What is the meaning of Swasthavritta and its importance in Ayurveda?

Abstract

Ayurveda is a science of life. The main aim of ayurveda is to attain pious acts, wealth, desires and salvation by health. In this article, we will learn about what one should do for better health. It includes a daily regimen, daytime regimen and night regimen. A man should always follow those procedures which keep him healthy always.

Introduction

Ayurveda originated from the Sanskrit word Ayur life which means and Veda means knowledge. Ayurveda said that the equilibrium of dosas is important in life, from prevention of disease. you have to balance your body and mind with the help of a good diet (Ahar), and vihara (Lifestyle). Ayurveda works internally, to destroy his root cause. Ayurvedic treatment is based on the Prakriti of the patient, its dosas vata pitta kapha.

In today’s era, our lifestyle has changed so much. We all are busy with our jobs and studies. These all factors increase the stress and disease ratio. In this era, our food habits like the intake of junk food, bad habits like smoking and alcohol consumption, and reduction in physical activities. Health and disease both have a relationship. It depends upon what kind of ahara (diet) we are having, our lifestyle, and what kind of therapies we are taking. Swasthavritta is the science in which we learn about how to prevent disease, and how to spend life in the right and healthy way.

What is Sawastha (healthy)?

The Word Sawstha comprises Sva meaning one’s own and Stha means staying i.e. being in one’s natural state. The condition where the body is devoid of any abnormality is known as Healthy Swastha ie Healthy. The feeling of healthiness is health ie Svasthya.

The balanced state of all doshas, dhatus (Bodily tissues), Agni (Digestive fire) and malas is in the state of equilibrium along with mental, sensory and spiritual pleasantness and happiness.

A pleasant state of soul, sense organs, and mind is healthy. Here Atma means jivatma or karma purusa who experiences all feelings like pleasure, pain etc. Even though the soul is devoid of blemishes as he is associated with the body, we experience good or bad effects. All sense organs including the mind should be devoid of vitiation. Suppression of mental urges, like desires, hatred, greed, and passion, following the principles of sadrata and yoga helps to keep the mind healthy. Thus one can prevent psychological, somatic and psychosomatic disorders.

समदोषः समाग्निश्च समधातु मलक्रियाः।
प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनाः स्वस्थः इत्यभिधीयते ॥ (shushruta sutra 15/41)

The above shloka states that man is said to be Svastha whose all doshas, dhatus and malas, are in the state of equilibrium along with mental, sensory and spiritual pleasantness and happiness.  performing normal functions is savastha, vrtta means  Acara, carita or bhava or regimens to be followed to attain health. The condition free from the disease is Savastha, which is healthy and the regimen followed to keep oneself healthy is Sawasthvrtta. The main aim of ayurveda is to attain pious acts, wealth, desire and salvation through health.

A long healthy life has been the wish of every being since antiquity. Ayurveda is the science of life to attain health and cure disease. The main aim of ayurveda is to attain pious acts, wealth, desires and salivation by health, health takes away the health and happiness from life.

Types of health as per Ayurveda

1. Ultimate health (Paramartha Svasthya) – Due to the decreased effects of past deeds, the soul experiences eternal happiness of liberation which is salivation.
2. General health (Vyavahara svasthya) – The normality of Agni, Dhatu, dosha, and mala, without any confusion, a blissful state of soul and mind is generally healthy.

Healthy state of doshas

The equilibrium state of the dosas is known as health and disequilibrium between the dosas leads to illness.

DAILY

• Morning – Kapha Predominance
• Afternoon – Pitta Predominance
• Night – Vata Predominance

AGE

• Childhood – Balya – Kapha
• Middle Age – Madhya – Pitta
• Old Age- Vrudhapya – Vata

Principal For Prevention Of Diseases 

Ayurveda defines how to live a healthy life, it’s not limited to herbs or therapy. But it’s about the person’s lifestyle, the way of living like diet, behaviour. It helps to prevent disease and increase the longevity of life. Swasthavritta  teaches about healthy lifestyles and regimens

1. Dincharya

This means your daily routine to maintain a healthy life.

• Prataruthanam – Wake up early in the morning before sunrise is called (Brahma muhurta) This is the most peaceful, calm time. One should always wake up in Brahma muhurta.
• Ushapana – This is also known as the Achamna. Ayurveda says that after waking one should wash their hands and feet first. Then drink one glass of water (normal or lukewarm water). This helps us to pass urine and motion easily and improves digestion.
• Malmutra Visarjan – Voiding natural urges in the morning is the best habit, one should follow throughout life. Never suppress your urges. Cleaning of your gut health is very important or otherwise, it will give rise to many diseases.
• Dantdhavan – After voiding natural urges one should go to clean teeth with the help of bitter, astringent herbs. You can use leaves of nimb or karanj etc. After the cleaning of teeth, one should gargle with lukewarm water, it helps to keep your mouth, tongue and gums.
• Nasya – After teeth cleaning the next step is to clean the nasal passage with lukewarm water and then, apply 3-4 drops of ghee or anu thailam in each nostril. This is very beneficial for those who are suffering from sinusitis, headache etc.
• Abhyanga – Massage is very important according to Ayurveda. Massage oil to the whole body, especially your ears, head, and leg. You can use coconut oil, or mustard oil, both are easily available at home. Applying oil will reduce stiffness, relax your brain, give new strength to the body, and relax muscles.
• Vayayam – One should regularly practise exercise and yoga. It will help us to remain healthy and prevent disease. It also improves digestion and overall health. Don’t do a hard workout. because that is not good for your health.
• Kshaur karma – That means cutting hair and nails and shaving. Ayurveda says that it can be done once a week. Hygiene plays a very important role in our lives
• Sanana – Means bathing. Bathing daily keeps our bodies clean and dirt-free. Bathing with warm water helps us relax muscles, and improves digestion.

2. DIETARY

• Do not eat junk and packed food items.
• Food should be eaten at least 3 hours before bedtime.
• One should have a balanced diet like green vegetables and fruits.

3. RATRICHARYA

• Ratri Bhojan (dinner) – One should have dinner at least 3 to 4 hrs before bedtime (sleep) food should be consumed in a fresh and warm state only. Curd is contraindicated at night time because it’s too heavy to digest.
• Nidra (Sleep ) – 8 hours of sleep is necessary for each human being. Because it relaxes your mind, you feel enthusiastic. Avoid sleeping late at night, as it will cause many diseases.

न जंतु कश्चिदमरः पृथ्वियां जायते कवचित्त।
अतो मृत्युनिवर्या सायतकिंतु रोगनिवारयेत।। ( Sharangdhar Samhita)

The above shloka states thatno creature in the universe is immortal, it is impossible to prevent death, but it is possible to prevent disease. We should try to do something that is preventable. Charka emphasises on maintenance of health. One should take care of his body neglecting all other things because if the body is not healthy then nothing is exciting.

 उठयोतत   सततं   स्वस्थएणअरोग्यमिचिता | 
धीमता यदनुष्ठेयं तदस्मिन सम्प्रवक्ष्यते।।

                                                                              (Sushruta Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 24/ 3)

The regimens to be followed after awakening from sleep to maintain health routinely are mentioned in swasthavritta.

 मानवो येन विधिना स्वस्थस्तिष्ठति सर्वदा। 
तमेव कारयेदवेद्यो यतः स्वस्थ्य सदेपसितम । ।

                                                                                                 (Bhavprakash Nighantu 5/ 12)

Men should always follow those procedures which keep them healthy, as health is always desired.

दिनचर्यां निष्चर्यं ऋतुचर्यां यथोदितं। 
आचारन पुरुषः स्वस्थः सदा निष्ठति नान्यथा।। 

                                                                                                 (Bhavprakash Nighantu 5/ 16)

Daily regimen, night regimen, and seasonal regimens should be followed as mentioned to maintain health not otherwise.

नित्यं हिताहार विहारसेवी समीक्षायकारी विषयेष्वासक्तः। 
दाता समः सत्यपरः क्षमावान आप्तोपसेवी भवतयरोगाः                        

                                                                                                 (Ashtanga Hridaya SutraSthana 4 / 36)

Food – the person who always consumes some food, practices, wholesome habits, thinks, is not interested in worldly matters, sacrifices, who is always balanced towards all begins, and forgives.

षष्टिकाञ्छालिमुद्गांश्च सैन्धवामलके यवान्|
आन्तरीक्षं पयः सर्पिर्जाङ्गलं मधु चाभ्यसेत्||
तच्च नित्यं प्रयुञ्जीत स्वास्थ्यं येनानुवर्तते|
अजातानां विकाराणामनुत्पत्तिकरं च यत्||

                                                                                                 (Charak Samhita Sutrasthana Chapter 5 /13)

Charka emphasises food which is wholesome to the body like rice, green gram, rock salt, gooseberry, rainwater, milk, and ghee. These should be consumed regularly for the maintenance of health and prevention.

तयागः प्रज्ञापारधानाम इन्द्रियोपशमः समृतिः।
देशकालतमविज्ञानं सद्वृत्तस्या नुवर्तनाम।।

                                                                                                 (Charak Samhita Sutrasthana 4 / 56)

One should avoid prajnaparamita, and take care of sense organs, by avoiding underutilization, of sense organs, good memory, and knowledge about place, time and self.

Purification of the body-  the disease due to variations in the climate can be prevented by following purification in respective seasons.

रोगाः सर्वेअपि जायन्ते वेगौड़ीराण धारणैः।।

The diseases are produced by the creation of unmanifested urges or suppression of natural urges., so one should always avoid both to maintain health.

तस्मात् प्रागेव रोगेभ्यो तरुणेषु वा।
भेषजैः प्रतिकुर्वीत य इच्छेत सुखमात्मनः।। 

                                                                                                 (Charak Samhita Sutra Sthana  11/63)

One should take appropriate treatment while the disease is in its initial stages.

Conclusion

If your body is normal, doshas dhatus is in the normal state you will feel pleasantness and happiness. Swasthvrita explains many other ways to make our body healthy and prevent disease. In Swasthavritta we discussed daily regimens, how to maintain good hygiene, strengthen the body and promote health and longevity. Daily regimens begin with getting up from bed till one goes to bed at night. Acharya Charak emphasises the importance of maintaining the health of a healthy person and curing the disease of the ill. In Swasthavritta we will learn about the daily regimens of our life also known as Dincharya Which helps us to keep our body and soul healthy, mentally as well as physically. Vatta pitta kapha are three pillars of our body, these three should be in equilibrium. Swasthavritta said that prevention is better than cure. So one should follow an adequate diet or daily routine.