How the Irish diet and lifestyle can benefit from Ayurveda

Ayurveda, the oldest written form of medicine in history, originated in India over 5,000 years ago, and literally translates as “self-knowledge”. It is the science of the self, the study of the human body, mind, and spirit, and how it relates to and is affected by its environment

Irish lifestyles and diet

Irish lifestyles and diet can certainly benefit from this ancient traditional system of medicine. Ayurveda recognizes our body’s unique constitution and how we perceive the environment taken in with our five senses. 

In Ayurveda, there are three primary doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. With this knowledge, you can develop a personal insight on your physical and mental tendencies and create custom supportive lifestyle habits to keep you feeling balanced. 

It teaches you simple, grounded and loving self-care techniques that keep your body functioning healthily, your emotions stable, and your mind clear.

How the Irish diet has changed over 8,000 years

“The first people who came here were hunter-gatherers. When they arrived in Ireland the country was covered in trees,” said Mac Con Iomaire on IrishCentral. “So those people made their way along the coast or in boats up the rivers and that’s how they broke their way in.

What would they have to hand? Oysters would have been huge. Scallops, mussels, herrings, all the various fish but particularly shellfish that you could forage along the coastline. Also there were things like wild garlic, wild watercress, myrtle berries, grouse, all kinds of wild birds, all sorts of wild animals, and they were all eaten.” 

In fact, “So much of the discourse about Irish food seems poisoned by the Famine and thinking that we are just this poor nation who had nothing and no education, and emigrated and starved, but if you go back that bit further and back to Newgrange that’s a much better place to start and to see just how sophisticated our ancient ancestors were.”

How Ayurveda can help the modern Irish diet 

When it comes to diet, Ayurveda emphasises the importance of eating nourishing foods that are suited to one’s unique constitution or “dosha.” Each person has a unique combination of these doshas, and understanding them can help tailor dietary recommendations to promote optimal health.

Diet to Pacify your Doshas:

Refer to bottom of article for a brief guide to doshas characteristics. You can also reach out to Naomi Sheedy for a free assessment of your doshas.

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Vata Dosha

The Irish diet tends to be rich in potatoes, dairy, and meats. Ayurveda can guide how to balance these food choices according to one’s dosha. For someone with a Vata dosha, which is characterised by qualities like dryness and coldness, incorporating warming and grounding foods like cooked grains, root vegetables, and warming spices can help bring balance. 

Pitta dosha

For those with a Pitta dosha, which tends to be fiery and intense, focusing on cooling and calming foods like leafy greens, cucumber, and coconut can be beneficial. 

Kapha dosha

Tends to be heavy and slow, incorporating lighter and more stimulating foods like legumes, spices, and bitter greens can help balance their constitution.

Practise Mindful Eating

Ayurveda also emphasises mindful eating and digestion. It suggests eating in a calm and relaxed environment, chewing food thoroughly, and avoiding overeating. These practices can enhance digestion and overall well-being.

How Ayurveda can help a modern Irish lifestyle

As we transition into the colder seasons in Ireland, the Irish lifestyle can also greatly benefit from this ancient wisdom, which encourages balance and harmony between mind, body, and soul. Here are a few specific points illustrating how Ayurveda can enhance our well-being during this time:

Warm and Nourishing Foods

Ayurveda encourages the consumption of warm, nourishing foods like soups and stews, which not only help warm our bodies but also support our digestion, crucial for maintaining overall health.

Spices like Ginger and Cinnamon

Incorporating ingredients like ginger and cinnamon into our meals can provide warmth and balance, boosting our immunity and aiding in the digestion of heartier, cold-weather dishes.

Abhyanga – Daily Oil Massage

The practice of daily oil massage (Abhyanga) can help protect the skin from the harsh effects of cold weather while providing a soothing sense of grounding, nurturing the soul during these seasonal changes.

By embracing Ayurveda’s principles, we can align our lifestyle with the changing seasons and find a sense of comfort and balance even as the temperatures drop.

Ayurveda recognizes the importance of lifestyle factors in maintaining health. It encourages practices such as daily meditation, yoga, and regular exercise to promote balance and vitality.

In summary, Ayurveda can offer valuable insights and guidance to help the Irish people personalise their diet and lifestyle choices according to their unique constitution, ultimately promoting overall mental well-being and balance.

Dosha Guide for reference