Ayurveda's three pillars of health

In today's fast-paced world, maintaining good health can feel overwhelming. However, focusing on three fundamental pillars can make a significant difference. Let's explore these pillars: food, sleep, and sexual energy, and understand how they contribute to overall well-being.

Pillar 1: Food

Food is essential for our health, but it's not just about eating anything. It's about consuming soul food – food that nourishes our body and spirit. Soul food should be seasonal, organic, and locally grown. This means opting for fruits, vegetables, and plant-based foods that are fresh and free from chemicals.

Eating according to your constitution, as per Ayurveda, is also crucial. For example, if you have a Vata constitution, you should avoid raw fruits and vegetables as they can disrupt your digestion. Instead, focus on cooked meals that are easier to digest. Similarly, Pitta individuals should be cautious with spicy foods, and Kapha types should avoid cold, heavy foods like ice cream, especially in winter.

As we age, our bodies become less forgiving of poor dietary choices. Therefore, making informed food choices now can prevent health issues later. By understanding what foods best support your constitution, you can enjoy better digestion, more energy, and improved overall health.

Pillar 2: Sleep

Sleep is another crucial pillar of health. It's the time when our bodies heal, rest, and renew. Poor sleep can lead to chronic illnesses and significantly impact our well-being. Modern medical research backs this up, highlighting the importance of good sleep for longevity and health.

Aim to have a consistent sleep routine. Ideally, avoid food between 6 PM and 10 PM and try to be asleep by 10 PM. This period from 10 PM to 2 AM is when your body does most of its repair work. Quality sleep also aids in weight management. For instance, getting five full sleep cycles (about 7.5 hours) can help burn up to 400 extra calories a day.

If you're struggling with sleep, consider practices like yoga to help improve your sleep patterns. Better sleep not only rejuvenates your body but also enhances mental clarity and emotional stability.

Pillar 3: Sexual Energy

This pillar might surprise some, but sexual energy is vital for health and vitality. In yoga, sexual energy is seen as creative life force energy. For women, engaging in sexual activity can release feel-good hormones like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, which promote overall well-being.

It's important to have a healthy relationship with your sexual energy. This involves creating deep, intimate connections with your partner and harnessing this energy to boost creativity and joy in life. Even if there are past issues or discomfort around sexuality, working through these can lead to greater vitality and a more fulfilling life.

Yoga teaches that maintaining this energy and using it wisely can lead to a deeper sense of peace, joy, and creativity. Whether through intimate relationships or personal practices, embracing your sexual energy is a key component of holistic health.

Reflect and Improve

Take a moment to evaluate yourself in these three areas. Rate each pillar on a scale of 1 to 10 and consider why you gave yourself that rating. Identify areas for improvement and think about steps you can take to enhance your health in each pillar.

• Food: How soulful is your diet? Are you eating seasonal, organic, and locally grown foods?
• Sleep: Are you getting quality sleep? How can you improve your sleep routine?
• Sexual Energy: What is your relationship with your sexual energy? How can you harness it better?

By focusing on these three pillars, you can create a strong foundation for a healthier, more vibrant life. Embrace the journey towards better health, one step at a time.