01/09/2025
Welcome to September!
September 23rd is Ayurveda day & the International Council of Ayurvedic Medicine (ICAM) has announced the theme for this year as “AYURVEDA FOR THE PEOPLE & THE PLANET” . We are aware of how following an Ayurvedic lifestyle benefits us but let’s look at how Ayurveda is related to & benefits the planet.
The ancient Ayurvedic texts tell us
Yatha Brahmande, Tathe Pinde As in the Universe, so in the Human Body
Yatha Pinde, Tathe Brahmande As in the Human Body, so in the Universe
The foundational belief in Ayurveda is that health & wellness depend on a delicate balance between three fundamental energies known as Doshas, Vata, Pitta & Kapha. Each dosha represents a combination of the five elements of nature – space (ether), air, fire, water & earth - & governs specific physiological functions within the body. Ayurveda believes that everything in nature is made of these 5 elements, the building blocks of the universe & the bodies of all living creatures. Each of these elements carry certain qualities which impact on an individual with either a positive or negative effect.
ETHER ( space )
For everything to exist it requires space, space to grow, space to move, all other elements can only perform their functions if the space element is there.
WATER
The world is made of Earth & Water, if it was only Earth, it would be extremely hot & dry & life couldn’t exist. That’s where the softness of the water comes in & creates this fluid environment that comes in & softens things up, it cools things down & transports things.
EARTH
Let’s imagine our planet, our earth our soil, what is the function of this & how it is giving structure to our planet. It’s very heavy, dense & grounding. This is that element that gives structure, holds, grounds, it’s the building block for the planet.
FIRE
What is required after Earth & Water on the planet to make things grow? The Sun or Fire is required. The fire comes & creates transformation.
Just as these 5 elements are present in the universe they are also intrinsically present within our bodies, we & the universe are as one. With this knowledge, our well-being is also linked & dependant on the health of the planet.
Ayurveda teaches that by aligning our environment with our Doshic needs we can create an optimal state of health & well-being.
SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION & WASTE REDUCTION
Ayurveda encourages minimalism & conscious consumption, promoting the use of natural resources, “reduce, reuse & recycle “.
LOCAL & SEASONAL FOOD SYSTEMS
The Ayurvedic diet focuses on consuming fresh, seasonal & locally sourced foods, minimising unnecessary transportation thereby reducing our carbon footprint, & supports sustainable agriculture avoiding harmful pesticides for soil health.
ECO-FRIENDLY LIFESTYLE CHOICES
By living in harmony with the natural rhythms of the universe, rising with the sun, spending time outdoors rather than indoors with artificial lighting & climate control, using natural cleaning products.
SUSTAINABLE SOURCING
Ayurveda’s use of plant based medicines, sustainable cultivation & harvesting of medicinal plants ensure their long term availability. Ayurveda’s use of biodegradable packaging results in a significantly lower impact.
Ayurveda provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable living by showing a deep respect for the environment, recognising the in separatable link between environmental health & human well-being.
Does the place where you call home nurture your well-being?
