Ayurveda
Ayurveda:
The Ancient Art of Holistic Healing
Ayurveda, hailed as the "Science of Life," is a time-honored system of medicine that originated in ancient India over 5,000 years ago. Rooted in the profound wisdom of the Vedas, Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health and well-being that emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body, mind, emotions and spirit. At its core, Ayurveda seeks to balance these relationships, allowing individuals to achieve optimal health, vitality, and harmony in their lives.
This comprehensive system addresses both the physical and environmental aspects of health, focusing on the root causes rather than just symptoms. Ayurveda looks into food as medicine, sleep, energy regulation, relationships and stress. Ayurveda offers guidelines and alignments with Nature's daily (dinacharya) and seasonal (ritucharya) rhythms. Its holistic approach integrates herbal remedies, dietary guidelines, yoga, meditation, therapeutic body treatments and lifestyle adjustments to promote longevity and overall health.
Ayurveda states that our physical regeneration and degeneration hinges on two pivotal cellular processes: Growth (anabolic) and Decay (catabolic). To achieve optimum health, we need to bring these two processes into balance. In this process, the regenerative energies within are awakened, creating a vibrant, magnetic and peaceful state of wellbeing, which will help one to gain clarity and live their life purpose.
Ayurveda recognizes that everything, including us humans, is composed of the five elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space—combining to form three bio-physical forces known as doshas: VATA (Air & Space), PITTA (Fire & Water), and KAPHA (Earth & Water).
The fundamental principles revolve around the concept of the doshas – unique biological energies that govern our physical and mental characteristics. The doshas are the building blocks of Ayurvedic diagnosis and treatment. By understanding one's dosha constitution (Prakruti) and dosha imbalance (Vikruti), individuals can tailor their lifestyle, diet, and wellness practices to achieve equilibrium and health. This is more important than ever, especially because our fast-paced world and lifestyles often leave us overwhelmed and depleted.
Ayurveda is recognized by the World Health Organization as a traditional medicine system. In the State of California, its practice was formally legalized in 2003 under the passage of Senate Bill 577: The Health Freedom Act.
About the Various Body Types (Doshas)
VATA types are typically very tall, or very short, on the thinner side with bony limbs, and dry skin. Their hands and feet are usually cold and they experience dry and cracked skin. Their appetite is variable and they crave salty, sweet and sour foods and love warm or hot drinks. They are very enthusiastic, active, alert, restless and creative.
PITTA types typically have a moderate physique with a muscular, well toned body and warm skin. They have a strong metabolism, good appetite and digestion. They crave cold drinks, sweet and bitter foods. They are very determined, ambitious, intelligent, sharp and focused.
KAPHA types typically have well developed bodies with broad shoulders, and soft, oily skin with a light complexion. Their appetite is regular, but with a relatively slow digestion, and they prefer warm drinks. They are very stable, loyal, patient, caring and supportive.