Application of Ayurveda in Cooking & Vegetarianism

The Ayurvedic cook derives his knowledge of herbs, spices, vegetables, legumes and so forth from the Ayurveda, which helps them maintain physical, mental, social and spiritual harmony.

Ayurvedic foods are appetizing, flavourful and aromatic and a way of offering love, becoming healing when served in an inspiring atmosphere. The cleansing of toxins that have entered the body and the electrochemical vitalising of the body are main objectives. Ayurvedic cooking thus is an art and a science at the same time, when cooking becomes alchemy and food becomes Tantra. 

The basic principles of Ayurvedic Cooking are : the five Elements, the three Doshas, the three Gunas, the seven Dathus and the six Tastes. It also attaches a lot of attention to the effect of the cooking method on the quality of the foods, the importance of the vibrations of the cook and of the surrounding atmosphere, the compatibility of foods, the right time for cooking and eating, the cycle of the seasons and the effects of foods on consciousness.

Also read the following :

• Why Vegetarian Diet!
• Comments on Western diet
• Cooked or raw food?
• Cooking without Tasting
• Cooking as Worship
• Food and Consciousness
• The 6 tastes in Ayurveda
• The three doshas
• The three gunas
• Digestability of foods
• Milk in a Vegetarian Diet

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The three doshas

The three humors are responsible for the functioning of the human organism according to the Ayurveda. When the three Doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha reside undisturbed in their proper organs and tissues, the organism is supported by them and is in balance. When disturbed, they cause disease and deterioration of the body.

Of all of them, Vata (Wind) is the key. Pitta and Kapha cannot move from their centers unless the air within the body carries them.

DOSHA	ELEMENTS	SUBDOSHAS	ORIGIN
Vata (Wind)	Air and Akasha	Prana Vata	Chest region
		Udana Vata	Thoracic and throat region
		Samana Vata	Hearth and navel region
		Vyana Vata	Hearth and circulatory vessels
		Apana Vata	Pelvic region
Pitta (Bile)	Fire and Water	Pachaka Pitta	Liver and pancreas
		Ranjaka Pitta	Liver and spleen
		Sadhaka Pitta	Hearth
		Alochaka Pitta	Eyes
		Bhrajaka Pitta	Skin
Kapha (Mucus)	Water and Earth	Kledaka Kapha	Stomach
		Avalambaka Kapha	Hearth, chest and lower back regions
		Bodhaka Kapha	Mouth, Tongue and throat
		Tarpaka Kapha	Head (cerebrospinal fluid)
		Sleshaka Kapha	Joints

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Ayurvedic Massage

Ayurveda, today, is known as 'Alternative Medicine' but in the ancient India, it was the way of life. The original scriptures(Charaka Samhiyta, Sushruta Samhita etc.) of Ayurveda have recommended the right ways of doing all the life activities. They suggest the proper food to be eaten, exercises to be done and common Indian herbs to be used when suffering from diseases. One of the important part of Ayurveda is Massage.


 It doesn't see massage as something to be done only when one falls ill or experiences difficulty. Massage is the way of Indian life- a part of every day routine. Each Indian child, right from the day he/she is born, gets everyday massage. Whether it is the occasion of marriage or issue of gaining post natal strength for a new mother- massage is the ultimate thing to do. Apart from the everyday massage, Ayurveda also recommends many special types of massages such as Abhyanga, Garshana, Shirodhara etc.

Basic Principle Behind Ayurvedic Massage

The Ayurvedic massage techniques rest on certain basic theories of Ayurveda. One of such theories is that of Panchkarma- the five types of therapeutic measures. Ayurveda believes that any problem occuring to human body is the result of imbalance among the three toxins or “doshas”- Vaata, Pitta and Kapha. Panchakarma consists of five basic types of advanced treatment for balancing the vitiated Dosha from the body. Snehana or Massage is one of the subsidiary of Panchakarma. It includes other Ayurvedic therapies such as Swedana or fomentation/sweating, Basti or medicated enemas, Virechana or purging through herbs, Vamana or vomiting with the help of herbs, Nasya or nasal administration of oils etc.

These massage techniques provide relaxation, circulation and elimination of toxins. If adopted as a daily practice, Ayurvedic massage techniques can even help to rejuvenate the body.

In ancient times, ayurvedic clinics did not regularly offer massage, as everybody gave and received it. Only when patients needed a particular treatment were they referred to specialists that used the appropriate ayurvedic techniques.

Today in India, practitioners roam the public places in great number and give head and body a go for a few rupees. Although they often have little knowledge of Ayurveda they do know how to work with muscles, joints and bones. Many have received training based on the massage developed by wrestlers.

Ayurvedic doctors who were also wrestlers developed a special system of their own that contained the knowledge of the Ayurvedic and Undani (Greek) systems of medicine. These traditional indian massage techniques are based on the ayurvedic doshas and marmas (pressure points like in reflexology). They also include Muslim massage techniques with pressure points called Muqame Makhsoos. 

Specific ayurvedic massage techniques have also been developed for massage therapy, used in certain therapeutic treatments like in pancha karma purification. These massage techniques should only be practiced in a particular disease condition under supervision of an ayurvedic doctor or vaidya.

In rural areas, weekly massage is still a family scene. People in India enjoy it - they know that like a best friend it brings joy and relaxation. The popular image of Vishnu reclining on a serpent and receiving foot massage from his consort Lakshmi shows it as a favorite pastime even of the gods.

Massage techniques can also help to maintain a loving relationship between husband and wife. After this kind of soothing relaxation, it is easier to share and give love. Before marriage it is one of the few ceremonial massages in the Hindu tradition that is compulsory even today. Ubtan Beauty Massage is also very popular.

It is also often used to help the aged and special techniques have been developed for young mothers as well as babies. Babies are typically massaged with a small dough ball dipped in vegetable oil. 

Ayurvedic massage oils are essential to any massage.

In ayurvedic massage, massage tables are rarely used. Instead of using a massage table, the massage practitioners create a massage mat, usually by placing a reed mat upon an indian-style futon, a cotton mattress. The massage mat made of reeds prevents oil from dripping upon the futon below. A massage cushion is also rarely used - the head is usually not supported. Massage chairs can be used for massages given in the sitting position (shoulders, arms, haed) in case patients are not comfortable in a cross-legged sitting position on the massage bed.

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Ayurvedic Therapies

According to ayurveda, in a living body all the ailments and sufferings are due to the disharmony and disequilibrium of the doshas. Hence the ayurvedic therapies' main aim is to treat disorders, prevent disease and rebalance the body doshas, dhatus, malas and mind gunas. Apart form the above said activities the ayurvedic therapies eliminate toxins from the body, increase immunity and soothe the senses thereby enhancing general physical and mental well-being.

In ayurveda the therapies are directed to eliminate the disease completely, permanently. To understand the ayurvedic therapies completely step by step understanding of the following is necessary:

• • Balancing the dosha
• • Increasing the power of digestion
• • Maintaining proper elimination of wastes
• • Enhancing immunity
• • Developing a spiritual temperament.
• • Types of Therapies

Ayurveda defines therapy as any method that involves the process of balancing the doshas.

Therapies can involve activities like:

• • Balancing diet
• • Methods to increase the weight and strength of weak patients
• • Reduce obesity
• • Exercise
• • Meditation
• • Internal cleansing
• • Use of gems
• • Herbal pastes and compresses
• • Sweating
• • Massage
• • Herbal medications

Types of therapies
Ayurvedic Therapies are divided into two broad types:

• • Santarpan or strengthening
  The ayurvedic strengthening therapies are basically the rejuvenation therapies like (Rasayana) and aphrodisiacs (Vajikarana). These therapies further aim at enhancing the immunity, Ojas, happiness, peace of mind and longevity.
  
  
• • Apatarpan or emaciating
  These therapies refer to the removal of toxins from the body and balancing the aggravated dosha. Internal medicines and specialized cleansing therapies are included in this.

According to Charaka Samhita the therapies depend on the status of the doshas. Such as:

• • If the disease is new and the aggravated dosha are not very strong, fasting on its own may be sufficient to balance the dosha.
• • If the dosha are medium in strength, specific medicines are induced to balance the dosha inside the body and this type of therapy is termed as shamana therapy.
• • If the disease is in a chronic stage and the dosha aggravation is strong, shodhana therapy is applied to eliminate the excess dosha from the body.

• • Ayurvedic Basti Treatment
• • Panchakarma
  • • Purva karma
  • • Pradhan karma
• • Shamana
  
• • Shodhana- Elimination Therapy

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Doshas and Ayurveda Body Types

The subtle energies of body are known as Doshas. There are three Doshas or “Tridosha” as described by Ayurveda- Vaata, Pitta and Kapha. Ayurveda insists on maintaining the balance among these three doshas for achieving ultimate health. By establishing balance among the three doshas, one can bring equilibrium of mind, body and soul. Ayurvedic therapies place much importance on balancing doshas to avoid diseases..

Each person is a combination of the three types of doshas which consists of five universal elements- the PanchbhouticSiddanth:

• Aakash (space)
• Vaayu (air)
• Prithvi (earth)
• Agni (fire)
• Jal (water)

Vatha is the combination of air and space. Pitta consists dominantly of fire with some water. Kapha is dominantly water with some earth.

Health and longevity depends on balanced doshas. One can bring this balance through proper 'Aahar' (diet), 'Yoga' (exercise), 'Aahar Pachan' (digestion), and 'Shodhan' (elimination of toxins).

Ayurveda Body Types

All human beings are broadly categorized into three body types- Vaata Type Body; Pitta Type Body; and Kapha Type Body. They are named on the basis of the dominating dosha in the body. However, not always the bodies have predominance of one single dosha. Sometimes there is the state of combined energy when two doshas are at similar level. In such condition, the body types are defined as vatha-pitta, vatha-kapha, pitta-kapha, etc. based on the presence of doshas.

The Vaata Type Body : People with Vata type body tend to be fast, creative, thin and strong. Their primary organ is the colon. Such people need a daily life that is active and challenging so that they may use up their energy. Travel, especially by air, can imbalance Vata. They are aggravated by cold, frozen or dried foods. They should eat warm and moist foods and avoid extreme cold, raw and frozen foods. They should also maintain a regular routine in whatever they do.

The Pitta Type Body : People having a Pitta type body are determined and strong willed. They have good digestion. Their primary organs are the small intestine and stomach. They tend to be hot and oily. As Pitta is associated with the fire element, these people have a fiery quality. In situation of imbalanced, they develop skin problems like rashes, burning, inflammation. They are also prone to fever, ulcers, anger, jealousy, and copious urine. They should try to remain cool and avoid excess heat, steam or humidity. Excessively oily food or fried foods, caffeine, alcohol, red meat, hot spices, and salt is also harmful for them. Fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains are good for them. They should always try to get good amount of fresh air. Suppression of emotions is not good for such people.

The Kapha Type Body : People with Kapha type body have good endurance, strength and stamina. They can easily follow routine. They should sometimes break from routine to get health benefits. They easily get attached to people or things. Food and security have much important for them. Their primary organ is the chest. Pre dominance of Kapha often leads to excessive production of mucus. These people have tendency of congestion, sinusitis, sluggishness, weight gain, diabetes or water retention. They should always remain physically active and avoid fried or fatty foods, icy cool drinks, sweets and excessive amounts of bread. Fresh vegetables are good for them. They should try to bring excitement, change and challenge into their lives.

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Panchbhoutic Siddanth

Living matter is made of five great elements of vital importance. They are Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space, and are known as Panchamahabhoota, and are units to build everything from medicines to human beings.

In Sanskrit, Pancha means five. Akashiya,Apya,Parthiva,Taijasa and Vayaviya are different classifications on the basis of majority of content. The property or quality of anything changes with different combinations and permutations of these five elements.

Existence of matter becomes impossible for the lack of space or Aakashamahabhoota with sound as its important sense attribute, and non-resistance as its important property.

Inheriting shabda or sound as an attribute and chalatwa as its important property, sparsha or touch is Vayumahabhoota. Next is Agnimahabhoota, whose attribute is vision, and property is heat.

Earlier mahabhootas have attributes of sense like, sound and touch are also inherited by Agni. Next is Aapamahabhoota with rasa or taste as its important attribute, and liquidity as important property. This inherits the earlier mahabhootas’ attributes. Prithvimahabhoota is the final one with roughness as important property and smell as its important sense attribute. Moreover, it inherits the earlier mahabhootas’ sense attributes

Ayurveda summarizes the sense attributes and main properties of the five great elements into five categories. They are: Akasha Shabda Aapratighata ,Vayu Shabda, Sparsha Sparsha Chala ,Agni Shabda, Sparsha, Roopa,Sparsha, Roopa Ushna ,Aapa (Jala) Shabda, Sparsha, Roopa, Rasa Drava and Prithwi Shabda, Sparsha, Roopa, Rasa, Gandha Khara.

The knowledge of concept of Panchabhoota would help one understand the wotking of Ayurveda as science. The first element in existence would be Aakasha. Its equivalence cannot be sky but space. It is essential to know and understand all the elements.

Aakasha Shabda

Ayurveda believes that Aaksh is originless and endless, that is, no beginning, no end, and exists everywhere and at all times. In short it is omnipresent.

Moreover, the logic is that all things and beings need space to be present, including the minutest particle called atom or cell. 

The belief is that the outer space reflects the inner space, and thus the concept of omnipresence is proved.

As Aakasha is ever-existent, so is Shabda, the basic sense attribute, and the energy form of Aakasha.

The first shabda as per Hinduism is AUM. Mantra is formed by grouping many shabdas. Believing that it is divine form of treatment, Mantra chikitsa in Ayurveda is given importance. Mani chikitsa is the second followed by Aushadhi chikitsa. 

Vayu Shabda

To make us realize the nothingness of the space through movement, Vayu or air is very important. The main sense attribute of it is touch, or feeling something, and along with this, it carries the attribute of space, that is, sound. Anything that moves or has Chalatwa is only because of vayu or air. Motor or sensory nerve impulses, movement of food through gastro-intestinal tract, joint movements in human beings are possible only through vata dosha, a major constituent of vayu. 

Agni Shabda

Vision is the main sense of attribute, and warmth is its important property. The biological humor Pitta dosha's major constituent is agni. Apart from providing energy for all activities, it helps in viewing the creation of the world. 

Jala Shabda

Jala helps in chemical, biological and biochemical bondings, and also enables bringing two things and keep them together. 

Prithwi Shabda

It inherits all the attributes of other elements, and has smell as its main attribute. It helps in building the whole universe with its simple living and non-living blocks.

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