What Is Ayurveda?

Having originated in India more than 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda is considered to be the oldest natural system of medicine known. In Sanskrit, Ayur means life and Veda means knowledge, which translates to “Knowledge of Life.” With an emphasis on prevention and health maintenance, Ayurveda looks at each unique being at the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual levels to determine if there is any imbalance or stress that is causing dis-ease. Ayurveda recommends natural therapies to maintain a balanced state of well-being.

The Primal Elements

According to the wisdom of Ayurveda, within each person exists a unique pattern of

energy that has a direct relationship with the primal elements of air, space, fire, water, and earth. These elements are combined into three types of energy that are referred to in Sanskrit as doshas. They are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha is responsible for functions within the physical, mental and emotional bodies. 

• Vata is the energy of movement.
• Pitta is responsible for digestion and metabolism.
• Kapha is the energy of structure and immunity. 

Dominant Doshas

Although all of the doshas are within each of us, everyone has a dominant dosha or combination of two that is determined at conception and remains the same throughout one’s life. Ayurveda believes that with this understanding, one can make better-informed food choices, lifestyle interventions, and herbal recommendations for improved health and vitality.

The Three Pillars of Life

Ayurveda also believes that the “Three Pillars of Life” must be in balance to achieve optimal health. The classical Ayurvedic text, Charaka Samhita, states that “one who manages these three pillars properly is guaranteed a full life span that will not be cut short by disease.”

These pillars are:

• Proper Digestion
• Quality Sleep
• Management of Sexual Energy (Also referred to as creativity).

When harmony is achieved in these three areas, the body, mind, and consciousness will be in their full potential of wellness.

Proper Digestion

To attain this synthesis, we must first understand agni. Agni is the transformative power in the body that digests food, thoughts, and emotions. When agni is at its best, it transforms information and experience into knowledge and food into nutrients or waste; it releases toxins and leaves only what nourishes us on all levels of our being. When agni is not functioning well, toxins are not released properly which can lead to dis-ease in any or all aspects of life. This process and transformation of the senses affect not only our digestion but also our energy level and how we sleep.

Quality Sleep

It has been shown that sleep actually removes toxins in your brain that build up while you’re awake. When we get the sleep we need, it positively affects our hair, skin, our weight, blood pressure, our moods, and our minds.

Encouraging Creativity

The third pillar is what ancient sages described as sexual energy or creative force. Ayurveda sees the importance of encouraging creativity, as it allows one the ability to manifest in life.

Embrace Ayurveda for Your Life

The science of Ayurveda has proven for centuries that a vibrant and healthy life is not out
of reach, but is within each of us to access. Ayurveda is the future of holistic health. Connect with me for Ayurveda courses or consultations and bring holistic health to your own life today.