Prioritizing sleep as nourishment .

 

भूतधात्री

THE NOURISHING EFFECTS OF SLEEP

 

 यदा तु मानसि क्लानते कर्मात्मन: क्लामनविता: |  विशयेभ्यो निवृतन्ते तादा स्वपति मानव: ||

When the mind and body is exhausted, they withdraw from their objects or actions and that is when an individual is said to be in sleep.

Exhaustion can stem from various factors. Overworking, lack of sleep, chronic stress, poor nutrition, and certain medical conditions. Psychological factors like anxiety or depression can also contribute to feelings of exhaustion. Ayurveda says sleep is nothing but a location of mind in a place unconnected with sensory and motor organs.

There are two main types of sleep, REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep and non-REM (NREM) sleep. Non-REM sleep consists of three stages N1 (light sleep), N2 (deeper sleep), and N3 (deep sleep or slow-wave sleep). REM sleep is when most dreaming occurs and is characterized by rapid eye movements, increased brain activity, and muscle paralysis. These stages cycle throughout the night in approximately 90-minute intervals. What Ayurveda says similarly is -निद्रा हेतु: तम: | when Tamobhaava increases in body it causes sleep. It further gives us classification in healthy and unhealthy sleep patterns. There are totally seven different reasons for induction of sleep as per Ayurveda.

Sleep as nourishment for the body is a compelling concept. Just like food nourishes our physical body, sleep nourishes our mind, rejuvenates our organs, and revitalizes our systems. It's during sleep that the body undergoes repair, consolidation of memories, and hormonal regulation. Considering sleep as a form of nourishment highlights its crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Prioritizing good sleep habits becomes as important as a balanced diet for a healthy life.

रात्रि स्वभावा प्रभावा माता या तां भूतधात्री प्रवदन्ति तज्ञा: |

भूतानी तानी प्राणिनो दधाति पुष्णाति इति भूतधात्री धात्रिवा धात्री ||

Ayurveda emphasizes that night-time sleep is profoundly nourishing, fostering happiness, longevity, mental clarity, and the alleviation of stress and confusion. It nourishes everyone like a mother and hence called भूतधात्री.

दिवास्वप्ना Ayurveda advocates against daytime sleeping due to its potential to induce weight gain, lethargy, and mental confusion. It suggests limited daytime rest only during illness, for very young children, the elderly, or in instances of shorter nights, like during summers/ ग्रीष्मरुतु. Saying this it does not advocate sleeping excessively. It also says excessive sleep can cause many health issues and also gives us the treatment procedures to correct conditions of excessive sleeping.

Insomnia refers to difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep, leading to daytime tiredness. It can be caused by various factors, including stress, anxiety, poor sleep habits, medical conditions, old age, and an uncomfortable bed, sleeping positions or certain medications. Ayurveda explains many different massage techniques, soups, baths, aromas music, treatments, and anointments to induce sleep. It also gives us a few diseases which can arise due to improper sleep like heaviness of body, headaches, nausea, swellings, skin diseases, lack of hunger, anorexia. Several cases can lead to mental disturbances, fever, delusions, digestive problems.

Sleep, viewed as nourishment in Ayurveda, transcends mere rest; it's a cornerstone of holistic well-being. Its profound effects on happiness, mental clarity, longevity, and rejuvenation underscore its significance. Ayurvedic principles emphasize the balance between night and day sleep, attributing to it not just physical heaviness but also its impact on mental acuity and overall vitality. Prioritizing quality sleep aligns with the fundamental tenets of nurturing the body, mind, and spirit for a balanced, healthy life.

In conclusion, recognizing sleep as a vital form of nourishment underscores its pivotal role in our lives. Prioritizing quality sleep isn't just about rest; it's bedrock of overall health. By valuing and ensuring sufficient, restorative sleep, we honor our body's need for rejuvenation, mental clarity, and physical well-being. Incorporating this understanding into our daily lives aligns with a holistic approach to health, fostering vitality, balance, and a profound sense of well-being.

Food as vital energy.

 Ayurveda identifies three essential elements for a healthy life,

1. Ahara (food)

2. Nidra (sleep)

3. Abrahmacharya (sexual indulgence), with some considering Brahmacharya (celibacy) as the third aspect.

These pillars are believed to support well-being and prevent diseases. Today, let's center our conversation on Ahara/food, the nourishment vital for energizing our body. In Ayurveda, Ahara, or food, is considered not just a source of sustenance but as the fundamental fuel for our body. It's not merely about eating but about consuming the right kind of food in the right manner. Ayurveda emphasizes the quality, quantity, and timing of food intake, promoting a balanced diet tailored to individual constitutions (doshas). The belief is that food serves as a vital energy source that influences our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It's not just about calories but about the nourishment and energy that food provides to support various bodily functions, boosts immunity, and maintains overall health. Ayurveda considers how different foods affect the body, emphasizing a holistic approach to nutrition and its impact on our vitality. 

As per Taitariya Upanishath, food is revered as Brahma, as all living beings have their origin in it. It exists within every living being in the form of Annamayakosha.

 न च आहरात् समं किञ्चिथभैषज्यमुपलभ्यन्ते | शाक्यते अप्यन्नमात्रेणा नर: कर्तुम निरमयाह ||

There is no medicine equivalent to food and it is also possible to cure a persons disease only through proper diet .

आहारा प्रिणनो साध्यो बालकरुद्देहधारक: | आयुस्तेज समुत्साहा स्मृत्योजो अग्नि विवर्धनम् ||

Food enhances vitality, strength and makes body sturdy. Also increases enthusiasm, memory, digestion, lifespan, luster and Ojas (Vital energy).

Many incurable illnesses often stem from poor dietary choices. Hence, a wise and disciplined individual should consume appropriate food in the correct amounts and timings to ward off diseases. As per classic texts, one should consume meal only Twice a day, the morning and evening. It's recommended to eat when the body feels light after a bowel movement, experiencing clear belching and a genuine hunger or emptiness in the stomach. T he recommendation to eat after a bowel movement, when the body feels light, is based on the idea that it's an optimal time for digestion. Clear belching indicates that previous food has been adequately digested. Feeling genuine hunger or an emptiness in the stomach suggests that the body is ready to receive and efficiently process the next meal. This approach aligns with Ayurvedic principles, aiming for better digestion and overall well-being by honoring the body's natural cues before eating. Ayurveda takes into account various factors related to food, including its processing, combinations, place and time of cultivation, along with specific guidelines on food consumption. It also considers the individual's health and classifies food based on its inherent nature.

Eat warm food – उष्णमश्नीयात् : This makes food tasty, gets digested quickly, does not make you feel heavy.

Eat unctuous food – स्निग्धमश्नीयात् : Nourishes body, strengthens sense organs ,brings about good complexion also digests fast and tastes good .

Eat as per quantity / portion control - मात्रा वत् अश्नीयात् : digests easily, does not cause problems .

Eat only after feeling hungry - जीर्णे अश्नीयात् : leads to proper assimilation of food and absorption of nutrients unimpaired digestion

Do not eat in a hurry – नातिद्रुतमश्नीयात् : It may enter the wrong passage.

Do not eat very slow - नातिविलम्बात् अश्नीयात् : food becomes clod , end up eating more , does not give satisfaction.

Ayurveda advises focusing solely on food during meals, choosing a pleasant environment for eating. It also suggests being mindful of food combinations to prevent potential skin issues, health issues and many more. It also gives us the healthy and unhealthy combinations of food articles. Which among the similar group of articles is the best .

भोजनाग्रे साध| पथ्यं लवणाद्रक भक्षणं ||

It is said consuming a small quantity of Ginger and salt before food is always good. It enhances Digestion, taste and cleanses the throat and tongue.

It is advised to start meal with sweet taste because it immediately pacifies hunger. Followed by sour and salty to facilitate digestion and end with bitter or astringent taste to reduce the excessive acidity.

In conclusion, fostering proper food habits involves mindful eating, paying attention to food combinations, respecting individual body cues, and considering tastes in a sequential order for improved digestion and overall well-being. Take the time to savor and appreciate your meals. By embracing these practices, individuals can cultivate a more mindful, balanced, and nourishing relationship with food, fostering better digestion, enhanced nutrient assimilation, and overall wellness. This was merely an introductory glimpse into Ayurveda's expansive knowledge about food. Ayurveda delves deeply into various aspects, including different food types, food processing, seasonal and geographical considerations, and tailoring diets to individual body constitutions all crucial elements for maintaining good health