Why Ayurveda says no to alcohol and Impact of it in wellness

by | Jun 14, 2022 | Lifestyle

Whether it’s a bottle of wine shared with friends at a dinner or a glass of wine for yourself, Ayurveda has a view to share on the benefits and harms of drinking wine.

Before going into details, let’s ask ourselves the question: is it good to drink wine? The “Ayurvedic” answer is simple: it depends!

What does Ayurveda say about drinking alcohol?

In the classic texts, Ayurvedic doctors refer to the ability of alcohol to “rapidly reach the heart and mind, thus having a direct effect on the qualities” or doshas, the metabolic principles Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Thus, depending on our temperament, physiology, or doshas’ state when we consume wine, the alcohol it contains will tend to reinforce the state in which we find ourselves. This is no doubt why some have happy wine while others have it sad.

According to Ayurvedic texts, “the misuse of alcohol will create fear, grief, anger, disease, and death.” Let’s not forget that in the Ayurvedic system, all food is poison or medicine, depending on how it is eaten!

Also, according to Ayurveda, “if one consumes alcohol, then he must take into account the qualities of the drink, the age of the consumer, the strength of digestion, the current state of health or illness, and the season of the year or even the time of day.”

Let’s try to apply these principles to concrete cases: If you come home feeling agitated, stressed, frustrated, and/or angry, the qualities of alcohol (hot, dry) will intensify these feelings.

On the contrary, you will feel much better and better manage the next day at work, meditating or doing some yoga postures. Then you probably won’t crave alcohol.

According to Ayurveda, alcohol is the destroyer of Ojas.

What is Ojas?

Ojas refers to that which stabilizes the body and mind. It supports the immune system and keeps the mind happy. When you are stressed, Ojas gives you the ability to hold on. Ojas strengthen the foundation of your life.

How does alcohol affect Ojas?

According to Caraka, alcohol has opposite qualities or properties to Ojas. This means that it nullifies the Ojas. The more you drink the more Ojas decreases. Many people drink to feel better. However, as a person’s level of Ojas decreases, he feels worse.

People who are not aware of this drink more to compensate; this makes them feel even worse. It is a downward spiral. In the end, not only the mind feels worse, but also the body. There is diarrhea, burning indigestion, and diseases of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. The immune system ends up failing. Inflammation appears. It’s not a pretty picture.

Alcoholism and Ojas

Not all heavy drinkers get drunk every time they drink. There are many functional alcoholics. People who are functional often deny their alcoholism until it starts to ruin aspects of their lives. Over time, the pillars of his life begin to fail. When the Ojas is depleted, relationships begin to fail, health begins to fail, and you may lose your job. A person who drinks a lot loses eyes quickly. A person who drinks frequently but moderately loses Ojas over time.

Ayurveda and alcohol: Drink Responsibly

Both moderate and excessive alcohol consumption causes health problems. Occasional alcohol consumption does not cause these problems. In fact, alcohol used properly can improve life and even be a medicine. A good rule of thumb is not to drink when you are bored or sad. A celebratory drink every now and then is fine.

Early signs of low Ojas
Long before a serious problem arises, there are signs of low Ojas. An intelligent person pays attention to how he feels and makes the necessary changes.

Here are some of the early signs of low Ojas according to Ayurveda:

  1. Complain often
  2. Intolerance
  3. Inability to manage stress Ayurveda
  4. Fatigue or exhaustion
  5. Heart irregularities
  6. Difficulty breathing
  7. Mild and frequent illnesses
  8. Sensitivity to strong sunlight
  9. Dizziness
  10. Intense emotions

So, how sleep management will improve productivity at work?

When enjoying a meal with friends and the group offers wine or alcohol, consider these tips:

Make sure you feel happy and healthy. Otherwise, according to the Ayurveda rule, “what can heal can harm,” the consumption of wine, far from comforting you, can make you unhappy. Give yourself permission to say with a smile, “No thanks.

Remember the golden rule: moderation, even when you’re partying. This is how we can afford to enjoy a social ritual without having to sacrifice ourselves!
Let’s also see what we can recommend depending on your Ayurvedic constitution:

Pitta: Drinking wine or alcohol in general, isn’t going to be the most relevant choice. It can aggravate the imbalance if Pitta is already in excess.

Vata: Prefer sweet wines, and of course, in moderate quantities.

Kapha: Red wine is best suited to this dosha. Hotter and drier in quality, with more tannins, this drink will provide support for digestive fires, often sluggish in Kapha temperaments.

If you are on a spiritual path or practice yoga, the chances are that you will need to drink alcohol less and less. Your body is secreting more and more “happiness hormones” (dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin); you will easily do without this euphoria.

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