Ayurveda
Ayurveda - Simply a way of living. Around since 3,000-5,000 BC and passed down through spoken language until written in Sanskrit text which has then been translated. Definition of the health of a person: connection from the inside of the body to the outside - mind, body and soul are one and not separate. Physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing in balance and devoid of disease.
"The great thing about Ayurveda is that it's treatments always yield side benefits, not side effects"
So, how can I simplify what Ayurveda is? Some key points:
*Follows the rule of nature
*Emphasis on preventative medicine
*Mind, body, soul connection
In my opinion, there are many similarities to TCM (traditional Chinese Medicine) and Western holistic health, in the way that mind, body, spirit/soul connection is key to good health and wellbeing. A focus on seasonal, minimally processed, locally grown foods, herbs & spices to balance digestion and really getting to know ourselves so we can tell when we're out of balance and take the necessary steps to regain balance.
In more recent years 'gut health' has been identified as crucial for overall wellbeing, something that Ayurveda has spoken about for thousands of years in terms of looking after our 'Agni' or digestive fire. According to Ayurveda, the oldest healing system in the world, the health of a person is determined by their physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing as well as the health of the five sense organs: eyes, ears, nose, mouth and skin - the largest organ in the body. If there are no issues or imbalances with these then a person is considered 'healthy' or in Sanskrit (the oldest known language), 'swastha'.
Also contributing to the optimal health of a person, the tissues or 'dhatus' need to be devoid of disease as well as the waste products 'malas' coming out of the body without any issues.
Malas = stool, urine and sweat. We need to pass at least one daily stool (in Ayurveda 1 day of constipation is considered an emergency because of the toxic build up), good frequency of urine output (in relation to fluid intake) and depending on the season and level of exercise, sweat - these all help with elimination of toxins from the body.
Water is also extremely important in aiding detoxification of the body and keeping the mind alert.From the day we are born, we slowly dry out until we die. Living a life more aligned with Ayurvedic principles helps to slow the ageing process down and for us to live a long, happy, healthy life.
The Tri Dosha concept is based on the 3 dosha's: Vata, Pitta, Kapha.
Vata = Space + Air -
Movement, breathing, nervous system
Pitta = Fire -
Transformation, digestion, heat, sharpness of mind, focus
Kapha = Earth + Water -
Stability, musculature, immunity, strength, mucous
We all have a unique constitution, based around the 3 dosha's. More often than not, we are predominant in one and knowing this, or, knowing ourselves can hep us to find more balance in every day life.
There are certain attributes connected with each dosha whether it be physiological or mental when looking at a person or in relation to the seasons, time of life, time of day, environment, types of food.
So, if we know which dosha or dosha's or 'unique constitution' we are, we then know what will keep us balanced and what will cause imbalance.
So, what is the aim of Ayurveda?
To: preserve health, prevent disease and delay the ageing process.
*Dharma - do the right thing (following your soul purpose and treat others how you'd like to be treated )
*Artha - work for a living (good work ethic)
*Santosa - satisfaction (living a life of fulfillment)
*Moksha - liberation (free from the cycle of life, death and rebirth and limitations of the mind, spiritual development)
If you would like to find out more, book a consultation with me, which will include a case diagnosis, dietary and lifestyle advice based on your 'dosha'.