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What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a whole-body (holistic) system of medicine that began in India more than 3,000 years ago. The term Ayurveda comes from the roots “Ayus” and “Veda“. Ayus means life, and Veda means knowledge. Hence, Ayurveda is the knowledge of life. As an ancient system of healing body, mind, and consciousness, Ayurveda believes every individual is a unique expression of the universal consciousness.

This approach to healing is based on the idea that each person has certain life forces (doshas) and that everything in the universe is connected. An imbalance in one area can affect another, and disease and illness can occur if the imbalance is not remedied.

The knowledge of the five elements and the three doshas is central to the practice of Ayurveda.

The five elements are our most basic building blocks:

  • Ether
  • Air
  • Fire
  • Water
  • Earth

 

The three doshas are the fundamental biological energies governing the functions of the body and mind:

  • Vata
  • Pitta
  • Kapha

 

Vata is the biological combination of ether and air, Pitta is derived from fire and water, while Kapha is an expression of water and earth.

Each of us has a unique balance of the five elements and the three doshas, and this balance is called our constitution. Our constitution, or “Prakruti,” is determined at the moment of conception and is with us for the rest of our lives. It represents what we are naturally attracted to and what will cause us to become out of balance and sick. Knowing our constitution is fundamental for staying healthy. Over time, the constitutional doshas undergo change due to fluctuations in the diet, lifestyle, season, aging, and environment. The altered status of the doshas is called “Vikruti“, or imbalance, the state of disease.

Ayurvedic treatment aims to restore the natural, healthy balance of the doshas.

Ayurveda utilizes lifestyle, diet, herbs, and sensory therapies as the essential tools to restore balance. Ayurveda utilizes all aspects of yoga, such as breathing practices, asana, and meditation, to deepen the healing process.

 

If you are ready to begin your Ayurvedic journey, please contact me today.

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