What Does 'Ayurveda' Signify?

Ayurveda is gaining traction globally, much like its companion discipline, yoga. Yet, similar to yoga's focus on perfecting postures for social media, Ayurveda has also faced a narrow interpretation. While yoga might aim for the ideal Instagram shot in trendy attire, Ayurveda often gets distilled into a fashionable turmeric latte from a café!

So, what does Ayurveda truly entail?

It's more than simply adding a few herbs or organic foods to our diets.

The Macrocosm-Microcosm Concept:

At its core, Ayurveda emphasizes the intricate relationships within nature, highlighting our interconnectedness with each other and the universe. This fundamental principle is encapsulated in the Macrocosm-microcosm continuum theory: the micro reflects the macro, and vice versa.

Any shift in the natural world influences us, just as our actions can significantly affect nature.

The Five Elements (Bhutas)

Ayurveda identifies five foundational elements or 'bhutas': ether (space), air, fire, water, and earth. These elements are present in everything, including ourselves, and are essential for our survival. However, they manifest in unique ways within each individual.

The Three Doshas

Doshas represent the Ayurvedic body types, derived from combinations of two of the five elements. Although everyone possesses traits of all three doshas, we each have a predominant type that predisposes us to particular characteristics and health issues.

In brief:

• Vata dosha: a blend of Ether and Air
• Pitta dosha: a combination of Fire and Water
• Kapha dosha: a mix of Water and Earth

The Ayurvedic Clock

Each dosha governs different bodily functions and peaks at specific times throughout the 24-hour cycle. Understanding which dosha is dominant at any given time can help us identify potential imbalances and enhance our physical and mental capabilities.

The Ayurvedic clock is segmented into six four-hour phases:

1. Early Morning (6–10 am): During this phase, Kapha is at its strongest, characterized by the water and earth elements. This is the ideal time for physical activities and projects requiring stamina—be it an intense workout or complex reading. However, waking later in this period can lead to feelings of fatigue, not due to oversleeping, but because of an excess of Kapha energy.
2. Mid-day (10 am-2 pm): Pitta, fueled by fire and water, peaks during this time. Our digestion, or 'agni', is at its best, making it the perfect moment for our largest meal. Pitta also sharpens our analytical skills, making this an excellent time for focused tasks. Nevertheless, multitasking, such as eating while working, can lead to increased agitation.
3. Afternoon (2–6 pm): The Vata dosha takes over, governing the nervous system. This can lead to heightened creativity, making it an excellent time for brainstorming and innovation. However, avoid the temptation of caffeine or sugary snacks for an energy boost; instead, opt for a brief walk or meditation.
4. Evening (6–10 pm): The cycle returns to Kapha, which supports strength and endurance. This period is ideal for exercise and maintaining personal hygiene, but it's best to engage in physical activity early on as the body starts preparing for rest. Dinner should be light and consumed early to aid digestion.
5. Early Nighttime (10 pm-2 am): This phase is governed by Pitta, which is crucial for detoxification and bodily restoration. Late-night activities can disrupt vital recovery processes, so it's advisable to prioritize sleep during these hours.
6. Late Night/Early Morning (2–6 am): Vata rules this period, characterized by an active mind and dreams. This is considered an auspicious time for spiritual practices, such as prayer or meditation. Many religious traditions encourage rising before dawn for this reason.

My mother’s unwavering discipline in maintaining her early morning rituals, even in the face of adversity, has profoundly influenced me.

Takeaway

Inspired by the daily practices of my grandmothers and mother, I strive to align my routines with both the Ayurvedic and Circadian clocks to optimize my overall well-being. While changing habits can feel daunting, starting with small adjustments—like taking a walk or stretching instead of reaching for caffeine—can make a significant difference.

Consider going to bed earlier or disconnecting from screens an hour before sleep.

As John C. Maxwell aptly stated, “You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret to your success is found in your daily routine.”

Ultimately, the aim is to cultivate a balanced lifestyle in harmony with nature's cycles, fostering improved health, well-being, and mental clarity.

You can read about the Circadian clock in part I, here:

Living in Harmony with Nature - Explore the relationship between our daily routines and nature's cycles to enhance health and well-being.

Our Life as a Couple Living in Harmony with Nature - Discover how a couple integrates Ayurvedic principles into their lifestyle for holistic well-being.

About Me — Mahein Kazi

Reflecting on the lessons learned from living in four different countries and their impact on my cultural identity.

Reference:

The Ayurvedic Self-Care Handbook: Holistic Healing Rituals for Every Day and Season by Sarah Kucera

A version of this article was first published in the Elephant Journal. Revised and edited for Medium.