Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu
AYURVEDA
Ayur – Life / Veda – Knowledge
Ayurveda, which translates from ancient Sanskrit as the “science of life”, is considered to be the oldest healing science. It has been practiced in India for more than 5,000 years and has helped millions of people create healthier, balanced lives. Many of the system’s principles and practices - such as the use of herbs or how the change of seasons affects us - are often used in conventional medical settings. The World Health Organization (WHO) now officially recognizes Ayurveda as a traditional system of medicine.
Ayurveda
5 elements
The sages of ancient India established a way for understanding human beings based on five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether (Space). These elements manifest themselves as three different energies, or doshas, known as Vata (Air / Ether), Pitta (Fire/Water) and Kapha (Water / Earth). Just like everyone has a unique fingerprint, each person is born with a unique combination (prakriti) of these forces, and this combination affects the way each of us functions. As we move through life the proportion of each one of these three doshas fluctuates, depending on one’s environment, diet, seasons, age and many other factors. As they move in and out of balance, the doshas can affect our health, energy levels and mood. Furthermore, each dosha is associated with a specific bodily shape, and is linked to certain personality traits.
Vata (Air and Ether)
Qualities : Dry, rough, cool, subtle, mobile
People with a Vata constitution are like the wind, agile and fast. They think, walk and talk quickly. They tend to be lanky and thin and frequently have dry skin and hair. When in balance, Vatas are creative and lively. When out of balance, they can experience anxiety; poor sleep and feel unstable and ungrounded. To balance Vata it is important to maintain calm and routine, avoid extreme temperatures and get adequate rest.
Pitta (Fire and Water)
Qualities : Hot, light, oily, sharp, spreading, liquid
Pitta types have many of the qualities of fire. Fire is hot, penetrating, and sharp. Similarly, pitta people have warm bodies, penetrating ideas and sharp intelligence. They have a strong metabolism, good digestion and a hearty appetite. When out of balance, they can become irritable and judgmental. To maintain balance, Ayurveda advises Pittas to avoid extreme heat, meditate and eat cooling, non-spicy foods.
Kapha (Water and Earth)
Qualities : heavy, moist, cool, dense, slow, sticky, regular
Those with a Kapha constitution are strong, loving, calm and tolerant. They are often physically large and psychologically solid, happy and good-natured. When out of balance, Kaphas tend to experience greed and possessiveness. They can also be susceptible to weight gain, lethargy and headaches. To maintain balance Kapha-types are advised to exercise and eat invigorating foods.
Causes of Disease and Treatments
From an Ayurvedic perspective, disease begins when we are out of harmony with our bodies and our environment. When the doshas are imbalanced, the agni (the fire within the body) becomes weak. Agni is the fiery metabolic energy of digestion, which takes care of a range of functions from digestion of food, to giving color to the skin, to elimination of toxins. When agni is weak, there is not enough digestive power to metabolize food into energy. Undigested food is broken down by fermentation, rather than digestion and as result the body accumulates ama (toxins). When people continue their poor dietary practices, ama moves beyond the digestive tract via the circulatory system, settling in various bodily tissues and clogging body channels. When the body channels choke, the body becomes ill.
If disharmony is the cause of disease, then a restoration of harmony is the cure. Ayurveda is a holistic science, meaning that it is concerned with going to the root of disease, not merely treating its symptoms. It looks at the person’s entire lifestyle, and its healing tools include, nutrition, massage, physical exercise such as Hatha Yoga, and spiritual practice, such as meditation and the recitation of mantras. Ayurveda is not a system of healing in which everyone follows the same program. Ayurveda sees each person as an individual with a different (prakriti) internal balance of energy. Understanding the person’s constitution allows an Ayurvedic Specialist to set up a program specific to that individual. This may include massage, a nutritional program, exercise and relaxation practice. From an Ayurvedic perspective, a peace of mind is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. To this extent, Ayurveda uses meditation and yoga as healing tools.
According to Ayrveda, disease is not complicated or mysterious. Health and disease lie in our everyday behavior. With the tools of Ayurveda we can take control of our health and well being.
In Yoga and Ayurveda, the symbol of the twin serpents - the caduceus -
represents the two energy currents which flow through the body (Nadis):
Ida and Pingala. The Ida Nadi is directly connected to the left nostril,
and the Pingala Nadi is connected to the right nostril.
They spiral around the Sushumna Nadi, and cross at six points of intensity, Chakras. The Sushumna Nadi is the central energy channel;
which passes straight up the spine from its origin
at the Muladhara (root) chakra to Saharsrara (the crown chakra). The union of Shakti and Shiva leads to the awakening of Kundalini.
Yoga-Ayurveda
