Growing Young Gracefully: the Ayurveda Way

That first wrinkle.

The realisation that Father Time has just pencilled the first line of age underneath your eyes. Followed by a wistful shrug of acceptance.

Is this how you visualize the day, or rather the moment, of truth?

Picture, instead, this.

It’s your 70th birthday, and the best present you have received is from your mirror—it has just told you how youthful you look.

At 25, or even 35, the image may not be strong enough to inspire you. But aging, like taxes, is a fact of life. And the sooner you understand that, the longer you can delay the aging process.

And then you start with such a great advantage. Unlike taxes, aging can come to you in very flexible instalments. Provided you are willing to invest some time on it. The keyword is YOU. Yes, excellent health, longevity and abundant pleasure…they can all be yours. To have it all, you may require a little help from a system of health many, many centuries old.

We’re talking about Ayurveda:

Ayu: Life
Veda: Study

The potential of this healing system is gaining recognition, especially with the weight of new scientific research behind it.

The Ayurvedic theory of longevity is not dramatically different or exotic. It is, in fact, surprisingly simple and logical.

Ancient students of Ayurveda, many of whom are said to have lived to be 300 years old, believed that disease and aging were no mysteries. And that behind all human misery, there lay a perfectly identifiable cause. They called it “ama” or toxic matter that built up and brought down the body’s defences. Ama, they found, would collect in the cells, clog the tissues, and block the body’s natural channels—right from respiration to circulation and digestion. The result, of course, would be disastrous—an aging body, a tired mind.

Could the modern theory of free radicals be “Ama” in a new avatar? Possible. In fact, quite likely. The similarity is striking. Like “ama”, free radicals are lethal. They too proliferate in the body and damage it from inside. Most importantly, “ama” and “free radicals” have a potent common enemy: anti-oxidants.

Anti-oxidants are an important group of vitamins that fight the effects of free radicals. Research tells us they can actually help prevent cell damage by fortifying the body’s natural defence system. Studies also show that a diet rich in anti-oxidants can also delay the aging process significantly. Again, both modern medicine and Ayurveda encourage you to get your anti-oxidants through generous use of fresh, organic plant-based produce. To that Ayurveda also adds its armory of powerful healing herbs like Arjuna, Ashwagandha, Gotu Kola and Bramhi.

At the heart of all Ayurvedic treatment is the firm belief that the Universe as macrocosm and man as microcosm are in direct relationship—they reflect one another and that the one is always present in the other.

So how does this relate to our efforts toward long life? Simple. We experience the world through our senses. But we don’t use our senses the way nature originally intended us to. Think about it a moment. How often do you really see, hear, taste, touch and smell things around you? If your answer is almost never, you’re one of us— a “normal” human being caught in the riptide of modern living. Ayurveda believes every time you misuse or don’t use your senses, you’re creating disharmony in your body and mind. That is the key to all the malfunctioning you experience.

Logically, therefore, how you live affects how long and healthy you live. Ayurveda recommends paying utmost attention to everything you take in during the day: the food you eat, the air you breathe, the thoughts you think. Once you turn your attention inward and start living mindfully, you’ll find the quality of your life improve. Bit by bit, your physical and spiritual imbalances will iron themselves out. And you’ll be able to give Father Time a run for his money.

Kickstart your journey toward long life with these 10 practical and easy-to-follow tips from Dr Ramakant Mishra, leading vaidya (Ayurvedic physician) and Director of Product Research and Development, Maharishi Ayurveda:

? Sleep on time. Good sleep sets the tone for a fresh, stress-free day.
? One hour before you go to bed, start winding down with a good book, soft music or simply soothing silence. Anything that nourishes your senses and lulls you to rest.
? Start your morning with a stewed apple. It is light, nutritious, and energizing.
? Pay attention to your morning routine. Pamper yourself in the bath, give yourself a good massage, clean your teeth and tongue really well.If you feel pressed for time, set the alarm clock 30 minutes ahead of your usual wake-up time.
? Devote 20 minutes twice a day to the practice of Transcendental Meditation, which is a scientifically proven way of relaxation. ? Do not skip meals, overeat or eat at irregular times as far as you can help it.
? Be mindful of all that you do. If you are eating, don’t watch television, for instance. Pay attention to your moments, savor them to the fullest.
? Keep the company of people who energize you and make you feel positive.
? If you are upset or unhappy for some reason, chew on a juicy pear and feel your heart lift.
? Supplement your dietary discipline with regular doses of Yoga and Pranayam. However, Ayurveda believes that there is such a thing as too much exercise. Follow the Ayurvedic concept of “balaardh” or using up half your energy and conserving the other 50%, and you’ll never go wrong.