Ayurveda is a 5,000 year-old holistic system of healing that evolved among the sages of ancient India. Ayurveda has two root words-- "Ayu" means "life" and "Ved" means "science". This science is ageless, eternal knowledge with fundamental unchanging principles utilizing principles of Earth, Wind, Fire, Air & Space. These five elements exist in all matter, both organic and inorganic. They combine into three basic energies that are present in varying degrees in everything. These energies are called "Doshas", and are known as "Vata" (Air & Space), "Pita" (Water & Fire)" and "Kapha" (Water & Earth). These three doshas govern our biological functioning and are present in every cell, tissue and organ. When the doshas are balanced, the body is healthy. However, when stress, age, poor lifestyle choices, improper diet, or environmental factors disturb the balance, we feel emotions such as anger, fear and anxiety leading to illness and health concerns.
Sanskrit Translation
Ayur = Life Veda = Science
Ayurveda = The Science of Life
Characteristics of Dosha or Body Constitutions
The unique characteristic of vata is dryness; pita is heat; kapha is heaviness. When there is a lot of dryness in the body, vata energy is high. When there is excess heat, pita energy is high as is the case with fevers, inflammations or hot temper. When there is excess heaviness, extra kapha energy is present, resulting in excess weight, cellulite, water retention, swelling or puffiness.
The Benefits of Ayurveda
Ayurveda refers to guided knowledge; it is not just theory, but also a roadmap for how to derive practical benefits in your day-to-day living as opposed to the moment. Ayurveda enriches our knowledge with a complete understanding of what sustains each individual's physical vitality, mental alertness, emotional bliss, sensual balance and spiritual awareness. Ayurveda offers a wide range of therapies and tools to restore balance, from dietary recommendations and ayurvedic rasayanas--herbs, fruits and spices that help maintain good health--to internal cleansing and rejuvenation treatments
