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Ayurveda
is an intricate system of healing that originated in India over
5,000 years ago. What we see is that Ayurveda is more than just
a medical system. It is a Science of Life. We are all part and
parcel of nature. Just as the animals and plants live in harmony
with nature and utilize the Laws of Nature to create health and
balance within their beings, we too, adhere to these very same
principles. Therefore, it is fair to say that Ayurveda is a
system that helps maintain health in a person by using the
inherent principles of nature to bring the individual back into
symmetry with their True Self. In essence Ayurveda has been in
existence since the beginning of time because nature's laws have
always governed us. Ayurveda is made up of two Sanskrit words: Ayu, which means life and
Veda, which means the knowledge of. To know about life
is Ayurveda. However, according to the ancient Ayurvedic scholar Charaka, "Ayu" is comprised
of four essential parts: The combination of mind, body, senses, and the soul. In
Ayurveda we view a person as a unique individual made up of five primary
elements. The elements are ether (space), air, fire, water, and earth. Just as
in nature, we too have these five elements in us. When any
of these elements are present in the environment, they will in turn have
an influence on us. The foods we eat and the weather are
just two examples of the presence of these elements. While we
are composed of these five primary elements, certain elements are seen to
have an ability to combine to create various physiological functions.
Ether and Air combine to form what is known in Ayurveda as the Vata dosha.
Vata governs the principle of movement and therefore can
be seen as the force, which directs nerve impulses, circulation, respiration,
and elimination. If we have mostly a Vata dosha, we tend to
be thin, light and quick in our thoughts and actions. Change is a
constant part of our lives. When Vata is balanced, we are creative,
enthusiastic and lively. But if Vata becomes excessive, we may develop
anxiety, insomnia or irregular digestion. |
Fire and water are the elements that combine to form the Pitta dosha. The
Pitta dosha is the process of transformation or metabolism. The
transformation of foods into nutrients that our bodies can assimilate
is an example of a Pitta function. Pitta is also responsible for
metabolism in the organ and tissue systems as well as cellular
metabolism. If Pitta dosha is most lively in our nature, we tend to be
muscular, smart and determined. If balanced, we are warm, intelligent
and a good leader. If out of balance, Pitta can make us critical,
irritable and aggressive. |
Finally, it is predominantly the water and earth elements, which combine to form
the Kapha dosha. Kapha is what is responsible for growth, adding
structure unit by unit. Another function of the Kapha dosha is to offer
protection. Cerebral-spinal fluid protects the brain and spinal column
and is a type of Kapha found in the body. If we have mostly a Kapha dosha
in our nature, we tend to have a heavier frame, think and move more
leisurely and are stable. When balanced, it creates calmness, sweetness
and loyalty. When excessive, Kapha can cause weight gain, congestion
and resistance to healthy change. |
We are all made up of unique
proportions of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Ratios of the doshas vary
in each individual; and because of this, Ayurveda sees each person
as a special mixture that accounts for our diversity. Ayurveda
gives us a model to look at each individual as a unique makeup of
the three doshas and to thereby design treatment protocols that
specifically address a person's health challenges. When any of the
doshas (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) become accumulated, Ayurveda will
suggest specific lifestyle and nutritional guidelines to assist
the individual in reducing the dosha that has become excessive. We
may also suggest certain herbal supplements to hasten the healing
process. If toxins in the body are abundant, then a cleansing
process known as Panchakarma is recommended to eliminate these
unwanted toxins. This understanding that we are all unique
individuals enables Ayurveda to address not only specific health
concerns but also offers explanation as to why one person responds
differently than another. We invite you to explore Ayurveda to
enhance your health and to gain further insights into this miracle
we call life.
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