Power of lifestyle modifications in ayurveda for overall health and well-being

Title : Power of lifestyle modifications in ayurveda for overall health and well-being

Abstract:

Ayurveda empowers individuals by highlighting the profound impact of lifestyle choices on overall health and well-being. It considers these choices vital for disease prevention and a long and healthy life. By aligning with natural rhythms and incorporating practices such as promoting optimal nourishment and health through a balanced diet, digestion, and nutrition; adequate and restful sleep; a balanced daily routine for prevention; seasonal routines for balancing the influence of seasons on the body; regular practice of Transcendental Meditation; Yoga asanas and pranayama; balanced exercises; evolutionary and nourishing behaviour; utilising Panchakarma treatments for detoxification and balancing the physiology, Rasayana treatments for rejuvenation and prevention of ill health, ayurveda aims to correct imbalances in Vata, Pitta, Kapha—the three fundamental principles governing all physiological processes and promote overall well-being and longevity. Following these healthy regimens reflects a life that is in alignment with natural law and its evolutionary power. These promote a conducive environment for the body’s inner intelligence to function in a health-promoting manner. This triggers a profound and inspiring transformation in the body’s inner intelligence at the epigenetic level. Recent epigenetic research has shown an increase in telomerase gene expression through the Transcendental Meditation (TM) practice, as well as through lifestyle changes facilitated by extensive health education. Both have been shown to stimulate two genes that produce telomerase. Telomerase is an enzyme that maintains telomeres, which are the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that protect the DNA and, in turn, enhance immunity, contributing to overall health and longevity. In another epigenetic study, 200 genes and loci were identified as meeting strict criteria for differential expression in the microarray experiment, exhibiting contrasting patterns of expression that distinguished the Transcendental Meditation group from the control group. It has been found that 35 stress response genes, 49 inflammation-related genes, 64 cardiovascular disease-related genes, and genes that inhibit energy efficiency were downregulated. In comparison, 13 genes associated with antiviral and antibody components of the defence response were upregulated. These findings offer hope, explaining reductions in anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and other chronic disorders and diseases with regular practice of Transcendental Meditation. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi explains, ‘When the total intelligence of natural law is lively in the individual physiology, there is perfect synchrony between the functioning of every individual cell and the holistic functioning of the body as a whole, as well as between individual intelligence and Cosmic Intelligence. With this complete integration, all thought and action are spontaneously in harmony with Natural Law, and the individual enjoys perfect health.’

Biography:

Dr Momaya is a director of Maharishi European Research University, a Dutch foundation providing training and services in education, Ayurveda health care, and social well-being. He is a director at the International Maharishi Ayurveda Foundation in the Netherlands. This global organization serves as a platform to integrate and bring all aspects of Ayurveda into the mainstream. Furthermore, he is also a director at Maharishi AyurVeda Europe B.V., a Dutch company manufacturing and distributing herbal health food supplements. He spent many years working under the guidance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the great scientist of consciousness and the founder of the Transcendental Meditation programme. He received extensive education and training under Maharishi’s guidance in all aspects of Vedic Science.