# Book\_ Ayurveda - *** ## title: Book: Ayurveda - [[ Ayurveda book]] -  - Highlights - The rishis perceived that in the beginning the world existed in an unmanifested state of consciousness. From that state of unified consciousness, the subtle vibrations of the cosmic soundless sound auni manifested. From that vibration there first appeared the Ether element. This ethereal element then began to move; its subtle movements created the Air, which is Ether in action. The movement of Ether produced friction, and through that friction heat was generated. Particles of heat-energy combined to form intense light and from this light the Fire element manifested. Thus, Ether manifested into Air, and it was the same Ether that further manifested into Fire. Through the heat of the Fire, certain ethereal elements dissolved and liquified, manifesting the Water element, and then solidified to form the molecules of Earth. In this way, Ether manifested into the four elements of Air, Fire, Water and Earth. From Earth, all organic living bodies, including those in the vegetable kingdom such as herbs and grains, and those in the animal kingdom, including man, are created. - A basic principle of healing in Ayurveda holds that one may create balance in the internal forces working in the individual by altering diet and habits of living to counteract changes in his external environment. - The wise man learns to be fully aware of the presence of disorder in his body and then sets about to reestablish order. - Ayurveda recommends that emotions be observed with detachment and then allowed to dissipate. When emotions are repressed,that repression will cause disturbances in the mind and eventually in the functioning of the body. - In the West, the term diagnosis generally refers to identification of the disease after it has manifested. However, in Ayurveda, the concept of diagnosis implies a moment-to-moment monitoring of the interactions between order (health) and disorder (disease) in the body. - By detecting early symptoms of imbalance and disease reaction in the body, one can determine the nature of future bodily reactions. Day-to-day observation of the pulse, tongue, face, eyes, nails and lips provide subtle indicators. - Ayurveda teaches that the patient is a living book and, for understanding and physical well-being, he or she must be read daily. - The beats of the pulse not only correspond to the heartbeat, but they also reveal something about the important meridians that are connecting pranic currents of energy in the body. These - It is food that nourishes the body, mind and consciousness. How you eat is very important. While eating, one should sit straight and avoid distractions such as television, conversation or reading. Focus your mind upon and be aware of the taste of the food. Chew with love and compassion and you will clearly experience the taste. Taste does not originate in food, it originates in the experience of the one who eats. If your agni is impaired, you will not taste the food properly. The taste of food depends upon agni. Spices help to enkindle agni, as well as to cleanse the body and to enrich the taste of the food. Each mouthful should be chewed at least thirty-two times before it is swallowed. This practice allows the digestive enzymes in the mouth to do their work properly and, in addition, it gives the stomach time to prepare for the arrival of the masticated food. It is important that one eats at a moderate speed. - How much food you take at one time also is important. One-third of the stomach should be filled with food, one-third with water and one-third with air. The amount of food eaten at a meal should be the equivalent of two handsful of food. - If there is indigestion, one should observe a warm-water fast. - People with kappa constitutions, however, may observe prolonged fasts. They will feel a pleasant sensation of increased lightness, greater awareness and an opening of consciousness. #clarity and understanding will improve. - If a juice fast is undertaken, it is important to remember that grape juice is good for the vata constitution; pomegranate juice for the pitta constitution; and apple juice for the kapha constitution. - Ayurveda teaches that during a fast certain herbs such as ginger, black pepper, cayenne pepper and curry, which have medicinal value because of their hot, spicy attributes, may be used to help neutralize toxins in the system. If these herbs are taken in the form of tea, they will help enkindle agni which will burn away toxins. - For the normal, healthy individual, a warm water fast (one to two quarts per day) is advisable at least one day a week. This practice allows the digestive system to rest. - A life without attachment and [[stress]] is the happiest, healthiest and most peaceful one. Such a life creates natural longevity. Celibacy and - According to Ayurveda, death is a friend of man. The body dies: however, there is no death of the individual consciousness (soul): it is eternal. - To attain freedom, discipline is required. The Ayurvedic foundations of discipline are a careful diet and a balanced way of living.