The science of Ayurveda is an ancient healing practise originating from India and has been studied and used for over 5,000 years throughout the region.

The Charka Samhita is the most authentic treatise on the Ayurvedic healing system and is the foundation of the ancient medical science of Indian medicine.

This system contains all wisdom and understanding of human nature, psyche and form. It surpasses any other healing approaches, including modern medicine, as it is a complete science for living a balanced life and achieving ideal health in body and mind. In this blog I will discuss the fundamentals and topmost important principles in Ayurveda. 

How to Boost Immunity Naturally Through Ayurveda

From an Ayurvedic perspective, let's start by talking about immunity.

Our Immune System is our most important defence system for keeping viruses and other harmful micro-organisms at bay.

Diseases are caused by many factors, both internal and external, such as poor lifestyle choices, poor eating habits, and irregular routines.  This compromises our immune system and leaves us vulnerable to disease.  Immune deficiencies may also increase the risk of cancer. 

In Ayurveda, robust digestion is essential for strong Immunity. Strong Agni (metabolic fire), good liver function, a balanced endocrine system, and balanced hormones are necessary for healthy and robust digestion. Ojas is a perplexing substance that influences our Immunity. In Sanskrit, the word means "vigour" within the body. This elusive and subtle quality is extremely difficult to describe. The science of Ayurvedic medicine, however, says that Ojas has everything to do with Immunity. 

So what is Ojas? And what role does it play in the strength of our Immunity? 

Our very life essence, Ojas, makes up our Immunity. It gives us vigour, vitality, and strength—the result of all the body's tissues, cells, and digestions. 

Strong Agni (the metabolic fire) is a direct mirror of the quality of Ojas. When Agni is impaired, it hinders the production of healthy Ojas.

Our Ojas are deeply affected when we are:-

• stressed,
• live an unbalanced lifestyle,
• and have unharmonious relationships accompanied by past and present trauma.

Ojas also diminishes when we are in fear, worried, depressed, the onslaught of low body weight and when we become self-absorbed. 

When we can live in the present moment with pure and detached awareness, Ojas is preserved and kept safe. The result of balanced Ojas shows up as joy, vitality, radiant health, strength, positive immune response and mental stability. 

There are two types of Ojas within. There is Para Ojas and Aprana Ojas. Ayurveda text says that Para Ojas is our primary and that we contain only eight irreplaceable precious drops within our body. Any loss of Para Ojas drops leads to death. Apara Ojas is the secondary Ojas. We possess one handful of Aparo Ojas when there is a reduction of Aparo Ojas that leads to disease. 

The Ayurvedic approach maintains the balance of the body. 

Infections and inflammation are rare when the body is balanced, and the immune system functions at its peak. Ayurveda advocates that to remain in optimal health, the five essential elements (Air, Water, Fire, Earth and Ether) must stay in balance and harmony within our body.

Ayurveda acknowledges that pathogens can cause disease, however, it is the imbalance of any one or all of the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) that illness arises. The Ayurvedic approach is not to "kill" infection or disease with antibiotics, radiation or chemical treatment. Still, it is to strengthen the body's Immunity by bringing the doshas back into balance to fight the disease and infection. 

Each of us presents differently, as we each have many immune strengths. Ayurveda differentiates between a base immunity that we were born with versus an acquired immunity. Whatever the case may be, if your immune system is compromised, you need to make changes in your life to correct the underlying cause of the disease.

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix, as making changes and adapting to a healthy balanced lifestyle is a big commitment and requires determination. However, the quality of life that is archived is worth the investment. 

When is our Immunity most at risk? 

There are times that we are particularly vulnerable and need to take extra care of ourselves. These times are as follows:

* Considerable life changes (good and bad) such as; the start of school, travel, the arrival of a new baby, marriage, death, relocation, job loss, etc..

* Between seasons (the onset of a new season) 

* After fasting and detoxing

* Flu and cold seasons

To ensure your Immunity does not become compromised during these times, its recommended to avoid the following: 

* Dry, cold and uncooked foods and beverages

* Alcohol

* Garlic 

* Negative emotions

* Excessive physical or mental exertion

* Excessive sexual conduct

Avoid the following at all times

* Eating fast

* Eating when stressed or upset

* Drinking with food (beverages ok 30min before and 30min after eating)

* Taking a bath or shower directly after eating

* Exercise directly after eating

* Reading, talking on the phone, using the computer, watching TV when eating 

* Eating in unclean environments or with people whom you are opposed to.

* Sleep deprivation

Believe it or not, our bodies are inherently intelligent, and given the proper support, our physiology knows how to create and sustain balance and optimal function.  It is also important to eat only what is recommended for your dosha/composition.

Overview

Ayurveda is a choice of lifestyle which brings a wave of general well-being to your daily life when adopted in its entirety. 

Exercising, having an active lifestyle, adequate sun exposure, appropriate treatments and emotional well-being help to cleanse the mind and spirit. Thereby leaving you with a healthy sense and glowing skin.

• Ayurveda works in perfect harmony with alternative medicine to be practical for everyday use.

• Ayurveda helps reclaim health with balanced dietary guidelines, effective sleep patterns, home remedies, daily and seasonal routines, yoga, and exercise patterns.

After years of feeling unwell and looking for answers, I realised that there was so much more to health than the medicine I'd been given.

I went on a search to find out more - and discovered the ancient art of Ayurveda. With Ayurveda I learned to listen to my body as I was guided to develop a healthy lifestyle for myself, which helped heal my body and gave me a richer understanding of life.

I discovered the secrets that brought balance and happiness into my soul. I've practiced and applied the science of Ayurveda for over 25 years. After attending several workshops and courses at The California College of Ayurveda and also Mount Madonna Institute in California.  I went on to pursue my certification in aromatherapy.

My passion for Ayurveda and Aromatherapy is what keeps me young and alive. It's also helped me discover a way of life where I am in touch with nature and my inner self.