What is Ayurveda?

      Ayurveda is a complete medical science that has been practiced for over 5,000 years. Ayurveda is used to prevent disease and is also very effective at curing disease.

Ayurveda meaning the ‘science of life’ is the art of living in harmony with nature.

The core principle of ayurveda is balance. Utilizing diet, lifestyle, herbs and bodywork, ayurveda provides ultimate wellbeing for the body, mind and spirit.

We all have a pre-set balance of the 3 biological elements vata, pitta and kapha.  When these qualities are balanced, health and clarity are the natural outcome. When these elements are out of balance, disease will be present.  Ayurveda seeks to restore health and balance our lifestyles leading us to wellbeing and longevity.

Ayurveda provides the tools to maintain perfect health and prevent and treat disease.

Ayurvedic medicine identifies the cause of a symptom, treating the cause and eliminating the root problem, whereas modern medicine treats the symptom, relieving pain but masking the problem.

Ayurveda uses a holistic approach to the cure of disease, preventing the complaint to arise again in the future.

When ayurveda and yoga are combined, the healing power is greatly enhanced, more powerful and effective. Ayurveda works from the outside in, using diet and herbal medicines. Yoga works from the inside out, using asanas, pranayama and meditation. These 2 therapies work hand in hand to restore balance creating physical health and mental wellbeing.

        The 3 biological elements vata, pitta and kapha are dynamic forces of energy.

Each and every person is unique depending on their individual constitution of each of these energies, also known as doshas. The characteristics of these doshas define our individual physical, mental and spiritual self.  These forces manifest from the five basic elements of creation: - Air, ether, fire, water and earth.

Vata-Pitta-Kapha are present in all organisms, every cell, tissue and organ. They create health when they are in balance and disease when out of balance. They are responsible for our genetic make-up and one or two of them are usually more dominant. There are seven possible combinations of constitutions: -

Vata

Pitta

Kapha

Vata-Pitta

Vata-Kapha

Pitta-Kapha

Vata-Pitta-Kapha (Tridosha)

Your unique constitution of these 3 doshas is called your prakruti ‘nature’. You are born with your unique prakruti and it never changes throughout life. If any of your doshas were to increase due to conditions such as weather, seasons, stress and dietary choices, then you would be in a state of imbalance.

This is known as your vikrati. If this is the case you need to change your lifestyle to recreate balance for your mind, body and spirit.

Vata consists of air and ether and is the energy of movement. It controls bodily functions such as circulation, respiration and movement. Fear and anxiety will be present when this dosha is out of balance.

Pitta consists of fire and water and controls temperature, metabolism and digestion. It is responsible for transforming matter into energy. Anger and irritation are signs that this dosha is out of balance.

Kapha consists of earth and water. It holds the body together and aids in lubrication. It provides growth in the body, governing the immune system and water. Insecurity and envy are signs this dosha is out of balance.

When our constitution is in balance the body is in a state of homeostasis and good health is achieved.

If you would like to discover what your constitution is so you can tailor your lifestyle and food choices to suit your unique body-mind type please use the link below:

ayurvedicyogalifestyle.co.uk/#/ethos/4561710109 

Over the next few blogs I will be sharing recipes for each constitution and revealing how you can improve your health and wellbeing by making small changes to your diet and lifestyle.

 Peace, Love & Light,

Namaste,

Sharon xXx