/
/
/
Exploring the Three Sub-Pillars of Health in Ayurveda
Published on 10/10/24
(Updated on 04/24/25)
919

Exploring the Three Sub-Pillars of Health in Ayurveda

Written by
Dr. Harsha Joy
Nangelil Ayurveda Medical College
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
Preview image

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.

Ask-Ayurveda is a platform that connects patients with authentic Ayurvedic doctors for holistic advice and wisdom on health, wellness, and mindfulness. For more content andonline ayurvedic consultation on health and lifestyle-related issues reach out to Ask-Ayurveda .

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.

Rate the article
Got any more questions?

Ask Ayurvedic doctor a question and get a consultation online on the problem of your concern in a free or paid mode.

More than 2,000 experienced doctors work and wait for your questions on our site and help users to solve their health problems every day.

Related articles
General Medicine
Is Ashwagandha Increase Height?
Is Ashwagandha Increase Height?
435
General Medicine
Male reproductive system
The male reproductive system is specifically designed to produce genetic material. It is also an integral part of improving the quality of life.
938
General Medicine
Headache Thailam: Natural Headache Relief Oil
Explore the benefits, proper dosage, side effects, and scientific research behind Headache Thailam, a potent Ayurvedic herbal oil for relieving headaches and migraines.
329
General Medicine
Phalasarpis Benefits – Natural Ayurvedic Rejuvenation & Vitality Booster
Explore the phalasarpis benefits, a traditional Ayurvedic formulation renowned for its rejuvenative, aphrodisiac, and holistic health properties. Enhance vitality and promote overall wellness naturally with phalasarpis.
498
General Medicine
Ayurvedic Remedy for Headache: Natural Relief That Actually Works
Let’s talk about headaches. Not the metaphorical kind, like taxes or group chats that won’t stop buzzing — I mean the real, pounding, dull, stabbing, squeezing kind. The ones that creep in at 11 AM for no good reason, hijack your day, and laugh in the fac
88
General Medicine
Sariva Manjistha Vati – Ayurvedic Detox & Skin Rejuvenation
Discover Sariva Manjistha Vati, an Ayurvedic formulation. Learn about its benefits, uses, dosage, precautions, and scientific insights for holistic health.
515
General Medicine
Tonsari Capsule: Benefits, Dosage & Science-Backed Insights
Discover the proven benefits, proper dosage, side effects, and scientific research behind Tonsari Capsule, an effective Ayurvedic supplement for respiratory and immune health.
374
General Medicine
7 Simple Recipes to Balance Vata Imbalance
The tridosha system is a fundamental theory of Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine.
970
General Medicine
Jantu Kitanu Buti: Ayurvedic Approach to Eliminate Germs and Pathogens Naturally
Jantu Kitanu Buti: Ayurvedic Approach to Eliminate Germs and Pathogens Naturally
771
General Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine for Heel Pain: Natural Relief for Lasting Comfort
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers natural remedies to address heel pain at its root cause.
426

Related questions on the topic