Exploring the Three Sub-Pillars of Health in Ayurveda

Written by

Dr. Harsha Joy

Nangelil Ayurveda Medical College

I am Dr. Harsha Joy, and I mostly work with women who are struggling with stuff like hormonal issues, skin flare-ups, hair thinning, or fertility troubles that don't always have one straight answer. Over the years, I’ve realised that real healing doesn’t come from a standard protocol—it comes when you actually sit with a person, understand what their day looks like, how they eat sleep think feel. That’s where Ayurveda makes all the sense in the world to me. My clinical work revolves around women’s health—especially gynecology and infertility care. Many women who reach out to me have tried many things, felt confused or unheard. Whether it’s PCOS, irregular cycles, or just feeling "off" hormonally, I try to look at the root imbalance—agni, ama, ojas—basic Ayurvedic fundamentals that still explain modern conditions better than most charts or labels. Fertility support is something close to my heart... we don’t rush anything. It’s more like—let’s fix the ecosystem inside first. I also work with chronic skin and hair problems. Acne that just won't leave, hyperpigmentation, postpartum hair loss, oily scalp with dandruff... and again, for these too, it’s usually not a skin problem. It’s digestion, stress, sleep, circulation—internal stuff showing up outside. We work with diet tweaks, gut reset, herbs, maybe some lepas or sneha therapy—but always after tuning into what *your* body wants. Outside my clinic I write a lot. I'm part of content teams that simplify Ayurveda into understandable bits—whether it's about hormonal balance or skincare or daily routines. Writing has helped me reach people who aren’t ready to consult but want to start somewhere. And I think that matters too. I don’t believe in intense detoxes or piling on medicines. The work I do is slow, layered, sometimes messy—but that's healing. That’s what I try to offer—whether someone walks in with hair loss or years of failed fertility cycles. Every body has its own story and my job’s just to hear it right. Maybe guide it back home.

Ayurveda is an ancient holistic healing system that has been practiced for thousands of years, originating in India. It is based on the belief that the body is composed of five different elements and that each of these elements is connected to the well-being of the body, mind, and spirit. In Ayurveda, the three sub-pillars of health are referred to as the Trayopastambha and they provide the foundation for achieving optimal health and wellness. In this blog post, we will explore the three sub-pillars of health(Trayopastambha) in Ayurveda and how they can help you achieve optimal wellness.

Understanding Ayurveda: What Is It and How Can It Benefit You?

Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to health and wellness that is based on the interdependence of all aspects of life. This system recognizes that we are all unique individuals with different needs and requirements, and as such, it provides personalized recommendations for each person’s health and well-being.

Ayurveda can benefit you by helping you achieve optimal health and wellness through natural methods. It can help you to manage chronic conditions, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your overall quality of life. By understanding your dosha and incorporating the principles of Ayurveda into your daily life, you can achieve a greater sense of balance, vitality, and well-being.

Three Sub-Pillars of Health in Ayurveda

Ayurveda recognizes that optimal health and well-being require a holistic approach that considers not just the physical body but also the mind, emotions, and spirit. This ancient system of medicine identifies five fundamental pillars of health that are interconnected and necessary for achieving balance and vitality.

Pillar 1: Ahara or Proper Diet and Nutrition

Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of proper diet and nutrition in achieving optimal health. Ahara, or the food that we consume, plays a crucial role in balancing the doshas and maintaining overall well-being.

According to Ayurveda, the food we eat should be fresh, natural, and in line with our individual constitution. This means that the diet and nutritional requirements may vary from person to person, based on their dosh.

Some other tips for incorporating Ahara into your daily life include:

- Eating warm, cooked meals
- Consuming fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables
- Avoiding processed and junk foods
- Staying hydrated by drinking warm water and herbal teas
- Including healthy fats and proteins in your diet
- Eat
  only when hungry and according to the one’s constitution.

There are many other guidelines prescribed in the ashta-aahar vidhi visheshayatana ( 8 crucial points of Dietetics in Ayurveda.) By following these guidelines, you can improve your digestive health, balance your doshas, and ultimately, achieve optimal wellness. For instance, a Vata-dominant individual may benefit from warming and grounding foods like soups and stews, while a Pitta-dominant person may benefit from cooling foods like fresh fruits and vegetables.

Pillar 2: Nidra or Adequate Sleep and Rest

Sleep is crucial to our overall health and well-being. It’s when our bodies heal and repair themselves, allowing us to wake up feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Ayurveda places great emphasis on the quality and quantity of our sleep, which is why it’s considered one of the 3 pillars of health.

In Ayurveda, it’s recommended to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, allowing for a consistent sleep schedule that supports the body’s natural circadian rhythm. It’s also recommended to avoid stimulating activities before bedtime, such as watching TV or using electronic devices, as these can disrupt sleep patterns. Instead, try calming activities such as meditation, reading a book, or taking a relaxing bath.

Another important aspect of Nidra is the quality of sleep. Ayurveda recommends creating a sleep environment that’s cool, dark, and quiet. This can include using blackout curtains, earplugs, and a comfortable mattress and pillow.

In Ayurvedic philosophy, the quality and quantity of sleep are regarded as crucial factors that influence overall health and vitality. Just as balanced nutrition and proper exercise contribute to a healthy lifestyle, obtaining sufficient and restorative sleep plays a pivotal role in maintaining physical, mental, and emotional equilibrium. Ayurveda recognizes that during sleep, the body undergoes processes of repair, rejuvenation, and detoxification. It is believed that when we align our sleep patterns with our individual constitution (dosha) and the natural rhythms of the day, we enhance our body’s innate healing mechanisms. Consistently practicing healthy sleep habits promotes mental clarity, emotional stability, optimal digestion, and immune function. Ayurveda advises establishing a regular sleep routine, going to bed early, and creating a comfortable sleep environment to support restful and nourishing sleep, ultimately contributing to overall vitality and wellness.

Pillar 3: Brahmacharya or Balanced Sexual Life and Vitality

In Ayurveda, the concept of Brahmacharya goes beyond just sexual abstinence or celibacy. It is about cultivating a balanced sexual life and vitality. Ayurveda recognizes that sexual energy is a powerful force that can greatly impact our overall well-being.

To achieve a balanced sexual life, Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting our own unique sexual constitution. Each individual has different needs and desires when it comes to their sexual expression. It is essential to listen to our bodies and honor our own boundaries and limits.

Brahmacharya also encourages us to practice moderation in our sexual activities. This means not indulging in excessive or inappropriate sexual behavior, as it can deplete our vital energy and disrupt the equilibrium of our doshas.

To support balanced sexual vitality, Ayurveda recommends incorporating herbs and foods that nourish the reproductive system, such as ashwagandha, Shatavari, and dates. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes proper sleep, exercise, and stress management is crucial for sustaining sexual energy and vitality.

To balance the 3 pillars of wellness in Ayurveda, it is important to incorporate each of these pillars into your daily routine. This can be done by following a daily routine that includes adequate rest, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and practices that promote mental and emotional well-being. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can achieve optimal health and well-being.

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This article is checked by the current qualified Dr Sujal Patil and can be considered a reliable source of information for users of the site.