, click here and use JBY20 to save 20% off the entire tuition or payment plan option.
This week’s references:
Blair, S. N., Cheng, Y., & Holder, J. S. (2001). Is physical activity or physical fitness more important in defining health benefits?. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 33(6), S379-S399.
Mamtani, R., & Mamtani, R. (2005). Ayurveda and yoga in cardiovascular diseases. Cardiology in review, 13(3), 155-162.
Medieros, R. (2022). Module 3 Overview & Weekly Welcome Assignment. https://miuonline.instructure.com/courses/1946/discussion_topics/38213?module_item_id=172993
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Thank you very much and live well.
