Staying Disease-Free By Feeding

2 years ago By Yogi Anoop

Staying Disease-Free by Feeding Senses

In order to remain fit and free from diseases, it is important to feed all our senses properly and not just the body. Our brain has countless types of tissues, all categorised and tied to a certain part or activity in the body. These tissues are fed through the five senses, for example, our eyes desire objects and colours, scenes and vistas, this is how the brain is able to give rise to the flight of imagination. The section of the brain which is associated with the eyes gets satisfied by seeing. 

Simply put, if food is what nourishes us, our senses are fed and satisfied by what is peculiar to them, that is, ears and the sense of hearing is satisfied by listening to music or any pleasant thing such as the chirping of birds, such is the case with the tongue and tasty food, eyes and beholding beautiful scenery, nose and fragrance, so on and so forth. When the senses are satisfied and fed, the mind is calmer and at peace. This is precisely why giving a creative extension to our personality or finding time for meaningful leisure is important for a healthy mind, body and lifestyle.  

Just think about it, the mere aroma of food makes us hungry, isn't it? Our yogis and sages have extensively worked on this subject. Is breath ever perceived as food, no! In reality, it is the biggest and, in a way, the primary source of our existence. Lack of oxygen can give rise to many ailments, similarly, proper oxygen to body parts and the brain can also alleviate and resolve many issues and ailments. 

Skin is fed by the means of touch. Our intimate relationships, dhyana, massages and saunas are all mediums to cater to the needs of the skin and the sense of touch. The more we try to experience our tissues, skin and muscles, the better we feel. This is why a relaxing spa or massage makes us feel so good and rejuvenates our body. Sleep is considered the best food for our skin and the brain, it is when both get into repair and restore mode.   

Our sense of taste is such that it is most prone to get unregulated and out of control. Most people eat food primarily to satisfy their taste buds and give little to no value to nutrition. Note that animals eat for survival, they don't have the sense of taste like humans. When our mind is not at peace, our body is under stress and our senses unsatisfied, this is when the sense of taste goes out of control and we begin to crave junk and processed food to somehow calm down our senses. When a person craves sweets, he is only interested in consuming simple sugar and not foods like jaggery.   

This is why the tongue and the mouth just wants to stay busy and wants us to binge eat or chew pan or tobacco, or smoke cigarettes, so that it could silence the needs of other senses. 

The problem is not in food, but excessive consumption of certain types of food. Ever thought why we are only attracted toward certain tastes such as, sweet, spicy or savoury, and not pungent or acerbic? Why is mustard or wasabi or bitter gourd appealing to only a select of us? Balance is the key, I am not asking anyone to forcefully eat or consume what they do not like, I am just nudging to practice some restrain and discipline. 

Pay attention to all your senses, live for experiences and strive to achieve a calm and peaceful mind to stave off diseases and lead a happy, healthy and long life. 

Try and follow the following tips: 

• Don't get addicted to certain tastes, in fact, try to have foods that you do not like as much. The ability to be able to break habits, patterns and addictions is great for the brain. 

• After a certain age, it is important to consume foods that are bitter in taste. 

• Limit your screen time, invest in timeout where you could behold beautiful scenes that could sooth your eyes, senses and the mind.

• Screen down should be at least 2-3 hours before sleep time. 

• Focus on your breath, how deeply you breath.

• Practice pranayama that can help in retaining the energy in the brain for a long time. Don't let the mind get too attracted towards unnecessary food. Do not allow overeating.

• Be sure to meditate, this stops the movement of unnecessary thoughts and increases self-satisfaction. Meditation and dhyana prevents the mind from getting disturbed. A calm mind can never let the senses go astray.

• Make sure you get optimum physical activity. Just a 15-20 minute moderate walk every day would be enough.   

• A deep sleep is unparalleled wealth. Practice dhyana and pranayama every day before bed to get a sound and deep sleep. 

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