Ayurveda  

 

Ayurveda is an intricate system of healing that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. What we see is that Ayurveda is more than just a medical system. It is a Science of Life. We are all part and parcel of nature. Just as the animals and plants live in harmony with nature and utilize the Laws of Nature to create health and balance within their beings, we too, adhere to these very same principles. Therefore, it is fair to say that Ayurveda is a system that helps maintain health in a person by using the inherent principles of nature to bring the individual back into symmetry with their True Self.

 

In essence Ayurveda has been in existence since the beginning of time because nature's laws have always governed us. Ayurveda is made up of two Sanskrit words: Ayu, which means life and Veda, which means the knowledge of. To know about life is Ayurveda. However, according to the ancient Ayurvedic scholar Charaka, "Ayu" is comprised of four essential parts: The combination of mind, body, senses, and the soul. In Ayurveda we view a person as a unique individual made up of five primary elements. The elements are ether (space), air, fire, water, and earth. Just as in nature, we too have these five elements in us. When any of these elements are present in the environment, they will in turn have an influence on us. The foods we eat and the weather are just two examples of the presence of these elements. While we are composed of these five primary elements, certain elements are seen to have an ability to combine to create various physiological functions.

 

We are all made up of unique proportions of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Ratios of these doshas vary in each individual; and because of this, Ayurveda sees each person as a special mixture which accounts for our diversity. Ayurveda gives us a model to look at each individual as a unique makeup of the three doshas and to thereby design treatment protocols that specifically address a person's health challenges. When any of the doshas (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) become accumulated, Ayurveda will suggest specific lifestyle and nutritional guidelines to assist the individual in reducing the dosha that has become excessive. We may also suggest certain herbal supplements to hasten the healing process. If toxins in the body are abundant, then a cleansing process known as Panchakarma is recommended to eliminate these unwanted toxins.

 

This understanding that we are all unique individuals enables Ayurveda to address not only specific health concerns but also offers explanation as to why one person responds differently than another. We invite you to explore Ayurveda to enhance your health and to gain further insights into this miracle we call life.