AYURVEDA

Ayurveda, the world’s most ancient tradition of health, is now undergoing a vigorous revival not only in the place of its birth, India, but also throughout the world because it is capable of meeting the needs of our time. People nowadays wish to create better health rather than depend on medicines.

The two Sanskrit words ayus and veda together mean “knowledge of life”. Ayurveda is a complete medical system that has evolved over time, integrating centuries of wisdom derived from experience. Holistic medicine at its best, Ayurveda describes all aspects of health – physical, mental, spiritual, social, environmental – all aspects of the relationship between the individual and the universe, and how all these aspects are handled so as to generate health.

The importance of a person’s lifestyle and dietary habits and their appropriate variation in different seasons are understood. Treatment and management of diseases are described. Ayurveda addresses each person individually: the important point is to make the right choice for you, your circumstances and your imbalances. Reading about Ayurveda gives you some insights and a consultation clarifies and motivates you towards health.

Ayurvedic Therapies

An Ayurvedic practitioner, or vaidya, will advise changes to your routine, exercise, environment, stressors and so on. In Ayurveda, food is medicine: the vaidya will give you information on foods to favour and avoid. She/he may prescribe natural substances such as plant or animal products and minerals, in the form of infusions, decoctions, medicated wines, extracts, powders, pills, poultices and oils.

Therapies also include such sophisticated processes as fasting or treatments (panchakarma) to eliminate toxins, and a range of tonics to strengthen you. Also there are the spa type massage and heat treatments of Ayurveda, which are growing in popularity.

Much of what is prescribed, you will do for yourself – a change of routine, diet or exercise. Some things, such as herbal preparations, you will imbibe. You may be advised to take up meditation (the benefits of Transcendental Meditation have been scientifically documented) or Yoga, which work in harmony with and are considered part of Ayurveda. In the same way many Yoga instructors see Ayurveda as part of Yoga.

Your unique nature

Ayurveda helps us to understand life by identifying three main “roots” of all activity, three main principles in nature itself. These three principles, or doshas, Ayurveda calls vata, pitta and kapha. Each one of us has a unique natural balance of these three principles, and if that balance is maintained in our everyday lives, we are healthy and happy. If the balance is disturbed, then a lack of ease – disease – may develop.

Ayurveda shows us how to identify our own natural balance of these three doshas, and then how to discover the way to keep them in balance. Probably the most enjoyable way to learn about these three is by looking at people. What is a vata type of person like, or a pitta, or a kapha? Which are you, and which are your friends?

Vata:

The first fundamental principle of Ayurveda is vata, the dynamic of movement. So vata people are light, lively and on the move. When vata is balanced, you have immense inspiration, enthusiasm and vitality. When out of balance, vata can create fear, anxiety, panic and insomnia. Bodily aches and pains arise; perhaps constipation occurs. .

Pitta:

Pitta is the dynamic of transformation. If you have moderate strength and stamina, then the chances are you’re a pitta person. Pitta people are hot-natured, have moderate builds and are good organizers. If you are pitta, when balanced you are warm-natured, charming, generous, cheerful and content. Imbalance of pitta causes anger, jealousy or aggression, and can lead to physical aspects of overheating such as heartburn, cystitis, diarrhoea, skin rashes, fevers, excess hunger and thirst.

Kapha:

Kapha is responsible for structure and growth. Kapha people are compassionate and strong. They have long memories, are reliable and loyal. With all the doshas, the best of human nature is expressed when they are in balance. Kapha people when balanced are stable, have excellent stamina and a high pain threshold. They are good-natured, even-tempered, generous and compassionate. An imbalance causes weight problems, laziness and depression. Physical complaints such as coughs, colds, allergies, asthma, diabetes and hypothyroidism may also occur.

Health

Each one of us has a unique proportion of vata, pitta and kapha. When one is that appropriate proportion one is healthy. Deviation from your unique proportion is imbalance, which causes unease and disease. Usually we gather an excess of a dosha and need to re-balance by using the opposite qualities in life to the excess dosha. Ayurveda helps us to recognise what we need to do to regain balance and health.

Health is your natural state. Your mind-body wishes to return to perfect balance. A move in this direction brings feeling of clarity, energy and joy. A move towards imbalance brings discomfort and pain. Ayurveda helps you to understand why you suffer and what you need to do to restore health. If you are healthy it empowers you to unfold your physical, mental and spiritual potential.

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