In this week's article of our Rediscovering Ayurveda series, we interviewed Vd. Surabhi Pathak.
Dr. Surabhi is a practising Vaidya. She completed her studies (Bachelors of Ayurveda, Medicine & Surgery) from Nagpur and has specialized in swasthavritta & yoga (preventive and social medicine).
Let's read more about Vd. Surabhi's journey in her own words.
How did you start your journey as an Ayurveda practitioner?
So, the Ayurveda runs in my family, my great grandfather and grandfather were
famous Ayurvedacharya in their times and my father wanted to be Vaidya too but it could not happen due to some reasons.
We have our own medicine manufacturing company (Pathak Ayurvedic
Pharmacy at Nagpur & Gondia, Maharashtra.) So, since childhood I have seen my father working hard for his business and his urge to spread
the importance of Ayurveda in every aspect into the community.
My childhood holidays used to be at our factory. I was very fascinated by the process of making medicines and the beautiful fragrance of all herbs,
it was my playground. I have done every possible work in my factory with all workers happily. After all, they are not just workers but our family.
After my 12th boards, I took admission to BAMS in Nagpur and I was very happy. Five years passed by and then I decided to do PG of 3 years.
I took admission in specialization subject Swasthavritta & Yoga (Preventive and Social Medicine) this is my favourite subject of all. As the subject talks about the
preventive aspects and healthy living. I post graduated recently and started practising. Similarly, I write blogs and articles on Ayurveda and Yoga.
I have started enjoying writing as it gives freedom to you and your thoughts.
What inspired you to take the path of Ayurveda?
As I mentioned above I think, my family background, my father’s hard work and dedication of years and of course Ayurveda itself. This ancient science is magical. It teaches you a lot and it has an answer to everything. It gives you knowledge about herbs, Medicines, treatment, Yoga,
Spirituality and what not. And also I always wanted to do justice to the traditions that have
followed by our family generation. I am trying my best.
What keeps you motivated to do what you do?
Ayurveda is ancient science and embodiment of pure knowledge which deals with all aspect of life which fascinates me a lot. It has a holistic approach, it simply understands the unique us and
being what we are meant to be. I try to spread the importance of Ayurveda in the community to spread awareness amongst people, to have a simple yet healthy lifestyle.
And Ayurveda is just not for practitioners but is for all common people.
In today’s era of fast and quick solutions, unhealthy lifestyle people should
know the importance of Ayurveda as it is harmless and natural and basically it is our roots.
Tell us what a typical day in the life of an Ayurveda practitioner looks like?
So, my day starts with waking up early in the morning then Yoga and pranayama practice for an hour at least 4 to 5 times a week. As I love cardio workouts like dancing, running and little gym sessions for the rest of the days of the week. I enjoy fruits, Indian snacks, Indian meal, herbal tea etc for every day.
Itry to make some healthy recopies. I work as an online consultant. So each day working hours differ. The rest of the day I study, write blogs and articles.
The word pranayama (प्राणायाम) is derived from the two words prana and Aayam.
Aayam of Prana means regulating and controlling Prana.
The pranayama is a practice of various types of breathing techniques.
What are your three favourite healthy habits you practice regularly, taken from the philosophy of Ayurveda?
The three Ayurvedic practices which I follow regularly are:
-The practice of Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation.
-I follow rituals from Dinacharya like Abhyangasnan, Nasya, Karnapurana etc.
-I follow diet and lifestyle practices according to my Prakriti (body constitution)and Rutucharya.
Abhyanga (अभ्यंग) is the action of frolement (massage) with lubricating and soft oil all over the body before bath.
The action of putting medicated oil in both nostrils for purification of all organs in the upper extremity is called as Nasya( नस्य ).
Karnapurana (कर्णपुरण)- The action of putting medicated oil in both ears for purification of ears.
Prakriti (प्रकृती)-Nature of body and mind/ Body and Mind constitution.
Rutucharya-(ऋतूचर्या)
Rutu- Seasons
Charya- Regimen
To act according to seasons is said to be Rutucharya. To maintain your diet and lifestyle according to seasons is rutucharya.
Dinacharya (दिनचर्या) - Every day is the work you do to stay healthy is said to be Dinacharya (Daily Regime).
How do you think Ayurveda and Yoga relate to one another? How can the awareness of both be increased?
Ayurveda and Yoga go hand in hand. Both Ayurveda and Yoga are of the same eraand were created for the same purpose as social welfare. Ayurveda is related to
physical, mental, spiritual i.e. whole health and Yoga is associated with mental
health and spiritual development.Both sciences are made by the people
for the people.
Satvik diet, healthy lifestyle, Sharir Shudhikriyas (Detoxification of body) are
explained in Ayurveda as well as Yoga. While both Yoga and
Ayurveda is complementary to science, they are mutually respectful. The purpose of both sciences is to protect health and relieve illness.I think awareness
will increase by spreading the knowledge we have. We, the Ayurveda practitioners or the Yoga teachers should give their knowledge into the community. We can teach atleast basics so that people can help their selves.
Our kids are the future of our country. They should be guided properly
from the school up to the college about healthy living. And the important role can be played by parents. If the parents are well aware and knowledgeable then the kids or our next generation will be prepared.
I think giving, sharing, educating about Ayurveda and Yoga will defiantly increase the awareness in the community.
What is your message to all Ayurveda, Spiritual, Yoga, and Healthy-living enthusiasts?
To all Ayurveda, spiritual, yoga and healthy living enthusiastic people,
you are really setting an example for our coming generations.
Keep the spirit high. Always. My advice will be to give and share your knowledge,
educate people around you, let’s know about our body, mind & soul and the purpose of our lives. We are human, births and deaths are inevitable but what’s in between is most important. Make the best out of it. Being healthy and happy is amazing and satisfying. Stay blessed.
Which Amrutam product would you love to try?
When I came across your page, I got fascinated because it is all-natural and about Ayurveda. I would love to try all products as they
are natural and made of Ayurvedic herbs. But of all Self love gift box
looks amazing as it contains Skin and hair care both. After all, Health is Beauty.
REDISCOVERING AYURVEDA
Rediscovering Ayurveda is Amrutam’s series of blogs wherein we interview various men and women for their views on Ayurveda. Even though, India is the birthplace of Ayurveda, with passing time it has lost its original importance as a school of life. Indians now refer to it as a school of medicine. Certainly, Ayurveda is much more than that.
So, we at Amrutam have decided to find out what Ayurveda means to people in the present day.
This is the twenty-first article in Amrutam’s series of articles called Rediscovering Ayurveda, which aims to understand the idea or perception that modern-day men and women have about Ayurveda.
