What is Ayurveda?

Balance of body, mind and spirit form the foundation for Ayurvedic practices.

Ayurveda is the oldest continuously practiced system of medicine in the world. Ayurveda translates into “the science of life”. It is believed to have originated in India over 5000 years ago. The system is based on ancient texts that were later codified and developed into a comprehensive holistic medical system.

The foundational belief of Ayurveda is that our body is the microcosm of the universe (the macrocosm). This is why seasonal practices are so important. What is happening in the environment around us is also happening inside us. You may be familiar with the Greek saying, “as above, so below” which is similar in interpretation. Ayurveda teaches that each person is comprised of the five elements (earth, air, fire, water and spirit) just as is the universe itself. Each of us contain all of the elements within us, however there is usually a dominant element, unique to to us. These elements combine to create three doshas or body types. Vata dosha combines the elements of air and ether (spirit). Pitta dosha combines the elements of fire and water. Kapha dosha combines the elements of earth and water. These doshas can also blend in one person such as a Vata-Pitta or a Pitta-Kapha body type. Though it is quite rare, some people are tridoshic, meaning they have an equal balance of all three doshas. Living closely with nature, the elements and natural rhythms is a key concept of Ayurveda.

Ayurveda is the original holistic wellness system in that it teaches that the path to true health comes from balance of the physical body, mental wellness and spiritual health. True harmony of mind, body and spirit creates the perfect recipe for wellness. Likewise, disease is created when one or more of these elements is out of balance.

The goal of Ayurveda is to address the underlying causes of dis-ease (imbalances of the doshas), then restoring balance thereby eliminating the disease or condition. Treatments and therapies are individualized to each person rather than specific medications for specific diseases as is modern allopathic (symptom care) medicine.

Ayurveda teaches that nutrition is our first and most important medicine. My most favorite passage from the ancient texts states, “With proper diet, medicine is of no need. Without proper diet, medicine is of no use”. The practice of seasonal living, including eating in season, whole, natural foods is paramount to good health. Incorporating lifestyle practices such as a daily routine, light exercise and spiritual practice are combined with diet for complete wellness care.

Ayurveda incorporates herbal therapies both taken internally and applied topically by oil, steam, poultice or balms to assist in balancing of the doshas. In a holistic practice such as Ayurveda, there is no concept of this herb treats that disease. That is an, allopathic method that is concerned with treating symptoms rather than addressing the root of the issue. If the root cause of the condition is addressed, the symptoms no longer persist, therefore symptom management is not needed.

Ayurveda also teaches that occasional cleansing or detoxification of the system is essential for optimal health. This is especially important in modern times when we are exposed to many toxins through pollution, daily stress and improper diet. Traditionally, these cleanses are at the junctions of seasonal shifts. Going from winter to spring and then going from summer to fall are traditional times to cleanse, rejuvenate and strengthen the body. This practice helps to rid our body of accumulated toxins as well as prevent conditions to allow disease to take hold. Deep, therapeutic detoxification of the system is called panchakarma. Panchakarma means five actions. There are several therapies to address cleansing of each system and should be performed under the supervision of a trained practitioner. Panchakarma is not the same thing as a seasonal cleanse. No matter if you are doing a seasonal cleanse or a full panchakarma, the process always has three steps for the greatest benefit. Step one is to prepare the body for cleansing and elimination of wastes. The second step is the cleanse itself or the panchakarma therapies. Finally, the last step is rejuvenation of each system to build ojas. Ojas is an Ayurvedic term for strength and vigor and in modern times we connect it to our immune system.

While the language and concepts may seem quite different and complex at first glance compared to the Western medical system most of us here in the US were raised with, at its core, Ayurveda encourages clean eating to support your unique needs, lifestyle practices to support balance in the entire body and the idea that you are a unique individual and your wellness care should reflect that. Simple, holistic, purely natural…that is Ayurveda.

If you would like to know more about Ayurveda, learn your own unique dosha, get recipes and tips for seasonal meals and herbs and discover how Ayurveda can transform your health for the better you can visit the Joyful Belly, College of Ayurveda website for tons of free information (www.joyfulbelly.com).

If I can assist you in any way or you would like to schedule a consultation, please feel free to contact me.