What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda originated in the ancient traditions of India over 5000 years ago, ayurvedaand is the oldest systems of natural health care. Two combined Sanskrit words meaning “Science of life”, ayur, which means life, and veda, which means the science of knowledge is considered one of the forms of holistic medicine available in the west.

Ayurveda addresses our quality of life by all factors that have influence in our lives.

Ayurveda is everything you come in contact with; your family, your diet, your work, or relationships and this has an effect on your well-being. One principle of Ayurveda is that the mind and body are connected and that the mind has an influence over our health and well-being.

Ayurveda is a state of balancing the mind, body and spirit and that health is more than the absence of disease. We each inherit three principles called doshas. According to Ayurveda, these three principles create our physical and mental characteristics. Most of us have two doshas that are most likely in our nature and one dosha that is less significant. The doshas are:

  • Pitta
  • Vata
  • Kapha

Usually one of the three will tend to be dominant. If the Pitta dosha is the most dominate in our nature, we tend to be determined, smart and muscular. When balanced we are a good leader, intelligent and warm. If unbalanced, Pitta can make us aggressive, critical and irritable. If the Vata dosha is most dominate in our nature, we tend to be quick in our thoughts and actions, thin and light. When balanced we are lively, enthusiastic and creative. If unbalanced, Vata can make us anxious or suffer from irregular digestion and insomnia. If the Kapha dosha is most dominate in our nature, we tend to think and move more leisurely and stable and have a heavier frame. When balanced we are loyal, sweet and calm. If unbalanced we are resistant to healthy change, congestion, and weight gain. We can tell a lot about someone by these characteristics. Most people do not realize that these characteristics are noticeable and there is a way to balance them. Our ways can be corrected if they are in balance. Most people are not aware of Ayurveda and how it helps the body naturally. Balancing your body is a great way to have a positive, rewarding, successful lifestyle just by taking a few minutes for yourself.

Change is a constant part of our lives, and using the principles of Ayurveda, we can identify the dosha which is most influencing our mind and body and use this influence to make healthier choices, bringing our body and mind back into balance. It’s common to have a blended characteristic but most likely one is dominate. When you recognize the dosha that is most influencing your body and mind, you can achieve balance by reducing stress, eating nourishing food, deep breathing, yoga, tia chi, massage, aromatherapy, and meditation. Seek professional counseling on ways to help you with balancing your mind and body.