Ayurveda is the science of healing based on time-tested principles of the nature that originated around 5,000 years ago. It is composed of two words – ‘Ayur’ means life and ‘Veda’ means knowledge.
Everyone has a unique genetic map that holds the secrets of what is more suitable and what is less appropriate to them in various life events. When they understand their makeup and live a life accordingly they enjoy health. This is the concept behind healthy living according to Ayurveda. Any imbalance in this will bring imbalance to our mind-body. Ayurveda knows that body and mind are interlinked. Mind creates body. Body influences mind.
Ayurveda explains disease as the unbalanced state of dhatus (tissues), doshas (biological elements) and malas (toxins) within the person that effect body-mind. When the dhatus, doshas and the malas are in balance, this is termed as health.
Ayurveda deals with the diseased person and not just solely with the disease. In doing so it promotes more of a holistic view to treatment.
There are three primary life-forces that act within the body known as the Tridoshas. They are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. They can also be translated as energies, biological principles and functional units.
The doshas are a combination of the five elements: ether, air, fire, water and earth which make up all life. They are movable elements within us all that determine the life process of growth and decay. In order to maintain homeostasis the doshas must be in balance within the body.
Treatment involves taking action and responsibility around bringing the imbalance (signs and symptoms) back to your original Dosha constitution. This is done by using nutrition, spices, massage, herbs, making appropriate lifestyle changes, Rasayana (rejuvenation therapy) colour, astrology, exercise and if needed, even gem therapy.
Ayurveda is a complete system of mind, body and spirit integration for optimum health, lifestyle, wellbeing and balance. It is individual, simple, effective and easy to maintain.
Qualities: Light, cold, dry, irregular, mobile, rough, subtle, fluctuating, porous and quick.
Governs: All the movements within the body e.g. breathing, circulation, elimination of wastes and flow of nerve impulses to and from then brain.
In Balance: Vibrant, dynamic balance, awareness, enthusiastic, alert, energetic, harmony, adaptable, curious, talkative, creative and clear thinking.
Unbalanced: irritable, fearful, worrisome, restless, fatigue, poor memory, depression, pain, dryness, spasm, nervous complaints, crackling joints, constipation, achy limbs, numbness, stiffness, poor circulation, weight loss, insomnia, dehydration, negative thoughts, feel insecure, anxious and un-grounded.
Qualities: Hot, oily, intense, fast, active, moist, acid, spicy, sharp and fluid.
Governs: All the digestion and metabolism of the body e.g. processing and assimilating of all food and nutrients.
In Balance: Intellectual, trans-formative, clear complexion, assertive, warm and loving, enjoys challenges, digests and assimilates all nutrients well, strong, goal seeking and sharp memory.
Unbalanced: Critical, weak, hyperacidity, angry, demanding, argumentative, impatient, defensive, frustrated, irritable, aggressive, bleeding disorders, dizzy, burning sensations, loose bowel, digestive complaints, anemic, bruise easily, dandruff, skin irritations, uncontrollable emotions, profuse sweat, oily skin, inflamed joints, bitter taste in mouth, shallow sleep, excessive hunger, increased body odor and intense.
Qualities: Heavy, solid, gentle, soft, stable, slow, fluid, fixed, cold, smooth and unctuous.
Governs: Gives the body steadiness, lubrication, strength, support, cohesion and stability holding everything together. Also gives protection to all the body organs.
In Balance: Forgiving, relaxed, methodical, pleasant, supportive, reliable, calm, loyal, conservative, romantic, loving, confident, stable, integrity, lubrication, flexible, good endurance, good immunity, confident, has faith and grounded.
Unbalanced: Depressed, dependent, allergic, feeling heavy, shy, faint, sluggish, weight gain, swelling, bloating, excessive sleep, slow movement, low motivation, lethargic, stubborn, shy, sensitive, addictive, possessive, lazy, tend to comfort eat, apathetic, co-dependent, slow metabolism, and passive.