Ayurveda

C. L. Nichols
16 minutes ago
5 min read

Ancient Wisdom for Modern Wellness.

Find balance and live in harmony with nature.

Started in India thousands of years ago, Ayurveda is a complete system of medicine to prevent illness and promote overall wellbeing. Unlike Western medicine that treats symptoms, Ayurveda focuses on addressing the root causes of health issues.

At the heart of Ayurvedic philosophy lies the concept of the five elements and three doshas. Understand these principles to grasp how Ayurveda views health.

The Five Elements

Ayurveda teaches that everything in the universe, including our bodies, is composed of five basic elements:

Earth (Prithvi): Represents solidity and structure

Water (Jala): Represents fluidity and cohesiveness

Fire (Agni): Represents transformation and metabolism

Air (Vayu): Represents movement and change

Space (Akasha): Represents emptiness and potential

These elements combine to form the three doshas, which are the basis of an individual’s constitution.

The Three Doshas

The doshas govern physiological and psychological functions in the body. Each person has a combination of the doshas, which determines their physical and mental characteristics.

Vata (Air and Space): Governs movement and change

Pitta (Fire and Water): Governs metabolism and transformation

Kapha (Earth and Water): Governs structure and stability

Most people have one or two dominant doshas, which shape their physical appearance, personality traits, and health tendencies.

Vata Dosha

People with a dominant Vata dosha tend to be

Thin and light-framed

Creative and quick-thinking

Prone to anxiety and restlessness

Sensitive to cold

When Vata is out of balance, it can lead to issues like dry skin, constipation, and insomnia.

Pitta Dosha

Those with a dominant Pitta dosha

Have a strong metabolism

Are intelligent and ambitious

Have a fiery temperament

Are prone to inflammation and overheating

Imbalanced Pitta can result in skin rashes, acid reflux, and irritability.

Kapha Dosha

Kapha-dominant individuals typically

Have a heavier build

Are calm and grounded

Have excellent stamina

Tend to be slow to anger but stubborn when provoked

When Kapha is out of balance, it can lead to weight gain, congestion, and lethargy.

Understanding your dominant dosha(s) helps with lifestyle choices that promote prevent health issues.

Ayurveda uses a variety of natural treatments to bring the doshas into balance. This includes dietary changes, herbal remedies, massage, yoga, and meditation. Cleanse the body of toxins and restore harmony.

Panchakarma

One treatment is Panchakarma, a detoxification process. “Pancha” means five, and “karma” means action, referring to the five main procedures used in this therapy.

Panchakarma aims to remove toxins (called “ama” in Ayurveda) from the body and restore balance to the doshas. The treatment is supervised by an Ayurvedic practitioner. It lasts from a few days to several weeks.

The five main procedures of Panchakarma are

Vamana (therapeutic vomiting)

Virechana (purgation)

Basti (enema therapy)

Nasya (nasal administration of medicinal oils)

Raktamokshana (bloodletting, rarely used in modern practice)

Before these procedures, patients usually undergo preparatory treatments called

“Purvakarma,” which include

Abhyanga: Full-body oil massage

Swedana: Herbal steam therapy

Shirodhara: Pouring of warm oil on the forehead

These preparatory steps loosen toxins and prepare the body for the main Panchakarma procedures.

While Panchakarma can be an intense process, many report feeling rejuvenated, balanced, and energized after completing the treatment. It’s important to undertake Panchakarma only under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.

Ayurvedic massage, called abhyanga, is another common practice. This full-body massage uses warm herbal oils to nourish the skin and relax the muscles. It’s said to improve circulation, reduce stress, and promote better sleep.

Diet plays a huge role in Ayurveda. The foods you eat should balance your particular dosha. Vata types do well with warm, grounding foods like soups and stews. Pittas need cooling foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. Kaphas benefit from light, spicy fare that boosts metabolism.

Ayurvedic Herbs

Ayurveda makes use of herbs for their medicinal properties.

Ashwagandha: Known for its stress-reducing properties

Turmeric: An anti-inflammatory and antioxidant

Triphala: A blend of three fruits that supports digestion and detoxification

Brahmi: Enhance memory and cognitive function

Shatavari: Support women’s health and the reproductive system

Neem: Antibacterial and blood-purifying properties

Guduchi: Believed to boost immunity and support liver function

These herbs have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Scientific research on their efficacy is ongoing. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any herbal regimen.

Yoga and meditation are important parts of Ayurvedic practice. They calm the mind and reduce stress. Different yoga poses are recommended for each dosha type.

One of the great things about Ayurveda is its emphasis on prevention. The idea is to maintain health rather than just treating problems. This involves daily routines called dinacharya.A typical Ayurvedic morning routine might include

Wake up early, before sunrise

Scrape your tongue to remove toxins

Drink warm lemon water to aid digestion

Practice yoga or meditation

Eat a light, warm breakfast

These simple habits are said to set you up for a healthy day.

Ayurveda also recognizes the connection between mind and body. Emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical health. Practices like meditation and pranayama (breathwork) are used to calm the mind and reduce stress.

Studies have shown benefits for conditions like arthritis, high blood pressure, and anxiety.

Ayurveda isn’t meant to replace conventional medicine. Many use it alongside Western treatments for a more holistic approach to health.

You can also start small by incorporating some Ayurvedic principles into your daily life.

Here are some simple ways to get started.

Eat mindfully, chewing your food well

Stick to a consistent sleep schedule

Practice oil pulling for oral health

Try dry brushing to stimulate circulation

Incorporate turmeric into your cooking