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Practical Ayurveda   and   Vedic Science 
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Aromatherapy was used in ancient Vedic science of healing called "Ayurveda" or literally the "Science of Life". The typical mode of its usage was using incense and other methods of inhalation or fumigation. 
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The powerful fragrant scent of incense is supposed to purify the mind, body and spirit. During religious rituals and other ceremonies, the scent rising upwards is supposed to take our prayers, requests, and gratitude towards heaven.

We find a very important and surprisingly similar correlation to lighting incense and religious ceremonies all across the world across various religions and faiths.

Some typical aromas for Vata types are-
Warming and pleasant aromas are best for Vata types. Care should be taken that the fragrances are not over-stimulating, since that would have an adverse effect on the already nervous Vata mental state.

Fragrances such as Sandalwood, Lotus, Cinnamon, Camphor and Basil are best for Vata types.

Some typical aromas for Pitta are-
Cooling and pleasant aromas are best for Pitta types.

Fragrances such as Sandalwood, Rose, Lemongrass, Lotus, Lavender, Lily, Gardenia and Iris are best for Pitta types.

Some typical aromas for Kapha are-
Spicy and Resinous aromas are best for the Kapha types.

Fragrances such as Clove, Sage, Cedar, Frankincense and Myrrh are best for Kapha types.

The mixed Ayurvedic body types could use aromas from either of the dosha types category, depending on which dosha is more predominant at a given time or for whose imbalance therapeutic healing is sought.

​Doshas are helpful in defining the physical attributes of an individual, but the psychological behavior and mind set of individuals is explained by gunas only.

Sattva guna defines the purity of thoughts. On physical level its expression is in the form of calm and composed behavior and a tranquil mind set. Due to its purity sattva is always referred to as guna. It is never spoiled and hence never called as a dosha.

On the other hand, rajas and tamas are called as ‘maanas’ doshas. They are considered to be the triggering factors that cause mental illness, hence have been termed as doshas.

Physiology is interlinked with psychology. The deviation in one will affect the other.  In simple terms, Ayurveda deeply evaluates and addresses all mind and body relations and coordination.

The diseased body affects the mind which is a cause of feeling irritated and fatigued when one suffers from an ailment. Vice versa occurs when a person is not mentally fit, he tends to feel fatigued and may complain of other symptoms which are related to thought process only.

This is the main tool in ayurveda while making a diagnosis. Exploring the cause is done on the basis of doshas but elaboration of the extent of the disease is made possible by defining gunas only. Rajas guna dominant individual shows aggression in behaviour and is leads an active life. On the other hand a tamas guna individual is generally depressed and has a negative feeling about everything around.

During treatment both of these aspects are considered and applied. Physical well being is affected by mind-set and vice versa. Holistic health which is a combination of healthy mind and body can only be attained when doshas and gunas are in sync with each other and in harmony with the external environment. 

There are numerous factors which decide the prakriti of an individual. Prakriti is the expression of dominant doshas. But it is not the sole factor responsible for carving the whole personality of an individual.

Gunas are equivalent contributors. Though, they are subtle in expression and are generally exhibited by their properties or qualities.
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Doshas explain the physical attributes and vulnerability to various probable diseases of an individual. A regime to avoid these diseases and lead a healthy and contented life is also mentioned in the ayurvedic texts. But this is the half aspect of a wider view.

​The other aspect, the mind which governs all the physiological and psychological processes is comprehensively explained by gunas only. There are certain attributes of doshas that tend to define the probable mind set of the individual but gunas provide a detailed illustration of the same.

Doshas are made up of panchmahabhootas, the five basic elements of the nature: aakash (ether), vaayu (air), agni (fire), jal (water) and prithvi (earth). These panchmahabhootas further comprises of three gunas: sattva, rajas and tamas.

​According to Ayurveda, the ancient science of Life & Healing from India, each day we should start our morning by the following a daily routine steps, called as Dincharya. These help to maintain high energy levels throughout the day and a genuine sense of health and wellbeing. 

Add 3 to 5 drops of sesame oil in your ear. This is believed to help with maintaining good hearing and ear health. Similarly, adding 3 to 5 drops of sesame oil in each nostril is believed to help with cleansing and lubricating the nasal cavity and help with cleaning out sinuses. This is also believed to improve voice, vision, and mental clarity. 
Since our nose is the door to the brain, so nose drops nourish our overall prana and help with improved brain working (intelligence). 
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Next massage your head and body with some good massage oil or plain sesame oil. This helps to lubricate the skin, bones and joint. Doing this before going to bed ensures sound sleep.

In addition to these daily, dincharya routine steps also conduct atleast one session of Pranayama and daily Meditation to ensure high every level throughout the day.

Note: as always, make sure that you conduct these and any other health regimen changes with due  consideration for your specific  situation AND with proper consultation with a medical doctor.

Guna is a Sanskrit word which has different meanings. In Ayurveda, guna refers to strands of a cord. Three gunas mean the three strands of a cord. This name has been attributed since the three gunas of sattva, rajas and tamas; are intertwined with one another in a form to give rise to a strong cord- our physical existence, our body.

In the present context it can be translated that these gunas are different entities, but their existence is in such a harmony that it collectively gives an expression to prakriti. Guna is a tendency to perform action and not an action in itself. It is the underlying expression behind the actions of an individual.

Gunas are three in number and described by ‘samkhya darshan’. These are sattva, rajas and tamas...

The relevance of these three gunas is comprehensible and applicable in medical science. As, these gunas are present in individuals and are expressed in the dominant form only. A sattva guna individual will have a calm, tranquil and meditative mindset. Rajas guna individual will be active but very much encored in worldly pleasures and may show aggression in behavior. Tamas guna dominant individual may exhibit traits like lethargy, depression, and a basic inactivity in behavior.

These three guna are characteristically different from each other but they work in unison. They are the basics of human existence as well as the whole universe and lifecycle in a larger perspective.

To simplify, Sattva guna is accelerator, rajas guna is the initiator, and tamas guna is the obstructer or destructor. All of the three functions are important and necessary to strike a balance in nature.

The main properties or qualities of three doshas are enumerated below:

​Vata as defined by the name circulates in the whole body. It is also defined as the initiating power of all the functions of the body. It is the main transporter in the body. Vata is most crucial of all the three doshas and treating it is considered as half of the complete regime.  

Other two doshas- pitta and kapha are dependent on vata only for their movement. Vata controls all the organ systems of the body and help in smooth functioning. Ingestion of food, speech, respiration, digestion, and expulsion of waste material in the form of feces is facilitated by Vata only. Nervous system is also governed by vata dosha.

Pitta is a fire element and thence is responsible for digestive functions and various other functions which dissipate heat like comprising complexion of the body, etc. Pitta can be defined as controlling the functions those results in exothermic reactions, viz. Digestion, pigmentation, regulation of body temperature, formation of erythroblasts, maintaining vision etc. 

Kapha comprises predominantly of water and earth elements. It helps in smooth execution of various functions in the body, viz. Production of digestive juices, lubricating various joints and membranes in the body in the form of synovial fluid and cerebrospinal fluid etc.

Doshas are the principle metabolic forces, and they control the physiological processes and psychological behavior of an individual.  

​Doshas are the basic constituents of a human body. They are three in number and are classified as: Vata (air), pitta (bile) and kapha (phlegm).

Doshas have a capability of affecting other constituents of the body which are termed as ‘dhatu’ and ‘mala’. Due to this capability and property of affecting/ spoiling healthy tissues the term ‘dosha’ is assigned to them.
According to Ayurveda, the whole mortal creation is standing on the foundation of five basic elements which are called as ‘pancha-mahabhootas’.  

​These five elements are: ether, air, fire, water, and earth. Doshas are no exception and are made up of a combination of these pancha-mahabhootas only. Vata is combination of ether and air, pitta is comprised by fire and kapha is a constitution of earth and water. Though, all the five elements are present in differing proportions, but the dominant ones are characteristically expressed.

A balance between these three constituents of body results in health whereas any deviation from the normalcy leads to development of disease. In balanced form, doshas carry out the normal functioning of the various metabolic processes in body like normal nervous system functioning, carrying out digestion and lubricating various parts and joints to facilitate free and easy movement of the limbs.

​These three doshas are invisible with naked eyes. But they can be defined as the principles of the metabolism which are responsible for carrying out the basic functions of body.
 
Doshas define the prakriti of an individual right from the time of conception. Prakriti is the individual’s constitution of body. It is different and distinguished for every individual. Prakriti also helps to explain the vulnerability of an individual to various diseases and explains the reason behind several so-called idiopathic factors in modern science.

An individual can enjoy a disease free and healthy life by knowing his doshaj prakriti. By inculcating defined measures and precautions one can lead a healthy life and can keep the diseases at a bay.

Ayurveda is categorised into eight different speciality domains: kaya chikitsa (medicine), shalya chikitsa (surgery), shalakya chikitsa (eye and ENT), kaumar bhritya (paediatrics and gynaecology), agad tantra (toxicology), graha chikitsa (psychiatric ailments), rasayan (fortification) and baajikaran (rejuvenation).

​This is an example of the detail orientation and the level of specialization reached in those ancient times. 
Not only this, Sushruta, the father of surgery, who has compiled the shalya tantra made the most valuable contribution of plastic surgery in form of rhinoplasty, labioplasty and suturing deformed ear pinna. Minute and detailed explanations of the layers of skin and several other aspects were also explained by Sushruta. 

​The concepts and contexts of ayurveda are as relevant today, as they were in yester years. By following an ayurvedic regime an individual can attain and maintain health.

Ayurveda is not just a complementary and alternative system of medicine, but it is a way of life. It is the oldest science of medicine which has a lineage as old as 5000 years. It was passed to the generations through vocal communication only, which eventually lead to gradual loss of valuable information and distortion in the original contents.

But facing all adversaries, it has managed not only to survive through the rages of time but also maintained its accuracy and efficacy in providing healthy lives to individuals.

Ayurveda is an ancient medical science which has originated from Indian subcontinent. The term ayurveda comprises of ‘ayus’ which means life and ‘veda’ which means science. Collectively it is comprehended as ‘science of life’. 

It is evident from the main description that ayurveda is far more vast than to limit it into the boundaries of medical science. The main principle of ayurveda is attaining and preserving the healthy status and curing the ailment of an individual.  Ayurveda is a health-centric science which considers maintaining health as important as treatment of the ailment. 
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Health is a balanced combination of physique, mind and spirit. Healthy physique is attained through eating proper diet (aahar) and leading an active life in sync with the external environment (vihaar).   The description is carried ahead by citing various regimes to be inculcated in diurnal and seasonal variations.

​Healthy mind is keeping one’s thought process stress free and lively. This can be attained through various breathing techniques which have been defined in context of asanas. These two- the healthy body and mind are then merged into supreme legacy- the spirit. The final step is facilitated by meditation. 
 
Disease is a result of faulty equilibrium in metabolic processes of the body. Whenever, there is an imbalance between the three basic components of the body- the vata (air/ ether), pitta (bile) and kapha (the phlegm); disease will occur. 

Treatment in ayurveda is based on individual’s body type and traits. Medicine is prescribed primarily focusing on patient and his body type. This explains the concept of prakriti. It defines the main traits of an individual and his vulnerability to various ailments.

The main aim is to eradicate or cure the cause of the disease which supersedes the symptomatic relief. This requires patience and an active participation from the diseased individual. The treatment followed is classified as: shodhan (purification), shaman (eradication of the cause), rasayan (fortifying process) and satavajaya (harmony of mind).   

Ayurvedic incense are made from various herbs, wooden parts of certain aromatic trees and certain special resins. More than 100 such aromatic substances may be used to make one type of incense.
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Though principal incense usage in Ayurveda is for therapeutic reasons, they are also used daily for religious and other personal rituals for their effect on mind and mental states. The aromas were long known for bringing about a sense of relaxation, well-being and piousness- which further aid in meditation and de-stressing/relaxation practices.

Some typical aromas for Vata types are-
Warming and pleasant aromas are best for Vata types. Care should be taken that the fragrances are not over-stimulating, since that would have an adverse effect on the already nervous Vata mental state. Fragrances such as Sandalwood, Lotus, Cinnamon, Camphor and Basil are best for Vata types.

Some typical aromas for Pitta are-
Cooling and pleasant aromas are best for Pitta types. Fragrances such as Sandalwood, Rose, Lemongrass, Lotus, Lavender, Lily, Gardenia and Iris are best for Pitta types.

Some typical aromas for Kapha are-
Spicy and Resinous aromas are best for the Kapha types. Fragrances such as Clove, Sage, Cedar, Frankincense and Myrrh are best for Kapha types.
 
The mixed types could use aromas from either of the dosha types category, depending on which dosha is more predominant at a given time or for whose imbalance therapeutic healing is sought.

​Mantras are syllables that create vibrations internally in the person who chants.  They are not just usual sound as created while uttering any other word, but capable of transforming one’s mind to evolve spiritually. 

The result of mantra japa can be compared with that of a stone thrown into a pond that create waves, but goes into the deep.  Mantras has the power to experience the depth of the mind, by creating waves at the surface level.  

The practice of mantra japa results in expressing one’s own impressions of the mind as it starts diving into the depths. Every mantra has “bija” mantra or bijaksharas.  They are otherwise called as the seed included in each mantra. 

In Hindu tradition, there are mantras associated with each deity, but the ultimate goal of chanting mantra is to increase awareness, concentration and to go into the deep planes in the mind. “Aum” is the widely known mantra and that itself is a “bija” mantra. 

Most of the mantras starts with “AUM”.  There are some occasions where “Aum” is chanted three times before the starting of slokas, comprised of mantras. Some of the bija mantras are: Aum, Ham, Yam, Ram, Vam, Lam.  Bija mantra can otherwise be called as mystic sound generated through the chanting of mantra. 

In spiritual practice, mantra japa helps to gain awareness and increase concentration. It helps a lot to concentrate on one’s “ishta devata”, the favorite deity, thus helping to meditate by sitting in a fixed posture.  Mantras are part of tantric tradition that deals with the awakening of the consciousness lying within every human being. It is also known as the awakening of kundalini power by awakening the chakras.  Bijaksharas are formulated in such a way to awaken these chakras so that the individual consciousness is expanded to become universal consciousness. 

Mantras are said to have revealed in the consciousness of sages before ages. And among these, Bija mantra is the first syllable in each mantra.  Each bija mantra has association with its mantra. For example, Lord Shiva’s bija mantra is “hraum”, “dum” is Durga’s mantra and “kreem”, of Kali. It is believed that the subtle forms of these mantras exist in this cosmos. Bija mantras are beyond the intellectual understanding and usual grammatical rules in any language. 

Repeated, concentrated mantra japa takes the practitioner to various planes of consciousness by experiencing the inner silence.  In tantric tradition, chakras in the human body has immense important in awakening the consciousness. Vibration of mantras touch these chakras by making changes in the mind of the practitioner. 

Yantra is the symbolic, physical form of Mantra carrying the subtle effect of Mantra.  It is basically an instrument with symbols drawn comprising of geometrical shapes which has the power to make the mind focus or concentrated. In traditional way, it is drawn in a metal sheet, especially in copper metal sheets.  Best examples are “swastika chakra”, “sri yantra”, etc.  
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One yantra is comprised of several geometrical figures like circles, triangles, horizontal and vertical lines, point, square, etc.  These are carved on metallic plate from several dimensions and angles. It may look downward, upward, etc. 

In Hindu mythology, it is believed that by wearing these yantras, one can achieve good fortunes and it is said that planets can influence on the people who wear it.  Some of these yantras are capable of attracting energy which can bring luck for the person for a given period of time. Some of them also represent astronomical position of planets during a given period of time.

Concentrating on these symbols in yantras can also help in brining good karma, getting rid of the ill-effects of past karmas, etc. Each geometric element in the yantra represents five nature elements in the universe like air, water, fire, knowledge, etc. These symbols are inscribed on metal sheets with the help of mantras by which the symbols get the power to represent cosmic powers and divinity.

Similar way, chanting mantra after wearing the yantra on one’s body will also help the aspirant to evolve spiritually. It is a kind of esoteric concept which is not followed by everyone. While yantra is something physical and gross, mantra is subtle, still more powerful. 

Scientifically, it is said that the geometrical shapes carved on the yantra is just an epitome possessed by the human brain.  That is the reason why the mind is attracted towards certain symbols which has created impressions on the human mind in previous births. These yantras cannot be made anytime, but prepared during certain date and time, according to the procedures defined in Vedas.

Some people who believe in certain deities wear yantras with a belief that it protect them from bad misfortunes and bad luck that arise in the life because of past karma. Precisely, mantra and yantra are based on tantric principles to be used as tools to evolve spiritually.  

Both mantra and yantra has the power to transform the mind as decided by the aspirant. Yantras are also used in black magic which can be harmful for the person if not used in proper ways.

​“Mantras” are powerful syllables that is said to have revealed in the consciousness of ancient rishis which are capable of transforming one’s mind. Mantras form part of Vedas, chanted during auspicious occasions with the intention to praise the Gods and Goddesses. 

Just like the normal words creating the sound when uttered through mouth, mantras also create sound, but with a vibration affecting the internal chakras in the body. Certain cells in the body, are activated through this vibration.  This helps to control the mind by increasing the awareness and concentration. Chanting of mantras in its specific order brings the effect of Prayanam, a yogic practice of controlling the mind through breath control.  

​The breath is controlled with a consequence of rhythmic chanting of mantras formulated as slokas. This in effect activates the brain cells. Usually, mantras are combination of different words starting with the syllable “Aum”. There are different types of mantras creating various types of sounds. 

Chanting of some mantras create nasal sounds, several others are chanted by giving importance to certain letters in the mantra, etc. Mantras belong to Vedas – Rig, Yajur, Sama chanted based on several traditions. “Aum” is considered as the source of all the mantras in Hinduism. The sound is created with the help of the lips, tongue, jaws, nose and throat. This helps in the smooth flow of prana through the nadis (channels) related to these organs. 

When the pranic flow is smooth through these nadis, the brain cells gets activated by bringing a good control over the emotions of the mind. When the emotions are controlled, naturally, the greed, anger, lust that makes the man mad is also controlled and as a result, the individual who practice the mantra chanting starts to live in the world with harmony. 

Mind is transformed automatically through the channelizing of the pranic energy through the nadis. The individual gets a good balance over the positive and negative energies of the mind. Just like the sound produced by any musical instrument that soothes the human mind, mantras are also powerful in brining tranquility in the mind.  

If the mantras are chanted in a group, the persons who chant and persons who are present in the presence also get benefitted out of it.  Generally, mantras are initiated by Guru to a disciple depending on the favorite deity of the disciple.  Repeated chanting of mantra takes the disciple to spiritual heights. 

​Rudraksha beads are said to have been flowed down to earth as tears of Lord Shiva.  It is believed that as per the legend that the beads have a great significance in evolving the beings spiritually.  No seed other than rudraksha has this position in the Hindu mythology. There are several types of beads, categorized based on the faces of the rudraksha.  

It starts with one, which is believed as Lord Shiva himself, then two faced – Gauri Shankara or the Ardha Narishwara symbolizing the aspect of Shiva and Shakti.  While some are rare and cn be worn only by certain type of people. Some are very common and can be worn by people of any caste. Different faces have different mantras associated with it. 

Chanting the mantras by wearing the rudraksha beads can heal several diseases like blood pressure, breathing and respiratory problems, etc. One who wears the appropriate rudraksha possesses several qualities and prevents from ageing, increase vitality, etc.  The wearing of beads also helps to gain focus and concentration during meditation. 

One of the important advantages of wearing the rudraksha touching the heart is to control the blood pressure. This is very much essential for those who want to meditate peacefully without mental distortion. This prevents the meditator in experiencing heat, cold, and other disturbances assumed as mistakes in meditation. The rudraksha bead mala or rosary worn by the person is basically acting as the connection link between the heart rate and that of the cells behind the neck. 

If there is any imbalance in the heart rate, this information is passes to the base of the brain and this helps in maintaining the balance of cardiac output and heart rate. Thus, it is believed that the rudraksha rosary has the power to control the heart disorders and blood pressure. The leaves of rudraksha tree is said to have high Vitamin C content, helpful in curing rheumatism and is also used as an remedy for poison. 

Rudraksha fruit is used as medicine for the brain disorders, pneumonia, uclers, etc. To get maximum benefit from spiritual point of view, one has to wear the rosary given by the Guru during the initiation. Some use them as the aid to chant mantra to keep track of the mantra count.  Some believe that wearing of rudraksha mala can also attract luck.