Ayurveda translates to "the science of life" and is the world's oldest medicine. It was discovered approximately 5,000 years ago by the Indian sages through meditation and the observation of nature. A sister science of yoga, Ayurveda is an ancient system of preventative health care, rejuvenation, and longevity. It teaches us to consciously live in harmony by balancing the mind, body, and soul. By understanding the elemental properties of both our external and internal environments, we can align and flow with the cycles of the world.
Ayurveda focuses on the elements of ether, air, fire, water, and earth. These five elements are categorized into three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Vata is made of ether and air, Pitta is fire and water, and Kapha is water and earth. We are all comprised of these doshas, however we are each born with a unique combination, called our prakriti. This is our original nature. When we are in alignment with our original nature, we experience wellbeing and bliss. When we fall out of alignment, we experience vikriti, or our current state of imbalance. This state of imbalance leads to health issues which can manifest in the body, mind, or both.
The doshas are energies that describe our personality, bodily functions, foods, environment, types of exercise, seasons, plants, times of day, stages of life, and lifestyle choices. Once we understand the elemental qualities of each dosha, we are able to tap into our body's wisdom, which allows us to make conscious shifts to our health.
Vata is the moving force; it's qualities are light, dry, cold, rough, mobile
-it rules the nervous system and all movements within the body
constipation, bloating, anxiety, irregular periods, and insomnia are examples of Vata imbalances
Pitta is the transforming force; it's qualities are hot, sharp, oily, liquid, light
-it rules the digestive system and all transformations within the body
anger, heartburn, excess heat, poor eyesight, and irritability are examples of Pitta imbalances
Kapha is the binding force; it's qualities are heavy, dense, slow, cold, oily, liquid
-it rules the lymphatic system and all stability + structure within the body
mucous/phlegm buildup, weight gain, depression, and fatigue are examples of Kapha imbalances
Ayurveda uses tools such as yoga, meditation, herbs, self-care routines, essential oils, and food recommendations to balance the body, mind, and spirit.
By understanding the ebb and flow of Mother Earth, we are able to be in control of our wellbeing and find the true bliss that resides within.
Resources: AHCT Course Manual + Idiot’s Guide to Ayurveda
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