What is Ayurveda?
In Sanskrit “Ayur” Means Life and “Veda” means Science or Knowledge. Ayurveda’s most basic translation means “Science of Life” or “Knowledge of Life”. Ayurveda originated in India over 5,000 years ago and is often referred to as the “Mother of all healing”.
Its ancient teachings were passed down from Vedic Masters to their disciples. What we know of today as Yoga also transpired from within Ayurveda. Ayurveda was naturally meant to be taught and learned before
a Yoga practice could ever be mastered. Ayurveda & Yoga are sister practices. One should not be without the other. It is impossible for one to succeed without the other. Yet many of us are familiar with Yoga and not so much Ayurveda yet.
Ayurveda is based on the belief that health & wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body & soul. With this unique emphasis on total wellness the art and science of Ayurveda work to harmonize our internal and external worlds.
Similar to Chinese Medicine and the 5 elements. Ayurveda has 5 Elements. They are Ether, Air, Fire, Water & Earth. Ayurveda simplifies and groups the elements into 3 different energy types that we all have within us called the 3 Doshas. These doshas are named Vata, Pitta & Kapha.
Ayurveda is based on the idea that when these doshas become out of balance this is when disease and DIS-EASE occurs. Ayurveda encourages certain lifestyle interventions and natural therapies to
regain a balance between the body, mind, soul and our environment.
Ayurveda treatment includes internal purification process, cleansing, removal of toxins, special diet, herbal remedies, massage therapy, meditation & yoga. Goals of treatment aid the person by eliminating
impurities, reducing symptoms, increasing resistance to disease, reducing worry, and increasing harmony in life. Herbs and other plants, including oils and common spices, are used extensively in Ayurvedic treatment. Ayurveda does have positive effects when used as a complementary therapy in combination with standard, conventional medical care.
It must be emphasized that Ayurveda is not a substitute for Western allopathic medicine. There are many instances when the disease process and acute conditions can best be treated with drugs or surgery. Ayurveda can be used in conjunction with Western medicine to make a person stronger and less likely to be afflicted with disease and/or to rebuild the body after being treated with drugs or surgery.
We all have times when we don’t feel well and recognize that we’re out of balance. Sometimes we go to the doctor only to be told there is nothing wrong. What is actually occurring is that this imbalance has not yet become recognizable as a disease. Yet it is serious enough to make us notice our discomfort. We may start to wonder whether it is just our imagination. We may also begin to consider alternative measures and actively seek to create balance in our body, mind and consciousness.
It’s important to discuss any Ayurvedic treatments that you use with your doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing, or people who are thinking of using Ayurvedic therapy to treat a child, should consult their healthcare provider. It is important to make sure that any diagnosis of a disease or condition has been made by a healthcare provider who has substantial conventional medical training and experience with managing that disease or condition.
While Ayurveda does have positive effects when used as a complementary therapy in combination with standard, conventional medical care, it should not replace standard, conventional medical care, especially when treating serious conditions.