India is an incredible country with the largest democracy and is an agglomeration of multicultural experiences. It is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, and its culture, traditions, and rich heritage attract everyone around the world. The most interesting thing that has captured the attention of the entire globe is the ancient Vedic lifestyle that has helped millions of people to move closer to their inner selves and live a life of a holistic being. The Vedic lifestyle focuses mainly on discipline, the value of time in a human’s life, healthy eating and drinking habits, and exercising in the forms of Yoga and meditation. Time was everything to the ancient people and there was a certain time defined for activities to be performed during a day. Following a “Dinacharya” is one of the best preventive healthcare ways to get a body that is healthy and disease-free, and overcome the ill effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
The transformation of ancient India into modern India
In recent years, our country has witnessed a transformation at various levels, be it an economic standard or sociocultural factors; westernization has deeply impacted various aspects of the Indian heritage. The westernization of Indian culture gave birth to modernity and now traditional values, norms, and behaviors are being altered into more Westernized and global values. People are forgetting the Vedic lifestyle that included waking up early, eating good food on time, practicing yoga and meditation, hair and skin care using natural methods, sleeping on time, etc.
Today, tradition and modernity have become two sides of the same coin. The transition of Indian society from a collectivist society to an individualist society with a focus on individuals’ lifestyles and values has become normal.
We can not say that Indian society is fully traditional or fully modern, rather it is going through a transitional phase and if we talk about the present situation, we find that we are still struggling with the duality of tradition and modernity.
Vedic and modern lifestyle
Tradition has always influenced every member of fo Indian society and even after entering the twenty-first century we still follow the traditional norms, ceremonies, and rituals regarding birth, death, and marriage. There is no doubt that technology and education have brought awareness among people but it has not caused a total eradication of traditional modes of living and thinking.
Even today people use ayurvedic methods as preventive healthcare and to cure a disease and follow the principles of Vedas to remain healthy and achieve tranquillity. Modernity has its own advantages and it had helped people break the shackles of social taboos that had affected the lives of almost every individual.
How modern lifestyle is affecting the health of individuals?
Research has shown that there are serious health risks associated with “sedentary behavior or lifestyle” which simply means prolonged sitting without having movement in the body. A sedentary lifestyle increases a person’s risk for a wide range of physical and mental health problems such as obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression.
Spending too much time in front of computers, TV or smartphones can be harmful to health and it puts you at a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and stress. However, one can reduce the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle by limiting screen time, exercising regularly, and doing yoga and meditation.
How Ayurveda can help you overcome the ill effects of a sedentary lifestyle?
Ayurveda is one of the biggest contributions of Indian Vedas and it is the oldest school of medicine known to mankind. You can find the cure for every disease in Ayurveda and people today are overcoming the sedentary lifestyle through Ayurveda due to its maximum effectiveness and zero side effects.
By practicing Ayurveda Dincharya (daily routine) one can maintain good health. It includes:
- Waking up early in the morning preferably in Brahma Muhurta and drinking a glass of cold water is a great remedy to keep your body healthy and fit.
- Passing defecation and urination urges help your digestive tract to function normally.
- Brushing your teeth with crushed twigs of neem, mango tree, babool, etc. helps your mouth stay clean and fresh.
- Taking bath in lukewarm water and doing exercises up to half the strength of the body keeps the body healthy and fit.
- Daily abhyanga or oil massage of the head, ears, foot, or the whole body keeps the body relaxed.
- One should avoid intoxicating drinks like alcohol and eat a healthy and balanced diet which includes cereals like rice, wheat, pulses like green gram, saindhavam salt, etc.
- Choose Udwarthana or powder massage-like procedures to reduce body fat and regain the strength and shape of the body.
- Practice yoga and pranayama daily and use Rasayana preparations like Chyavanaprasha. Brahmarasayana, Mandookaparni Rasayana to boost immunity.
- The regular use of Triphala powder is beneficial to the overall rejuvenation of the body.
Due to modernization people have forgotten the ancient practices to keep themselves healthy. But today people are again moving towards the root and soul of the country, i.e, Vedas to get an understanding of a good and healthy lifestyle. Vedas have given the strength to flourish in the modern world. Vedic practices can help us lead a healthy and happy life.
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