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Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a traditional holistic healing system from India between three and five thousand years old. The name Ayurveda translates literally as “science of life.” Some scholars believe Ayurveda to be the oldest healing system on the planet and it is a sister science of yoga. At the root of the Ayurvedic tradition is the belief that the five elements: ether(space), air, water, fire, and earth, combine to form the essence of everything in nature. Ayurveda recognizes that all of life including humans, plants and animals must live in harmony with nature in order to survive. A person’s varying combinations of these elements forms her constitution or dosha.
The primary doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha; most of us are a combination of two though single and triple doshas also occur. Vata is a combination of ether and air, Pitta is a combination of fire and water and Kapha is a combination of water and earth. Keeping our doshas in balance and in harmony with nature is the primary goal of Ayurveda. This is accomplished in large part with simple changes in diet and lifestyle as well as with the use of herbs.
In Ayurvedic philosophy, as the seasons change and different foods are harvested, we are meant to change our diet and lifestyles accordingly. Ayurveda understands the cycles of nature and these cycles will provide what we need to balance our systems. Imbalances can manifest in the body in various forms according to an individual’s dosha, including but not limited to: digestive disturbances, sleep problems, skin disorders, constipation, inconsistent energy levels, and fluctuations in mood and temperament. When the body is not brought back into balance within a reasonable time these symptoms can lead to deeper and more chronic disorders and eventually illnesses. The purpose in the development of the Ayurvedic system is to improve the quality of life and increase longevity.
During an Ayurvedic consultation the pulse, skin and tongue is examined to evaluate the underlying imbalances in the body along with a comprehensive intake form and a series of questions. Diet, lifestyle and herbal recommendations are made based on each individual’s imbalances with regards to that person’s doshas. Ayurveda looks to the root of the imbalances in the body instead of just at the symptoms that are manifested. With Ayurvedic lifestyle changes the body gently and slowly begins to balance and heal itself.
For more on Ayurveda we recommend:
Perfect Heath
by
Deepak Chopra
Ayurvedic Cooking for Westerners
by
Amadea Morningstar.
The 3-Season Diet
by Dr. John Doulliard
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