The three pillars of svastha are aahaara, nidra, and brahmacharya (food, sleep, and moral and spiritual living). I bet for many of you, the first two sound fabulous:) But don't be deceived so quickly- this does not mean that we can eat and sleep all we want. Ayurveda considers these three aspects of life so integral to health and longevity that whole chapters in classical texts have been devoted to them. I will deal with each in separate posts. First comes the good stuff-- food...yummmmmm:)

Not only has Ayurveda specified rules for eating, but it has also outlined the concept of a 'balanced diet'. Imagine over two thousand years ago, Charaka concised into verse the ideal balanced diet:

shashtika shaali mudgaam cha saindhava aamalake yavaan |
aantariiksham payah sarpi jaangalam madhu cha abhyaset ||
ch.sa.su. 5/12

Shashtika shaali refers to rice, preferably par-boiled (carbohydrates); mudga is green gram (protein); saindhava is rock salt (minerals); aamalake is gooseberry (considered the queen amongst fruits because of its rejuvenation properties); yava is barley (protein); aantariiksham is rain water (electrolytes); payah is milk (calcium and other good stuff); sarpi is ghee (fat); jaangala is the meat of desert animals (protein) ; and madhu is honey (carbohydrates). How does that compare to the current day food pyramid?

Charaka has also highlighted contraindicated foods, namely dried meat, dry vegetables, pork, beef, buffalo meat, fish, yoghurt, and black gram. All of these foods negatively affect the homeostatis of the body and should be avoided as much as possible. Excessive indulgence in such foods will definitely lead to disease, while avoidance will promote good health.

Charaka and other Ayurvedic teachers have expounded many rules governing proper dietetics. These rules concern the quantity, quality, time and manner in which food is consumed. With regards to quantity (something many of us have difficulty controlling!)-

annena kukshe dvaavamshau paanena eka prapuurayet |
aashraya hi pavanaadiinaam chaturtham avasheshitam ||

Translation: The stomach should be filled with two parts of solid food, one part of liquid food, and the fourth part should be left empty for the circulation of the doshas- vata, pitta, and kapha. While under eating does not affect the body too adversely, overeating causes the immediate aggravation of all the doshas simultaneously, which if repeatedly done, causes many obstinate health problems like obesity, diabetes mellitus, etc. So if you are a poor eater, not to worry all that much- there is still hope, but if you are a consistent over eater, better to cut back little by little. Otherwise life will be a struggle in a few years. Overeating once in awhile (especially at parties, weddings, food fests) is understandable and should not be cause for great alarm. But remedial measures should be taken- simple rule: Skip the next meal so that the previous one can be digested completely. Drink small quantities of hot water and remember to take a short walk (100 steps is recommended by the classics) to aid digestion. And of course, don't overeat again the next day, just because you skipped a meal!!

"Svastha" is the Sanskrit word for health and well-being. Literally translated, it means established in one's self, being in one's natural state, which is a beautiful way of expressing complete well-being. For when we are healthy on all levels- physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual- we are truly established in ourselves. Think of a time when you were balanced in these aspects and try to recollect how you were feeling. For all of us, the emotions will vary, but often times they will include stability, deep happiness, and confidence. This is being established in one's self.

During day to day life, when we are just going though the motions, the focus is outwards on people, places, tasks, and 101 other things. In these situations, we are motivated and energized by the external world and often times we are hurt and wounded by the external world. This is the state of turbulence - chanchala. In a balanced state, a state of svastha, the energy and motivation that carries us through life comes from within. While we completely participate in the external world, we do not let it carry us away.

Svastha is a basic aim of all individuals. Despite our bad habits and tendencies, it is a fundamental value in life. For some, health strictly means physical health- blood levels, heart rate, muscle tone, percent body fat, etc. For others, it is emotional health- being in healthy relationships that are based on honesty and communication. Everyone's definition varies. Ayurveda, the ancient medical science of India, defines health as:

samadosha sama agni cha sama dhatu malakriya
prasanna atma indriya mana svastha iti abhidhiyate

Health is when the doshas are balanced, digestion is optimal, the tissues and organs are healthy, bodily wastes are regularly excreted and the soul, mind and sense organs are pleased. The definition is all encompassing, mentioning the various factors that can confer or destroy health. This blog is all about svastha- our innate desire for health and happiness. As a student of Ayurveda, my aim is personal health on all levels as well as helping others achieve the same. The posts will be a collective of philosophical and practical tidbits. Hope you enjoy reading and please feel free to respond constructively:) Be well.