EMBRACE BALANCE THROUGH AYURVEDA

Finding Harmony Through Ayurvedic Wisdom in a Tech-Driven World

In an age where technology is as essential as air yet just as easily polluted, we find ourselves

living in a paradox. The same devices that connect us across continents also disconnect us

from our inner worlds. Our minds are under siege, our bodies sedentary, and our attention

fractured, not by accident, but by design. We are slowly selling our souls to be part of this

complex matrix. This process of conscious letting go can also be applied to reclaim what is

most sacred: our attention to human existence, our presence, and our health.

There are undeniably positive impacts of technology on our health, such as improved health

awareness, increased access to healthcare, advanced diagnostic and surgical technologies, and

fitness tracking apps. Additionally, stress reduction technologies and tools that reconnect us

with long-lost friends and family can greatly enhance our well-being. However, these benefits

are only realized if we actively engage with them, with purpose. Awareness and acceptance

are key. Without a proactive approach, we begin relying too heavily on technology as a

convenient solution to our problems. For instance, tools like ChatGPT can serve as valuable

assistants, but they cannot independently solve our issues. The same goes for apps, trackers,

and communication devices. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with us to leverage these

technologies to our advantage for a healthier, more balanced life.

Ayurveda, with its holistic perspective, emphasizes the importance of both foresight and

adaptability in our lifestyles. It recognizes that time, needs, and circumstances change;

therefore, guidelines must adapt too. The nuances within the scriptures allow for flexibility

without compromising the original requirements.

THE IMPACT

Physical Health

• Sedentary Lifestyle: Technology encourages a sedentary lifestyle, increasing the risk

of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.

• Musculoskeletal Issues: Poor posture, weak muscles and prolonged screen time

contributes to conditions like "tech neck", chronic lower back pain with increasing

risks of osteoarthritis.

• Digital Eye Strain: Excessive screen use can cause dry eyes, headaches, blurred

vision, and potential long-term retinal damage, affecting all age groups.

• Sleep Disruption: Device use before bedtime can inhibit melatonin production, disrupt

sleep cycles and lead to reduced sleep quality.

• Fertility Issues: Exposure to electromagnetic radiation and a sedentary lifestyle can

negatively impact sperm quality and hormonal balance, affecting fertility in both men

and women.

Emotional Health

• Anxiety and Depression: Connectivity pressure due to constant social media

comparison can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem, especially among young adults

facing cyberbullying.

• Stress: Work notifications disrupt personal time, preventing necessary disconnection,

leading to chronic stress.

• Isolation: Increased connectivity has not reduced feelings of loneliness; genuine

human connection is irreplaceable.

• Attention Deficits: Digital multitasking can impair attention spans and lead to

frustration due to cognitive overload.

• Addiction: Technology dependency can cause mood swings and irritability, affecting

problem-solving and sleep quality.

• Mental Stimulation: Engaging with devices create sensory overload, activating stress

responses.

Social Health:

• Decreased Physical Activity: Reliance on technology for entertainment limits

opportunities for physical activities and social interaction.

• Reduced Empathy: Heavy use of digital communication impacts face-to-face

interactions, empathy and diminished social skills, affecting relationships.

• Social Isolation: Technology can lead to decreased social tolerance, weakened

familial and social ties, exaggerating feelings of loneliness.

THE SOLUTION

Our attention is no longer just a personal resource; it is a commodity used by the digital

ecosystem. We are calculatedly put on an endless loop of distraction. What feels like a

personal failing, i.e. the inability to focus, read deeply, or simply sit in stillness, is a

neurological response to this deliberate human design. Before any change can occur, we must

first see the problem. Awareness is a quiet revolution. Awareness, without judgment.

1. Dinacharya: These are practices that ground us through balance. They may seem like

simple routines of self-care, but this simplicity is the specialty of the science. It keeps

doshas in check, both physical and emotional. When there is conscious regulation,

there is mindfulness, which is the skill that is hijacked today. Practices like waking up

with the sun, cleansing the sinuses with oil and medicines, abhyanga (self-massage),

and even mindful snana (bath) bring our attention back to the moment. It doesn’t end

with morning rituals; the focus on planned meals, attention to food and nourishment, a

brief prayer of gratitude, and, of course, sadvritta (code of conduct) serve as everyday

reminders to retreat to self and life. There is great emphasis on the physical and

emotional evaluation of the self, which is a way of preventive wellness. Community is

also considered important, and engaging in the right way is essential. It is built as a

routine to ensure that it is passed on to every generation, thereby forging a healthy and

happy family.

2. Eye Health: Think beyond just eye drops. Regular eye exercises, Dinacharya care of

the eyes, and Netra Kriya Kalpa, as advised by a physician, can keep the eyes safe.

Techniques like Netra Seka (slow and steady pouring of liquids in/on the eyes),

guided eye movements, Netranjana, Nasyam, Gandusha (oil pulling), Kavala (mouth

rinse), and Padabhyanga (foot massage) have direct indications for eye health.

Trataka practice (staring at a burning ghee lamp) is also beneficial.

3. Yoga and Meditation: Pranayama and regular practice of Hatha Yoga have

immediate and measurable impacts on the mind. The mindfulness and breathing

techniques inherent in yoga help activate the parasympathetic nervous system,

promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Yoga can improve cognitive function,

increase attention span, and enhance flexibility and physical strength, effectively

counteracting the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Additionally, yoga practice

enhances emotional regulation and resilience. Group yoga classes can cultivate a

sense of community and support, counteracting feelings of isolation.

4. Medhya Rasayana: Rasayana focuses on rejuvenation and enhancing the quality of

life, aiming to prolong not just lifespan but also the vitality and health within that

lifespan. Medhya Rasayana refers to a specific subset that enhances cognitive

function and mental clarity. It includes herbs and formulations that specifically target

brain health. Research indicates that Medhya Rasayana can facilitate better learning

processes and memory retention. Ingredients like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and

Vacha (Acorus calamus) are traditionally used to improve memory, concentration, and

cognitive function, with studies suggesting that these herbs may enhance synaptic

transmission and neuroplasticity. Many herbs possess adaptogenic properties, helping

the body manage stress, while others, such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera),

have neuroprotective qualities that help protect brain cells from oxidative stress and

inflammation.

5. Vatahara Chikitsa: Despite a lack of physical movement, the mind is still engaged in

nonstop chatter. This can increase vata dosha (the element responsible for all kinds of

gross and subtle movements). Controlling this through mindful lifestyle changes, diet,

and medications, along with panchakarma chikitsa (treatment) like basti, can be

beneficial.

The world will not slow down, we must choose to slow down ourselves. We don’t need to

abandon technology to thrive, but we do need to reclaim our original existence within it. The

first step is awareness, the second is intention, and the third is gentle, repeated action. In a

world that profits from distraction, our attention is an act of revolution. Ayurveda is not

merely a prescriptive system, it is a dynamic framework that encourages us to adapt to unique

circumstances. Let’s not fret over these quick changes; let’s not be taken over. Let us adapt

with knowledge, strength, and confidence.