What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda literally translates as 'science of life' or 'knowledge of life' and has its foundation in the Vedas. Ayurveda is an ancient system of wholistic living, which was transmitted by the sages thousands of years ago. It is based in direct perception, intuition, experience and practice. Ayurveda emphasizes the unity of spirit, mind, emotions and physical body.

Ayurveda sees the universe as a manifestation of consciousness. The world we experience is seen as the physical result of subtle forces at play. Universal energy and universal matter are intertwined and experienced in our very being, in every thought and in every activity.

The energies of the creation, preservation and dissolution of all life are contained within the conceptual five elements: Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. The interactions of the subtle and gross forms of these elements are identified as the patterns of energy transformation indicated by the three Doshas. The literal translation of Dosha is 'uneasy alliance' or 'fault'. The three Doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. We use the Sanskrit names since there are no equivalent words for the concepts in English.

Vata is the primary interaction of Space (that which connects all) and Air (that which creates movement). Vata provides for the movement of nutrients to all cells. Vata governs growth and life, manifesting as breathing, bodily movements, creativity, and flexibility.

Pitta is the primary interaction of Fire (metabolism) and Water (flow and lubrication). Pitta metabolizes the nutrients in all cells. Pitta governs transformation and light, manifesting as digestion, assimilation, body temperature, intelligence, and understanding.

Kapha is the primary interaction of Water (flow and lubrication) and Earth (solidity). Kapha lubricates and maintains the structure of all cells. Kapha governs maintenance and love, manifesting as body structure, lubrication of joints and skin, immune function, calmness, and unconditional acceptance.

Everyone and everything is made of ratios of each element. We each are a unique balanced pattern of these energies, an individual combination with which we are born, that makes up our constitution (Prakruti). Unfortunately, most of us have acquired imbalances (Vikruti). Ayurveda is understanding our unique constitution and the nature of the forces that act upon us to maintain or disturb balance. Balance and order is the natural order of things and is reflected as health. Imbalance and disorder is reflected as dis-ease.

Ayurveda and Yoga

Ayurveda and Yoga are sister sciences that together allow for health, as a basis for spiritual awareness and not just as an end unto itself. Together they are the original holistic system of care for the body, mind and spirit. Ayurveda provides individual, daily, balancing practices for the mind-body, which facilitate the yogic path.

Practical Ayurveda

Everything affects us on both the subtle and the gross levels. The way we engage, interact and digest the world around us is through our five senses. Ayurveda teaches what may create harmony for us as an individual and how to integrate it through our five senses. We learn how to make decisions about all aspects of life and we see the relationship of cause and effect (obvious or subtle) for each of us. There are therapies and practices to balance each Dosha and keep each Dosha balanced. Specific types of meditation, asana, pranayama, mantra, daily routine, nutrition and herbs, touch and oil therapy, aromatherapy, chromotherapy, and gem therapy, can address the unique needs of our body-mind, allowing us to fully express our essential Self. Ayurveda teaches us to balance our daily life with our unique constitution, allowing us to come into harmony with the universe and ourselves.

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