For the “inspiring book” series, I would like to say a few words today about the book designed by the organization Sivananda Yoga Vedanta – “L’Ayurveda Pratique”. Because Ayurveda is bringing people to a craze nowadays, which is normal since it is an ancient science and 100% inspired by mother earth, I would like to present the main outlines of it here.
As an Ayurveda Lifestyle trainer, it is only natural that I have several fantastic books in the back of my mind that are recounting the rich ancestral teachings of this beautiful science. I chose this one in particular knowing that I am probably reaching out to people who are novices and would like to find a practical book which gives them concrete teachings.
This book is pictorial and provides a variety of useful information allowing you to turn on your Ayurvedic mode that will be healthy for your body and your mind. This is THE beginner’s book in Ayurveda.
Here are the chapters that make up this book which retraces the over 5,000 years of knowledge in just over 200 pages:
1) You and your body:
• The first chapter starts with the relationship that Ayurveda has with the body and mind through understanding the 5 elements that govern all living things on earth.
• The 3 doshas and a questionnaire to find your unique constitution. N.B. This test will never replace a diagnosis from a doctor that is Ayurveda-qualified.
• The physical and mental description of the 3 dosas
2) Ayurvedic lifestyle. Main points are:
• The principles of Ayureda for maintaining your health
• The essential daily Ayurveda routine
• A 3-step approach to regain your health through preparation, integration and expansion
3) “Maintaining your perfect health” consists of:
• Identification of the imbalances
• Harmonization of the doshas
• Increasing the digestive fire. In Ayurveda we don’t say “you are what you eat” but rather “you are what you digest”. As you can see, the capacity of our digestive fire is a key element in Ayurveda.
4)”Food, diet and recipes” is about:
• The medicinal power of food
• The 6 tastes, the other essential pillar of Ayurveda
• Sattvic pure and fresh food
• Vegetarianism and its properties
• Herbs and spices
• Food recommended for each imbalance
• Recipe ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner, without forgetting much about dessert
5) “Yoga, postures, breathing and relaxation” is about:
• Everything you need to know about practicing yoga in order to combine physical exercise with culinary practices and learn how to enjoy perfect balance in body, mind
• Some of the key postures are described here with their benefits and actions on the different doshas.
6) “Positive thoughts and meditation” consists of:
• Ayurveda in the mind: Explained. Our three mental qualities and moods – Sattva, Rajas
• Learning to listen: It is a mental exercise and thereby one must realize what is beneficial for them and what is not.
• The power of positive thinking and how to cultivate it
• The power of mantras
7) Consultation with an Ayurvedic practitioner:
• This chapter includes a diagnosis, which can only be made by a qualified consultant. Let me put in a small addition – this book is for people who want to adopt a healthier lifestyle but is by no means a bible that can treat existing symptoms and diseases.
8) “Natural remedies for common ailments” revolves around:
• Treating mild illnesses according to your dosha
• How to prepare homemade concoctions
It does not seem necessary to add much more to this article in view of the description I have just given you. The title is very well chosen, as it is the practical bible of Ayurveda for beginners. I will present to you other books which are much more advanced in this philosophy soon but for now, I’ll start with this one.
And let me repeat it once again – nothing beats seeing a practitioner who will be able to take care of you individually and give you personal well-being recommendations.
With love.
