Powerful, natural, and holistic, Ayurveda is the art and science of longevity. How can we be healthy in this body for many, many years of love, learning and accomplishments?
The Sanskrit word Ayurveda is derived from the root words ayus, meaning 'life' or 'longevity', and veda, meaning 'science' or 'sacred knowledge'.
Ayurveda therefore translates as, "the sacred knowledge of life.”
According to Wikipedia, "Ayurveda is one of the few systems of medicine developed in ancient times that is still widely practiced in modern times. It has its historical roots in the Indian subcontinent that can be traced as far back as 6,000 BCE. Globalized and modernized practices derived from AyurvedIc traditions are a type of alternative medicine. In countries beyond India, Ayurvedic therapies and practices have been integrated in general wellness programs and for medical use to help reduce, delay or even prevent disease.
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Ayurveda holds the belief that we are a microcosm of the universe. Every single thing in the universe is made up of The 5 Great Elements, in varying proportions. We, as well, are made up of these same 5 Elements.
ETHER. AIR. FIRE. WATER. EARTH.
For each of us, the 5 Elements manifest in different proportions. We are as unique as our fingerprints. Therefore, one solution would not fit everyone. It also means that once you find your unique prescription and implement diet and lifestyle changes in alignment with your constitution, healing can come about in quite natural ways, and sometimes very quickly.
The Ayurvedic approach identifies precursors to disease in an attempt to correct the imbalance before illness manifests.
Each of The 5 Great Elements has its own specific qualities. Learning about them can inform better choices each day, putting us in charge of our capacity to thrive. Here are the inherent, essential qualities of each of The 5 Great Elements.
Hot. Light. Sharp. Oily. Penetrating.
It is intellect and all bodily transformation. It's the metabolism of food and experiences. Controls body temperature.
Cool. Heavy. Moist. Liquid. Dull. Oily.
It protects, nourishes, and repairs as plasma, lymph, and mucus. It holds digestive juices in suspension.
Cool. Heavy. Dull. Static. Stable.
The densest form of all the elements. It is bones, muscles, nails, hair, teeth, and skin. It represents mass and solidity.
Clear. Light. Subtle. Expansive.
In the body, it's the empty spaces in the ears, mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory system.
Cold. Dry. Light. Rough. Mobile.
Controls all movement in respiration, digestion, elimination, and movement of the mind and senses.
Each of us has an innate, particular constitution that we're born with. As the 5 Elements exist in all of us, everyone has a unique proportion that manifests as Vata, Pitta, Kapha, or some combination thereof. This insight allows us access to healing in ways that modern medicine hasn't yet understood.
The goal of Ayurveda is to bring the mind and body back to our balanced, homeostatic state—in tune with natural rhythms and cycles.
VATA = Ether + Air
PITTA = Fire + Water
KAPHA = Water + Earth
Our doshas change with the seasons, our stage of life, and our circumstances.
Imbalances are caused by our experiences, our environment, situations and people that are presented to us throughout our lives. Sometimes life's stressors can cause an increase or decrease in one element or another, throwing us out of balance and potentially manifesting as symptoms, or full-blown illness.
It is said that the doshas are like barometers; reading them indicates what will happen next if we don’t act to rebalance our systems.
Plants that are grown in balanced soil have the strength and resilience to ward off pests and disease. We too can thrive in harmony with nature and ward of disease if our bodies are given the conditions that take us back to our strongest, healthiest versions of ourselves.
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Are you ready to embrace the shift to whole-body, whole-life vitality? It's incredibly fascinating and satisfying, and I'm thrilled to be your guide and companion. Let's explore the possibilities together!
Schedule a 1-on-1 appointment with me to discover your unique Ayurvedic fingerprint and how to work in harmony with it to feel better.
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