“Ayurveda is a science that provides us with the knowledge of how to prevent disease and how to eliminate its root cause if it does occur.”
-Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Ayurveda is the traditional medical system of India and one of the oldest surviving healing systems in the world (at least 5,000 years old). “Ayu” means life and “veda” means knowledge, so Ayurveda is the knowledge of life. It’s based on the philosophy that good health is a result of the the balance between the mind, body and spirit. Ayurveda deepens your connection to who you are provides greater insight into how your body and mind operate. The practice of Ayurveda is a journey towards greater self-awareness and balance so you’re able to make healthier decisions about your life.
Ayurveda is based on three fundamental concepts:
1. Food is medicine.
2. Disease can be prevented and eradicated by changing daily habits.
3. Lifestyle recommendations are based on an individual’s mind-body type, or dosha.
Ayurveda defines health as the presence of certain positive attributes such as vitality, joy, peace, mental flexibility, emotional stability, immunity, healthy digestion and resilience rather than just the absence of disease. The absence of disease is the first step towards health, but the goal of Ayurveda is mental, physical, social and spiritual balance. Health is the state of thriving, not surviving.
Ayurveda sees the basis of all life as derived from the five elements of nature: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space, which are organized into the three doshas: Vata (Air and Space), Pitta (Fire and Water) and Kapha (Earth and Water). All of us have characteristics of each dosha type, but one dosha is usually most dominant, one secondary and the third least prominent. Disease is caused by an imbalance in Vata, Pitta or Kapha, which results in cellular dysfunction. Creating total—physical, mental and spiritual—balance requires an understanding of how these three doshas work together in the body. If you don't know your dosha, take the Dosha Quiz to find out.
Ayurveda offers a very specific and concise map for your health. Just as you have a unique fingerprint, you have a particular energy pattern—an individual combination of physical, mental and emotional characteristics —which comprises your dosha. Rather than recommending all things for all people, Ayurveda is a system that very carefully prescribes actions for specific states of imbalances. It takes into consideration seasonal changes as well as lifestyle changes and how these impact your individual dosha. Since Ayurveda is so tailored to your individual needs, it’s effective at tackling a broad array of physical and mental health issues with recommendations tailored specifically for you.
Ayurveda continues to evolve without ever abandoning its original construction. In fact, an important part of Ayurveda is not to reject any aspect of medicine that helps the patient without harmful side effects. Ayurveda is more relevant today as we face more challenges to our physical and mental health than ever before. Without a detailed understanding of our unique mind-body type, or dosha, and knowledge of how different variables in our life can impact it, we can feel like we’re caught in a tsunami. The gift of Ayurveda is it gives us a road map of why we are the way we are both physically and psychologically. Ayurveda helps us become fluent in the language of our mind and body, so we’ll hear what our body needs and know how to fulfill our needs for a balanced, healthy and happy life.