Ayurveda (pronounced Ai-yur-vei-duh) is an ancient healing system that originated in India more than 3,000 years ago. It is considered a natural and holistic medical system, and it is still one of India’s main healthcare systems. (1, 2, 3)

Ayurveda is a compound word made up of two Sanskrit words: ayur meaning “life”, and veda meaning “science or knowledge”. So the word ayurveda may be interpreted as “the knowledge of life”. This healing system was originally passed down orally from teacher to student thousands of years ago. Eventually, Ayurveda’s principles were written down, and today’s modern Ayurvedic practices are based on these texts. (1, 2, 3)

The Principles of Ayurveda

The basis for the Ayurvedic system is that disease is caused by an imbalance in one’s consciousness. A balanced consciousness is considered the natural state of things, while imbalance causes disorder. (1, 2)

Practitioners of Ayurveda believe that all things in the universe are connected to each other. Because of this, various factors, both internal and external, act upon people and can disrupt a balanced consciousness. Some of these factors include: (1, 2)

• weather
• seasons
• diet and food
• emotional state
• work
• relationships
• physical trauma

Ayurveda focuses on maintaining balance and, therefore, health. Emphasis is put on prevention through diet, lifestyle, herbs, right thinking, and considering balance in one’s life. (1, 2)

Three Principle Energies

Those who practice Ayurveda believe that everything is made up of the five elements: earth, air, fire, water, and space. The elements combine to form the three principle energies or life forces, called doshas: (1, 2)

• vatta - space and air
• pitta - fire and water
• kapha - earth and water

In Ayurveda, everyone has their own unique mix of these three doshas. However, one is usually more prominent than the others. Each dosha is responsible for different functions of the body. Keeping these energies in balance so they can work together to maintain health is the goal of Ayurveda. (1, 2)

Ayurvedic Daily Routines

Ayurveda also recommends daily routines to follow in order to maintain balance. Additionally, these routines support digestion and build discipline, self-esteem, and peace. (4)

The Ayurvedic morning routine includes these steps: (4, 5)

1. Wake up early. The recommended wakeup time is different based on a person’s strongest dosha, but all practitioners should wake by 6:00 am. Ayurveda considers this time of the morning to provide freshness and creativity to those who wake up during it.
2. Wash the face, mouth, and eyes.
3. Oil pulling. Use one to two tablespoons of sesame or coconut oil to gargle and swish around the mouth for five minutes. This process is believed to rid the body of toxins. Spit the oil into the trash rather than into the sink because accumulated oil can eventually clog pipes. 
4. Drink water. Drink a glass of room temperature water to support digestion and flush the kidneys.
5. Evacuation. Empty the bladder and bowels as part of the morning cleansing.
6. Self-massage with oil. This practice, called abhyanga, involves rubbing warm oil into the head and body.
7. Bathing. After the skin has absorbed the oil from abhyanga, take a warm bath or shower. 
8. Light physical exercise. Partaking in light physical exercise helps to prepare the body, mind, and spirit for meditation, and it improves physical health. Ayurveda recommends specific asanas (yoga postures) for each dosha.
9. Pranayama. Pranayama is breathing exercises. Those with vata constitutions should take 12 alternate nostril breaths (nadi shodhana). Pitta constitutions should take 16 cooling shitali breaths, which involve curling the tongue and breathing through it. People with kapha constitutions should take 100 short, fast breaths (bhastrika).
10. Meditation. Just as physical cleansing is important, so too is inner cleansing. Because meditation facilitates inner cleansing, Ayurvedic practice suggests meditating for 15 minutes each morning in whatever way is most familiar to the practitioner.
11. Breakfast. After meditation, it’s time for a light breakfast and then to go about the day.

The Ayurvedic evening routine is much shorter and less complicated. Its goal is to facilitate a good night of sleep and an early wakeup time for the morning routine. The evening routine involves eating a light dinner by 7:00 pm at the latest. There are suggested foods for each dosha type. After dinner, a short walk is optional before turning to relaxing activities for the rest of the evening. Going to sleep by 10:00 pm is recommended for a full night of rest. (5)

Is Ayurveda for You?

In the United States, Ayurveda is considered a complementary system of healing. It can be used alongside Western medicine and be integrated into a holistic approach to healthcare. However, Ayurveda should never be used to avoid seeing a health care provider about a medical issue. (1, 3)

When going to see an Ayurvedic practitioner, one can expect an evaluation of the presence and cause of an imbalance through questioning, observation, and a physical exam. The practitioner may recommend diet and lifestyle changes, a cleansing program, or using herbs to address an imbalance. (1)

For those who are pregnant or have an existing health condition, it is important to also talk to a conventional health care provider before using Ayurvedic products. Additionally, some Ayurvedic products contain metals, minerals, or gems, which can potentially be harmful. Be sure to have a thorough knowledge of what is in an Ayurvedic product and its safety before using it. (3)

CBDa Extract and Ayurveda

From an Ayurvedic perspective, CBDa extract may be helpful for mood support. In Ayurvedic thinking, overstimulation of the nervous system is caused by an imbalance of the vatta dosha, which is made up of the elements air and space. To bring vatta back into balance, herbs with a relaxing, sedative, and stabilizing effect could be helpful. These characteristics perfectly describe CBDa! (1, 5)

Nesas Beyond Organic CBDa Hemp Extract incorporates vital nutrients, minerals, and vitamins with naturally occurring CBDa. It promotes relaxation, mood stabilization, and reduced stress, as well as promoting a healthy cellular response.

Nesas Beyond Organic CBDa Hemp Extract can support and elevate a traditional Ayurvedic practice by helping to balance the three principle energies of the body. Its status as “beyond organic” means that you know that you’re using the truest and purest version of hemp to support your health.

Want to Learn More?

1. What is a Certificate of Analysis for CBD products?
2. Why CBDa is Rare?
3. How Organic Hemp Oil Benefits Skin

Sources:

1. https://www.ayurveda.com/resources/articles/ayurveda-a-brief-introduction-and-guide
2. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ayurveda 
3. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ayurvedic-medicine-in-depth 
4. https://www.ayurveda.com/resources/articles/the-daily-routine 
5. https://www.ayurveda-products.eu/content/ayurveda-and-health/ayurveda-tips/ayurvedic-daily-routine 
6. https://www.ayurvedacollege.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/An-Ayurvedic-Approach-By-Danielle-Bertoia.pdf