ARE AYURVEDA & ASTROLOGY ALLIED SCIENCES?

Both Ayurveda and Jyotish Shastra or the Vedic Astrology deal with the complete wellbeing and happiness of human being. Where Ayurveda helps to keep your body and mind healthy, grounded, and in balance through all possible natural ways, Astrology gives many tips for prosperity, fame, spiritual enlightenment etc.

Mention in Ancient Text

We can find descriptions of the methods of Vedic Astrology as well as Ayurvedic healing in the Holy Vedas.

Ayurvedic literatures state that the cause of these effects or disorders, is karmic and due to negative karmic actions in the past (Charaka Samhita, Nidanasthana, VII.10, VII.19-20).

Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthana, VIII.95) also confirms that by the constitution of the sperm and ovum, food and behaviour of the Mother and of the products of the five elements, the dosha or the Prakriti, the biological constitutional nature of the individual becomes manifest as such – either Vata, Pitta, Kapha or a combination thereof. Our present state of constitution or biology, psyche and health then, all derives according to Ayurveda (as modern medicine) from our parents, but ultimately, from past-life actions.

Similarity and Assistance

Both Ayurveda and Astrology believe that the Karma or the actions in the past life influence health and longevity in the present life. This means many of the faulty or wrong deeds of previous life or lives may present in this life in the form of disease.  Whereas both the ancient Vedic Sciences of India relate the occurrence of diseases and disorders (especially the ones without any obvious cause or reason), both Ayurveda and Astrology would recommend on discovering the hidden root cause of the suffering, and to be taking up the suitable holistic remedial measures for curing of the disease.

Tri – Doshas Influence

The principle mode of Ayurvedic treatment works on the three constitutional Doshas viz. Vata, Pitta & Kapha. Every person has a unique dosha (constitutional) harmony. It is mostly the dominant dosha that can become too much and that is responsible for disturbing harmony. The astrological signs can be divided as per these 3 doshas as follows:

Vata Dosha Type

1. Vata (corresponds with Air) – Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Capricorn and Aquarius. Few characteristics of a vata type are –

• Slim
• Difficulty concentration
• Feels cold
• Eats quickly but chews food badly

Vata dosha is seen to get enhanced by the pungent, bitter and acid food, and weakened by sweet, sour and salty food. Person having increased vata should include sweet, sour and salty food in their diet.

Pitta Dosha Type

Pitta(corresponds with Fire) – Aries, Leo, Sagittarius and Scorpio. Some of the characteristics are-

• Well balanced figure
• Hot tempered
• Active

Pitta dosha is increased by pungent, sour and slightly salty and weakened by sweet, bitter and acid foods.

Kapha Dosha Type

Kapha dosha (corresponds with Earth & Water) – Taurus, Cancer, and Pisces. Few characteristics are –

• Slow & calm
• Thoughtful nature
• Loves food

Everything that stimulates vata weakens kapha and vice-versa. Hence Kapha is stimulated by sweet, sour and salty and is weakened by pungent, bitter and acid.

Uniqueness of Vedic Astrology

Uniqueness of Vedic astrology is that it supports remedial measures also in the form of pacification of planets in the event of occurrence of a disease. Following points are to be taken in consideration as per Vedic astrology for the treatment of any illness:

• The probable timing of any disease, the type of disease and the organs to be affected can be calculated before the occurrence of disease by seeing the planetary positions in the horoscope.
• Diagnosis and the severity of the disease can be handled by both astrologers as well as doctors.
• Treatment through medicines are far more reliable and superior compared to astrological remedies, however astrological method can be used as a preventive tools.

Even though medicines play important role of curing diseases, medicines alone sometimes may not be sufficient. Astrology deals with the connection between events and planets. With the help of an expert astrologer, the story of the past life is derived and suitable Vedic rituals, rites etc. are ascertained from him. This will enable us to have absolute cure of diseases. Hence it is advisable to check astrologically the right time, before beginning the treatment procedure medically.

Ayurveda Gem Therapy for Healing

Gems or precious stones are called so because they provide the mind with a feeling of heavenly happiness owing to their beauty and a particular effect, which they bestow over our life and health. As in the Indian jyotish shastra or Astrology, it is believed that the rays that come after passing through these gems have a calming effect on the sun, grahas etc. According to Ayurveda, nine gems (or the Navratanas) find their importance as they particularly affect the mind and enhance the mental powers of an individual. Mainly the gems have been used since ages therapeutically for strengthening the heart and the brain as a general body tonic and to increase the vitality and vigour.

Vedic Astrology with Yagnas

Some of the yajnyas performed are:

Mahaganapathi Homa

This is performed to enhance the natural flow of our lives and remove any difficulties that we are presently facing, be they physical, mental or emotional. Ganapathi or Ganesha is the aspect of our physiology related to the root energy that allows us to achieve our desires and have worldly and spiritual success.

Mahamrtyunjaya Homa

In this yajnya a special mantra is performed that is from the Rig Veda that is used for healing of diseases and also purifying the heart and mind. This is often performed for chronic and incurable diseases to bring relief to the condition. In adjunct with Ayurvedic treatments such as Panchakarma, this yajnya can speed up the recovery process.

Navagraha Shaanti Homa

This is performed to bring harmony to each of the nine aspects of the planetary energies that are underlying archetypes of all activities in this world. One way to understand the nine planets is through the nine numbers we use every day.

About the Author

Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in  the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant at Herboveda and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.

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