As one of the oldest healing systems of medicine in the world, Ayurveda promotes a holistic approach to health and wellness by creating a continued healthy balance between the mind body and soul rather than simply medicating once a person has fallen ill. The goal of Ayurveda is all about achieving harmony within ourselves and how to live in harmony with nature and our environment.
Sustainability and sustainable living
Sustainability is a popular life choice these days as many people adopt its concept of reducing our negative impact on the environment and planet. It is about adopting practices that are eco-friendly, thereby reducing environmental damage and our carbon footprint. Ayurveda and sustainable living have become popular as more people choose a conscious lifestyle working to preserve natural resources by adopting plant-based diets and reducing the waste generated, especially non-degradable waste. Sustainable living and the principles of Ayurveda both promote a more natural approach to life, in harmony with our surroundings.
Ayurvedic principles promoting sustainability
Ayurveda approaches nature as a source of healing and so places great emphasis on maintaining a sustainable life. Ayurvedic principles centre around aligning our individual rhythms with nature to maintain balance and harmony and so promote using medicinal plants and ayurvedic herbs found in nature such as the neem plant to maintain a healthy connection between the mind, body and soul.
Usage of natural ingredients – Ayurveda is about sourcing nature, using plants and minerals for remedies and not depending on medicines that have been produced in a lab and which generate pharmaceutical waste.
Emphasis on local and seasonal food in Ayurvedic diets – In keeping with the principle that nature is a source of healing, Ayurveda encourages a healthy plant-based diet with an emphasis on eating seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables. Plant-based diets have been recognised as benefiting both the human body and the planet.
Ethical sourcing – Responsible sourcing of herbs, oils and plants for remedies and treatments is of great importance in Ayurveda as it always promotes sustainable practices that do not cause harm to the environment. Basically, Ayurvedic practitioners will always aim to source ingredients locally and ethically.
Promoting environmental awareness through Ayurveda
The focus of Ayurveda is on the unification of the mind, body and soul with our natural surroundings and the universe. It advocates eating local fresh produce, sourcing locally for ingredients and has from its ancient beginnings, promoted plant-based diets.
The demand for Ayurvedic herbs and medicines has grown noticeably in the recent past as more people adopt a sustainable and ethical way of life. They appreciate the emphasis on natural holistic healing and wellness and the simple, yet effective diet and lifestyle adjustments advised by Ayurveda.
How to integrate Ayurveda into a sustainable lifestyle
Ayurvedic lifestyle adjustments are about making mindful choices regarding habits that genuinely benefit you mentally, physically and spiritually. Finding harmony and balance within and with nature helps you feel more grounded and stable. Focussing on maintaining wellness rather than pill-popping as a cure. Living as naturally as possible through lifestyle choices and diet helps us deal with a majority of health issues because our bodies slowly start to benefit from the nutrition found in seasonal fruits and vegetables. You will be advised on a diet that benefits your dosha composition so as to keep your digestive system healthy which helps absorb nutrients well and rid the body of toxins and impurities.
The ancient life science is inherently based on the principles of sustainability – nurturing the deep connection between humans and the natural world and how the two are interdependent to maintain all forms of life. Ayurveda considers the health of the environment as a reflection of ourselves. Even Ayurvedic skincare focuses on gentle methods of cleaning and nourishing using natural ingredients. This is in direct contrast to the mass-produced cosmetics and skincare ranges found in the market today. However, even these popular mass brands are looking to adopt natural ingredients to their products.
Ayurveda is not just a system of medicine but is a way of living, a lifestyle that focuses on bringing back purity to the mind, body, soul and the environment. When more people adopt a sustainable way of living it shifts the priorities of society as a whole with emphasis on preserving our planet. If you are interested in making a lifestyle change towards achieving holistic wellness while doing your part for the planet, then check resources and information on Ayurveda. You can easily incorporate these practices into your modern lifestyle, for noticeable differences in your health and well-being and also in strengthening your journey towards sustainable living.