• Published on: Nov 09, 2021
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Ayurveda And Its Benefits

  • WhatsApp share link icon
  • copy & share link icon
  • twitter share link icon
  • facebook share link icon

Ayurveda and its benefits

Ayurveda is about matching your body with food, exercises, rituals to the qualities of nature.

Ayurveda prescribes healthy eating habits while suggesting appropriate yoga poses for various ailments. It also prescribes herbal therapies and values medicinal plants. The ultimate goal is wellness which takes into account physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. 

The best thing about ayurvedic treatment is that it addresses both the physical as well as mental wellness of an individual holistically without any side effects or adverse reactions. You will not face any difficulty in adjusting to anyone's day-to-day routine once you have been cured of your condition using ayurvedic therapy.

Ayurveda is a healing system that originated in India. It's based on the natural elements of space, air, fire, water, and earth. The body needs these elements to create balance which leads to healing.

It has three main objectives:

  • to unify the individual with their universal nature
  • to establish dharma balance
  • to create harmony among one’s inner self and outer world

Aurvedya teaches us that we're one with all cosmic creations and can work towards achieving what is called Swasthya "Health", not just physical but also mental and spiritual health, where we can live our life fully unhindered by disease or suffering.

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of alternative medicine to prevent and treat bodily disorders. Ayurveda's therapeutic routines differ significantly from various other procedures in its use of malas, or ritualistic objects and practices that guide the patient through the experience. These rituals promote relaxation and provide methods for cleansing and detoxification, while simultaneously removing toxins from the mind-body connection by focusing on breathing, meditation, coloring mandalas (visual arts), practicing yoga poses (physical pursuits) and eating foods that align with your dosha type (digestion). Breathing exercises such as pranayama can help relieve depression by calming cortisol secretion.

Ayurvedic cooking recipes vary widely based on geography and personal preference. The basic idea is to prepare food in a way that enhances the body's natural functions, providing its energy for physical work and emotional stability. Benefits include increased vitality, weight loss, deep insight into one's emotions, improved digestion and assimilation of nutrients, boosted immune function with improved resistance to infection as well as developmentally appropriate tips for children from those with experience raising them from birth through adolescence.

Ayurveda is a traditional Indian medicinal practice, from the Sanskrit word from ayur for "life" and veda meaning "knowledge". Ayurvedic medicine is more than just a set of remedies. It's also an approach to life to reduce stress on the body which can lead to progressive imbalance and disease. There are many ways in which people sleep badly that affect their health over time - being too hot or cold, being woken up frequently by alarms or other factors, not enough deep sleep cycles. As a result, there are many missed opportunities for cellular repair and rebalancing.

Ayurveda includes a philosophy that posits an individual's personality and environment to create the right balance of mind and body for optimum health. Indian traditional medicine looks at seven bodily systems to maintain both physical and mental health. They are: kapha (mucus), pitta (blood), vata (wind or air); earth-fire; agni (digestive fire); samana (waste product removal) and heat regulation, mala dhatu through thyroid hormones, metabolism control; endocrine system; immunity surveillance; nervous system.

Ayurveda is an ancient healing modality that, like yoga, aims to balance the three constituents of our being - body (our form), mind (our thoughts and emotions), and spirit (our purpose or soul). The word "Ayurveda" loosely translated means 'the science of life' or 'knowledge about life'. As many other traditional medicines do, Ayurveda believes disease has multiple causes like genetic predisposition, external factors including diet. Mental wellbeing is known to influence physical constitution. Nowadays this holistic traditional system is regarded as complementary rather than alternative medicine that complements Western treatment plans for cancer patients.

Ayurveda is a holistic healing system originating from the Indian subcontinent. The word 'Ayurveda means “knowledge about life,” and ayurvedic medicines are designed to help balance the natural forces of mind, body, and spirit that lead to an optimal state of well-being

Fasting can be an invaluable aid to purification for people who need extra energy to handle excess toxins in their systems due to either excess workload or diet. In general, fasting can be useful as a calming measure when one experiences heightened levels of stress or find oneself thinking obsessively over issues that cause anxiety. Though sometimes fasting is not advised if one's physical health is impaired due to serious illness or recent surgeries.

Ayurveda is the traditional Indian food therapy that says that your diet affects your health. It's an ancient system of natural practices for mindful eating, healthy living, and weight loss. Ayurveda teaches principles to maintain equilibrium in mind and body through gentle detoxification techniques, yoga practices, meditation exercises, whole foods diet, exercise routines including walking or swimming every day.

The most common goal for most people adopting a healthy lifestyle under ayurvedic guidance is better overall health along with losing weight when necessary to achieve perfect proportions of height and weight ratios as defined by traditional ayurvedic teachings. More young children are also seeking assistance from a qualified Ayurved therapist because they have been teased throughout their lives. Ayurveda is an approach to holistic medicine that originated in India 2,000 years ago and focuses on the balance of mind, body and spirit.

The primary result of balancing these three entities is a state of "good health" where the patient experiences natural healing and emotional wellbeing. Such good health benefits include increased energy levels, better sleep, immunity from disease and ailments such as diabetes mellitus, asthma, or osteoporosis. More specifically, there are many benefits based on the cleansing practices performed during a treatment session called Panchakarma.

Read Blog
Sadness is a normal emotional

Difference Between Sadness and Depression: Understanding Normal Emotions vs Mental Illness

Feeling low or unhappy is a part of being human. However, not all low moods are the same. Many people confuse sadness with depression, which can delay proper support and treatment. Understanding the difference between sadness and depression is crucial for mental health awareness, early intervention and reducing stigma.

In India, mental health conditions are often misunderstood, with emotional distress frequently dismissed as temporary sadness.

 

What Is Sadness?

Sadness is a normal human emotion.

It usually occurs due to:

  • loss or disappointment

  • relationship issues

  • failure or stress

  • temporary life challenges

Sadness serves a psychological purpose, allowing individuals to process emotions and adapt.

 

Key Characteristics of Sadness

Sadness is:

  • situational

  • temporary

  • emotionally painful but manageable

  • responsive to support and positive events

A person experiencing sadness can still function, enjoy moments and feel hopeful.

 

What Is Depression?

Depression is a medical condition classified as a mood disorder.

It affects:

  • emotions

  • thinking patterns

  • behaviour

  • physical health

According to WHO, depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.

 

Core Symptoms of Depression

Depression involves a combination of symptoms such as:

  • persistent low mood

  • loss of interest or pleasure

  • fatigue

  • sleep disturbances

  • appetite changes

  • feelings of worthlessness

  • difficulty concentrating

These symptoms last at least two weeks or longer.

 

Duration: A Key Difference

One major difference lies in duration.

Sadness:

  • lasts hours or days

  • improves with time

Depression:

  • lasts weeks or months

  • persists despite positive events

Duration helps distinguish emotional response from illness.

 

Impact on Daily Functioning

Sadness:

  • allows continuation of work and relationships

  • may reduce motivation temporarily

Depression:

  • interferes with work, studies and relationships

  • reduces self-care and productivity

Functional impairment is a defining feature of depression.

 

Emotional Experience: Sadness vs Depression

Sadness:

  • allows emotional range

  • moments of joy still occur

Depression:

  • creates emotional numbness

  • joy and interest disappear

People with depression often describe feeling empty rather than sad.

 

Physical Symptoms in Depression

Depression is not only emotional.

Physical symptoms include:

  • chronic fatigue

  • body aches

  • headaches

  • digestive issues

ICMR mental health studies highlight the physical burden of depression.

 

Thought Patterns and Self-Perception

Sadness:

  • thoughts remain realistic

  • self-worth is preserved

Depression:

  • negative self-talk dominates

  • feelings of guilt and worthlessness increase

These cognitive changes deepen emotional suffering.

 

Risk Factors for Depression

Factors increasing depression risk include:

  • chronic stress

  • trauma

  • family history

  • medical illnesses

  • hormonal changes

NFHS-5 data indicates rising mental health concerns among young adults.

 

Can Sadness Turn Into Depression?

Yes, prolonged or unresolved sadness can progress into depression.

This is more likely when:

  • stressors are ongoing

  • support systems are weak

  • coping mechanisms are limited

Early emotional support can prevent progression.

 

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek help if:

  • low mood lasts more than two weeks

  • daily functioning is affected

  • sleep and appetite are disturbed

  • thoughts of self-harm occur

Early care leads to better outcomes.

 

Treatment Differences

Sadness:

  • improves with rest, support and time

Depression:

  • requires psychotherapy

  • may need medication

  • benefits from structured care

WHO emphasises early treatment to reduce disability.

 

Role of Social Support

Support systems help both conditions but are essential for recovery.

Depression recovery improves with:

  • understanding family

  • supportive workplaces

  • accessible mental healthcare

Stigma reduction is key.

 

Mental Health Awareness in India

Mental health remains underdiagnosed in India.

NITI Aayog reports:

  • limited access to mental health services

  • low awareness

  • high stigma

Education helps bridge this gap.

 

Importance of Early Recognition

Recognising depression early:

  • prevents worsening

  • reduces suicide risk

  • improves quality of life

Delay increases suffering and complications.

 

Supporting Someone With Depression

Helpful actions include:

  • listening without judgement

  • encouraging professional help

  • avoiding minimising feelings

Compassion is more effective than advice.

 

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between sadness and depression is essential for emotional wellbeing and mental health care. Sadness is a natural, temporary response to life events, while depression is a serious medical condition that affects thoughts, emotions and daily functioning. Recognising the signs early and seeking appropriate help can prevent long-term suffering and promote recovery. Mental health deserves the same attention and care as physical health.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Depression and Mental Health Disorders

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Mental Health Research and Burden

  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Mental Health Indicators

  • Lancet – Depression, Disability and Public Health

  • NITI Aayog – National Mental Health Policy and Awareness Reports

  • Statista – Global and Indian Mental Health Trends

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Download Our App & Get Consultation from anywhere.

App Download
call icon for mobile number calling and whatsapp at secondmedic