Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine and healthcare practices with its roots in the ancient Hindu civilization of India. It advocates a natural and holistic approach to health and well-being through delicate balancing of the body, mind, and spirit.
About
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a Sanskrit term that means “science/knowledge of life.” Originating in ancient India, it is one of the oldest prevailing medical and healthcare systems in the world. Ayurveda was developed more than 5000 years ago and revolves around the belief that proper health & wellness depend on maintaining a delicate balance among the mind, body, spirit, and environment. The system emphasizes prevention over cure by targeting the root causes of ailments and not just the symptoms. The primary goal of Ayurvedic medicine is to promote good health and prevent the occurrence & recurrence of diseases.
Ayurveda advocates practices like yoga, meditation, detoxification, tailored dietary recommendations, lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies, aiming to provide a comprehensive solution for physical & mental ailments.
Practitioners of this ancient system believe that every entity in the universe, dead or alive, is made of five basic elements: space, air, fire, water, and earth and all entities share a connection to the universe. The five elements combine in the human body to form three energies or doshas, namely, vata dosha (space & air), pitta dosha (fire & water), and Kapha dosha (water & earth). Each of these doshas controls a different bodily function and any disruptions that upset their balance causes health issues.
The Three Doshas
in Ayurveda
Vata dosha:
This energy controls bodily functions involving all kinds of motion such as movement, blood circulation, breathing, blinking, and heartbeat. When this dosha is stable, one experiences vitality, vibrancy, and creativity. When out of balance, there arises fear, anxiety, phobia, and forgetfulness as well as physiological conditions such as asthma, heart & skin problems, and rheumatoid arthritis. Massage, meditation, and a regular sleep & wake cycle can balance out the vata dosha.
Pitta dosha:
This dosha controls the different metabolic systems including digestion nutrition, absorption, and temperature. When in balance, it makes one feel content, confident, intelligent, and goal oriented. Spicy foods, missing meals, and too much Sun exposure can disrupt this dosha, leading to impulsive behavior, and bursts of anger. Physiological disorders such as Crohn’s Disease, heart disorders, high blood pressure, indigestion & ulcers, and frequent fever are also common. To bring this dosha into balance, focus on slow & restorative yoga, mild foods like cucumber & salad, and practicing moderation.
Kapha dosha:
The Kapha Dosha controls the body’s growth, muscular structure, strength, weight, stability, and immune system. It regulates water flow across the body and plays a key role in strengthening the body’s immunity. Eating too many sweet foods, drinking things containing too much salt & water, and taking daytime naps can disrupt this dosha. One can also become prone to serious physiological ailments such as asthma & other breathing disorders, cancer, diabetes, nausea, and obesity. To balance kapha, ayurveda suggests eating more fruits and vegetables & doing more cardiovascular activities like jogging.
How does
Ayurveda Work?
Ayurveda aims to balance the three doshas by helping the body remove toxins, increasing its disease resistance, reducing stress, and bringing about overall harmony with the surroundings.
They’ll take into account your unique physical and emotional makeup, and your primary and secondary doshas. They will use that information to work toward the goal of treatment, which is to bring your mind and body into balance.
There are several tools used in ayurvedic medicine to help you create harmony, avoid disease, and treat conditions you may have.
These include:
- Herbal medicine : A key component of ayurveda, it's used in different combinations, depending on your dosha, and includes licorice, red clover, ginger, and turmeric.
- Yoga
- Meditation and Pranayama
- Purification programs : Also known as panchakarma, these are used to cleanse your body of undigested food through practices like blood purification, massage, medical oils, herbs, enemas, & laxatives.
- Counseling : Your practitioner will help you understand your dosha, how it impacts your life, and how you can change your lifestyle to create more balance and harmony.
- Massages : Other treatments used in ayurveda include oil massage, breathing exercises (known as pranayama), and repeating mantras, or phrases.
Disclaimer
THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. All the information published on these pages is for informational purposes only. It is NOT intended to act as a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis and should not be relied on as healthcare or personal advice. Please consult with a licensed physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding your health or any medical condition. Never disregard the guidance of a medical professional or delay seeking medical help for something that you have read on this website. If you are facing a medical emergency, call a doctor, visit the nearest healthcare facility, or call emergency services urgently.
