Ayurveda is an ancient holistic system of wellbeing that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit and the need for a personalized approach to health. According to Ayurveda, there are three pillars that form the foundation of overall health and longevity: Ahara (inputs in life), True actions (brahmacharya), and Sleep (Nidra). Each of these pillars plays a crucial role in establishing a daily routine (dinacharya) that promotes optimal health and wellbeing. Let’s dive deeper into these three pillars and learn ways to incorporate them into our daily lives.
Ahara ~ inputs in life ~ the food, water, breath, and perceptions
Ahara refers to everything we take in from our environment, including food, water, air, and sensory perceptions. According to Ayurveda, the quality of these inputs is just as important as the quantity. Eating healthy, nutrient-dense foods, drinking plenty of water, breathing fresh air, and spending time in nature can help promote optimal health and wellbeing. It’s also essential to be mindful of our sensory inputs and avoid exposure to toxins, negative news, and other stressors that can impact our mental and emotional wellbeing.
True actions ~ brahmacharya
True actions, or brahmacharya, refers to living a life of moral and ethical integrity. This includes being truthful, non-violent, and self-controlled in all aspects of our lives. According to Ayurveda, when we act in alignment with our true nature and live with integrity, we promote balance and harmony within ourselves and with the world around us.
Sleep ~ Nidra
Getting enough restful sleep is essential for overall health and wellbeing. According to Ayurveda, the time we spend sleeping is crucial for healing and rejuvenation, particularly during the moon hours. Establishing a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, avoiding screen time before bed, and creating a relaxing sleep environment can all help promote deep, restful sleep. Getting enough quality sleep is crucial for protecting Ojas, the vital life force that supports the immune system and fosters a state of bliss.
Incorporating Ayurveda’s three pillars into our daily lives can help us establish healthy habits that promote optimal health and wellbeing. By being mindful of the inputs we take in, living with integrity, and prioritizing restful sleep, we can protect and nourish our vital life force and support the immune system. While it can be challenging to make changes to our daily habits, taking small steps towards a healthier lifestyle can have a profound impact on our overall health and wellbeing. Let’s honor the wisdom of Ayurveda and prioritize these three pillars of health and longevity in our daily lives.
With Munay,
Michelle
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Michelle Berry 
2 responses to “Ayurveda’s Three Pillars of Health and Longevity”
Hello, is here a classical reference for the four inputs mentioned in Ahara ~ inputs in life ~ the food, water, breath, and perceptions
Ayurveda teaches that Ahara is so much more than just food—it’s everything we take in, shaping our body, mind, and energy. What we eat matters, but so does the water we drink, the breath we take, and even the perceptions we absorb through our senses. Ancient texts like Charaka Samhita remind us that food is the greatest nourishment, while the Taittiriya Upanishad considers water a form of sustenance in itself. Breath, or Prana, is our life force, and when it flows smoothly, so does the mind, as Hatha Yoga Pradipika beautifully explains. And then there’s what we feed our senses—what we watch, listen to, and engage with—all of which impact our well-being. Ayurveda calls this Indriya Ahara, and Charaka Samhita points out that whatever we take in can either nourish or deplete us. When we balance all of these, we cultivate Ojas—that deep vitality and radiance that keeps us thriving.