What Is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is the ancient medicine system of India. It is said to be the world’s oldest recorded system of healing.  Ayur means ‘life’ and veda means ‘knowledge or science’ so put the two together and you have the ‘Science of Life’.

I have been intrigued by Ayurveda for the past few years and have purchased numerous books on this subject as well as taken a Foundation course in it at Starseed Yoga Center.  What draws me to this science is that Ayurveda treats the body as a whole ~ mind, body and spirit. It looks at what is the root cause of certain conditions of the body, not just how to treat the symptom of a certain condition. If you were to visit an Ayurvedic physician, his or her first question to you may be ‘what is your purpose in life?’ or ‘how is your digestion?’

Ayurvedic philosophy believes that health is a result of balance and harmony within one’s self.  It believes that a strong immune system and healthy digestion are key components to a healthy person.  Stress and negativity can lead to dis-ease in the body which Ayurveda believes to be a ‘call to attention’ or a ‘need for change.’

For example, did you ever overindulge in an area, be it food, work or even exercise?  After a while, if you don’t check in with your body, it will tell you when it’s had enough.  For instance, eating too fast is something my body has been telling me I need to work on.  I’ve started getting indigestion and even acid reflux.  When I eat slower, there’s no problem. But as soon as I unmindfully, start to chow down again, there it is saying, ‘hello? remember me?’  What signs has your body given you lately?

This ancient system of healing is so fascinating to me and I will continue to study it for the coming years. It’s concepts go very deep into the core of our being and encompasses every level including mental, physical, energetic, emotional and more.

Now it’s time to learn about the Ayurvedic dynamic forces called doshas. These doshas, in Ayurvedic philosophy, are created by two of the five elements (ether, air, fire, water & earth) pairing up with each other. The three main doshas that are formed are Vata, Kapha and Pitta. There are also sub-doshas which happen when an individual has many of the qualities or characteristics of two doshas instead of just one. For instance, one could be Kapha-Pitta or Pitta-Vata.

Click the links below to learn more about the 3 main doshas.

What’s Your Dosha? Part 1 ~ Vata

What’s Your Dosha? Part 2 ~ Kapha

What’s Your Dosha? Part 3 ~ Pitta

Inhale~Enjoy~Exhale,

Gina

**This article is intended to give out information only, not replacing medical care. Always seek medical attention when starting a new diet or exercise program.

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