Young and vital – Anti-Aging and Ayurveda

Many readers would like to learn more authentic Ayurvedic knowledge firsthand. We are delighted that Vaidya Palakurthi Manohar has agreed to speak with us about the body's aging and regeneration processes from an Ayurvedic perspective. How can we best support our bodies? Is it even possible to stop aging? The conversation with Vaidya Palakurthi Manohar shows: The way we live influences the way we age. So, we can largely influence whether we retain the glow of youth.

Maharishi Ayurveda Team: In Ayurveda, the path to preventing or even stopping the aging process is described with the melodious term "Vaya Sthapan". That sounds tempting, dear Vaidya Manohar, but is it really possible for us to remain in a state of constant renewal?

Vaidya Manohar: From an Ayurvedic perspective, that is indeed the case. The mental aspect is definitely important. We should always make sure to keep our minds young, soulful, and balanced. Behavioral Rasayanas play a special role in this.

We know Rasayanas, among other things, as dietary supplements, especially our precious Maharishi Amrit Kalash. But behavioral Rasayanas? What exactly should we imagine by that?

VM: According to Ayurveda, the aging process begins in the mind and thus affects the body. If our mind, behavior, and emotions are joyful and balanced, this promotes the transformation and digestive processes in our body. When these processes run completely, Ojas can be created, the finest metabolic product that makes us radiate from within, as it were. There is even a list of behavioral Rasayanas in the ancient scriptures.

Please name some of them for us and our readers.

VM: Well, unconditional, peaceful, positive thoughts are beneficial: truthfulness, kindness, compassion, contentment. We should avoid fear, aggressiveness, violence, coarse language, and negative feelings, greed, ignorance, or dullness.

Ojas not only gives us radiance and charisma. It is also a measure of our state of health.

VM: Correct. And by maintaining body intelligence, Ojas helps every single cell remember and restore its original, healthy state. Vaya Sthapan is therefore also about the formation of Ojas. As always, everything is a matter of balance. If the three Doshas, our body energies Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, are in balance, the intelligence of our body remains in harmony with 'cosmic intelligence', the comprehensive order of nature. In this harmony, we have the natural ability to prevent the aging process, because it is the most important source of good digestion and metabolism.

If we manage to keep digestion and metabolism always in a balanced state, we support the following three important functions:

Ayus – lifespan and quality of life

Varna – healthy, elastic skin and a vital radiance

Bala – strength and immunity

To maintain these three qualities, it is important that we protect our "Agni", our digestion.

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For good digestion, not only what we eat is important, but also how we take our meals. Five Ayurvedic tips for good Agni:

• Take your meals in a pleasant atmosphere and sitting down. This relaxes the stomach and focuses perception on the appearance, scent, and taste of the food.
• Chew well and fill your stomach only to about two-thirds.
• Avoid ice-cold foods and drinks.
• Drink a few sips of hot water repeatedly between meals.
• Chew a piece of ginger with a few drops of lemon juice and a few grains of salt before meals, or drink hot ginger water.

____________________ What else can we do to keep our bodies young and agile?

VM: We best strengthen the mind-body coordination of all Dosha types with meditation, yoga, and long walks. This way, we are optimally protected from stress. In addition to the behavioral Rasayanas mentioned, appropriate phases of rest and activity help. Pitta types find balance in gardening and cooling off in swimming. Kapha types can really exert themselves, ideally with daily running or jogging. Vata constitutions benefit from bike tours in addition to yoga.

So, anything that lets light and air get to the skin…

VM: Exactly. The skin, as our largest organ, is in direct contact with external nature. Therefore, regular morning Abhyanga oil massages are also among the best things we can do for our skin. The skin is the mirror of the soul – its radiance and health are not only influenced by sensory perceptions and external factors, but we also express our feelings through the skin. The beneficial Abhyanga massages touch both: body and soul.

Our readers are probably wondering if they have to put everything into practice immediately and when is the best time to start with the tips.

VM: The beautiful thing is: it's never too late for Vaya Sthapan, the Ayurvedic program for a long, healthy life. Support your body in keeping the body channels free of deposits (Ama*) and the metabolism vital. Prefer fresh, nourishing foods: whole grains, seasonal fruits, nuts, ghee, olive oil, natural sugar, for example from fruits, plenty of green vegetables, lentils, beans, fresh cheese, lassi, fresh and dried herbs and spices – preferably organic. Consider what is good for your constitution. Enjoy your meals in peace, freshly prepared, and sufficiently seasoned. Pay attention to the right amount for you and eat neither too much nor too little. End your meal as soon as a slight feeling of fullness sets in. The stomach is then about two-thirds full. Always eat only when the last meal has been digested. Ensure deep, restful sleep, for example through regular meditation, morning Abhyangas, an early dinner (if possible around 6:30 p.m.), fragrant substances in the bedroom. A nice spiced tea or warm (almond) milk and relaxing baths with aroma oils are just the right things to put the body in the peaceful mood that promotes good sleep. A regular bedtime is beneficial.

  *see "What is Ama?"