By Seema Tara Rajwar
My journey in Ayurveda began more than a decade ago.
I was young, carefree and had a super-hectic job like most adults in their mid-20s.
Yes, I worked as a flight-attendant with an international airline for almost a decade, which meant exotic destinations, gourmet food, living in 5-star hotels, shopping from the best brands and what’s more – a whole lot of discounted tickets which would make any youngster’s head swirl with joy.
My father reacted to my decision in his true blue Rajput demeanour: “But, you’re a management student and now you want to be a flying waiter.” My mum who’s a big DDLJ fan said: “Beta, jee le apni zindagi (child, live your life) maybe you will find a handsome man of your dreams on some Eurail trip.”
But I never dreamt of a handsome hunk offering me roses in the UK, instead, I was busy envisioning how many country stamps would grace my passport and boy! Did I live up to it!
Living out of the suitcase had its perks but along with it came a whole baggage of oddities of non-compliant passengers, shrieking babies, aft-entry smoke detection failure, emergency landings and not to forget the drastic changes in sleeping, waking and eating time due to a chock-o-block roster that would put anyone’s brain and brawn to the test and not to mention the full make up and never-ending smiles to a long line of passengers at one in the morning.
After a few years of monotonous long-haul runs, I realised, whenever I crossed the Atlantic Ocean, I felt my brain entering the twilight-zone – all I did was change into my jammies and sleep for 24 hours straight in the comfort of the hotel’s queen-size bed.
Eating cold food had my stomach in twist and turns as if a centipede had lodged into my stomach and was doing the cha cha out of boredom.
And, then one fine day, I couldn’t get up, I suffered a major burnout and that’s when I decided to quit and go into hibernation from the world.
My good karma came knocking at a weekend retreat where I first experienced the goodness of Ayurveda. Simple massage routine and medicine intake helped realign my sleeping, waking and eating patterns and slowly but surely; my mind, body and spirit found its balance.
Towards the end of the program, I found myself intrigued to study Ayurveda and upon advice from my doctor, I decided to embark on my journey into Ayurveda.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is the oldest health system that originated in India – its practice dates back to almost 5000 years. It is a part of one of the four Vedas and the sacred text simply translates its meaning as Ayur – meaning life or longevity and Veda meaning Knowledge, so in short, Ayurveda means the science or knowledge of life in relation to nature and oneself.
It can be described as a preventive medicine which seeks to halt the onset of disease. The therapies help prevent the imbalanced mental, emotional or spiritual state from progressing into a full-fledged disease.
Ayurveda emphasizes on healing the mind, body, spirit by bringing the 3 main elements of Vata, Pitta and Kapha into balance.
Which side of Prakriti do you sway?
Vata (Air + Ether): The subtle energy of movement
Traits: Tall, deep set eyes, long angular face, hollow chest, dry skin, wavy hair, creative thinker, spiritual, anxious, fearful, easily distracted, excited, nervous.
Pitta (Fire + Water): The energy of digestion and metabolism
Traits: Medium built, rosy cheeks, athletic, passionate, focused, goal-oriented, intelligent, angry, easily irritated, workaholic, receding hairline or bald, greying hair.
Kapha (Earth + Water): The energy of structure and form
Traits: Stocky structure, strong bones, calm mind, clear pale skin, good teeth, large eyes, thick lustrous hair, good counsellor, committed and devoted, patient, loving.
These three elements govern the overall movement, functioning and stability of an individual as a whole. An imbalance in any of the elements either by lack or increase due to unhealthy diet and lifestyle habits can ruin a person’s health.
(Seema Tara Rajwar is a journalist and an Ayurveda counsellor. She has worked with some major brands in the past as a writer and editor. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from the Welcomgroup School of Hotel Administration, Manipal.)
