Ayurveda is an ancient, complete science, which translates to the study (ayur) of life (veda). It is a holistic system of wellness, rooted in Ancient India, designed to teach us how to live our lives without disease or suffering. Ayurveda is known as the precursor to Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Ayurveda is a medical system that was written down over 5000 years ago, legend to be derived from the divine. Scholars place Ayurvedic literature around 6000 BC. Ayurveda is a blueprint for wellness that guides individuals to honor their unique
constitution, find balance and alignment with their true nature, through diet, lifestyle and herbal energetics. The goal of Ayurveda is not just to treat symptoms but to address the root cause of imbalances and restore harmony to the individual's overall well-being.
Known as an eternal system of medicine rooted in science with a connection to spiritual knowledge and cosmic consciousness, Ayurveda does not separate the mind, body and soul, but honors all three to bring an individual back to a state of wellness over time. Ayurveda believes that once you balance these mind-body functions, our body’s natural intelligence will automatically drive wellness.
Ayurveda has eight branches of study defined as general medicine, surgery, ENT and Head, Psychotherapy, Toxicology, Pediatrics, Rejuvenation (Geriatrics) and Sexuality. Whereas Ayurveda is often described as a science, Yoga is often described as the practice of that science. Ayurveda and Yoga are both derived from Vedic texts and include familiar practices such as meditation, pranayam (breathing exercises), sound therapy, color therapy and so on.
What is a Dosha and why should I know mine?
One of the key principles of Ayurveda includes the concept of doshas, which are biological energies that govern various physiological and psychological functions in the body. The three primary doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and each person is believed to have a unique combination of these doshas that influences their constitution and health. Your doshic composition depicts what and how you eat, how you exercise, when and how you sleep, and even where you prefer to live.
Doshic composition and doshic imbalance dictates our specific disease process. For example, a person with a primarily Kapha disposition or imbalance will be prone to sinusitis, lung congestion, bronchitis, passiveness and attachment. Whereas a Vata type will battle gas, constipation, arthritis, low back pain and nervousness. Last, a Pitta type is susceptible to inflammation, gallbladder diseases, acid reflux and anger.
What makes up a Dosha?
The Doshas are derived from a second key principle of Ayurvedic Medicine which is called the Pancha Mahabhootas or Five Basic Elements. These elements are Earth, Air, Wind, Fire and Ether. Earth correlates to the structure of your bones, your muscle tissue or the foundation of your physical form. Air is respiration. Wind is the peristaltic movement of your intestines, the rhythm of your heart or your nervous system. Fire is a transformative energy. The fire element can be seen in your metabolism, digestion, the digestive enzymes or levels of hydrochloric acid or bile. And because Ayurveda does not separate the mind, body and soul connection, there is a fire in your heart (Sadhaka Pitta) and a fire in your eyes (Pachaka Pitta). Life can present challenges and what we process through our eyes can define us and what we are able to process with our heart can either empower us or leave us broken hearted. Water refers to the moisture in your lungs, your lymph and plasma. Last, Ether or nuclear energy. It is the space between within, the connectivity between ourselves and others.
Why Partner with An Ayurvedic Practitioner?
As we are seasonal beings, exposed to numerous chemicals and traumas, composed of various quantities of all three doshas, individuals can suffer from diseases in more than one category. Partnering with an Ayurvedic Practitioner can help individuals find the root cause and palliate symptoms while working together to pull back the energies that drive disease over time.
An Ayurvedic Practitioner can serve as a guide to find the emotional or karmic connection that is being held within the body, while providing concrete tools to be able to release what is holding someone back from health.
Ayurveda teaches us that one size does not fit all, an Ayurvedic Practitioner can find the exact herb that fits you and your imbalance. An herb that is good for a friend or your child, may have an unwanted effect on you, depending upon where you are it doshically, your age, as well as where you are at in a disease process. Even more challenging, where you are in the world, what season it is as well as what traumas you have faced! An Ayurvedic Practitioner can review your history and utilize tongue analysis and other tools to determine the status of the organs and systems within your body and recommend herbs that will specifically support your physical, mental and spiritual body.
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