~Hansaji
Vaidya S. C. Chaturvedi is a highly qualified medical practitioner of the
Indian system of Ayurveda. He teaches at Ayurveda medical
colleges, is attached to the Bombay Hospital and has written several books on
the subject of Ayurveda. The following are the questions and answers as
recorded by the interviewer.
Q. Ayurveda takes care of those who are sick. In yoga we believe that a person
ultimately suffers because of personal ignorance or Avidya. Has Ayurveda
anything to offer by way of preventing disease ?
A. Aturveda is a
total science of health and prevention definitely has a place in it. Ayurveda
emphasizes care in terms of food, Ahara, and an adequate amount of
activities, Vihara. It takes care of both curative and preventing
aspects of health.
Q. Has Ayurveda
anything specific to offer?
A. Yes, the
right daily routine, Dinacarya, and the right seasonal discipline, Ratucarya.
But in India many of the healthy habits of life have been integrated into religion.
Preventive habits have, therefore, become a part of our way of life.
Q. What does Ratucrya mean ?
A. To understand what is meant by seasonal
discipline, one has to know that our body is made up of the same five elements
as the universe is, i.e. earth, fire, water, air nd ether. If there is a change
in the universe or season, there is a change in our body, too. If we are not
aware of this and carry on our old routines, we might suffer.
Q. What role do
seasonal changes play ?
A. They can
disturb the physiological balance of the body through great fluctuations in
temperature or extreme heat or cold. Insufficient cold during the cold season
can also cause disease.
Q. What do you
recommend during weather fluctuations ?
A. In India we
say that there are six seasons, but actually there are only three: summer,
winter and the rainy season. The blast week of a season and the
first of the following one, i.e. 15 days, are called Rtu – sandhi. This
is a period of disease where the body suffers the most. One should therefore
rest more and make some changes in diet and daily routine.
There should be
more of purgation and cleansing because congestion or blockage or tension will
affect the system immediately. Release of tension is possible through conscious
relaxation. As far as diet is concerned, vegetable and fruit help to clear up
the system, and one should gradually change over to the diet best suited for
the coming season.
Q. What do you
suggest for the cold season ?
A. In this
season the water and air elements are in excess. This should be balanced by hot
food containing more fire elements. Dry fruits with milk , different milk
preparations, jaggery and honey, some spices like pepper, jeera,
cardamom and plenty of vegetables should be part of the daily diet. Cold drinks
or ice-cream should be avoided. Likewise, swimming, getting wet or cold or
exposure to the breeze. In winter one should never sleep during the day. One
should have more exercise. Yogic asanas twice a day plus some recreation
activities like games would be good. Of course one should also wear warm
clothes.
Q. What are the
usual causes of disease, according to Ayurveda?
A. Disease
arises due to deficiency, excess or vitiation either in metabolic components, Dosas
or in vital components, Dhatus. They
have to be kept in an equilibrium, which is done by means of diet, medicines
and patient’s own deeds.
Q. Does Ayurveda
believe that time is the final reality?
A. Since time
preserves us, cares for us and destroys us, we are all affected by it. Time is
the ultimate; in other words, we have to do the right things at the right
time.
Published in the September 2010 edition of Yoga & Total Health Magazine
