Welcome to the world of Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine that has been practiced in India for thousands of years. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that literally translates to “the Science of Life”. Ayurveda is based on the belief that true health and wellness come from a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. The interconnectedness of mind-body is increasingly also becoming recognized in Western medical approaches as well – and in this time of East Meets West, you can try some practical routines to enhance your wellbeing.
In Ayurveda, everything in the universe is made up of five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. These elements combine in the human body to form three fundamental energies or “doshas” called vata, pitta, and kapha. Each person has a unique combination of these doshas, which as established at birth, and can be assessed through pulse analysis and other diagnostic methods. There are also easy quizzes that you can find online to help you determine your prakruti (your unique combination of dosha energy), as well as to look at your vikruti (the current state of balance – or imbalance – in those same energies).
Imbalance in the doshas is believed to be the root cause of disease, and Ayurvedic treatments aim to restore balance to bring the system back into health. These treatments include herbal remedies, massage, yoga, and lifestyle changes such as diet and daily routine. Even if you are not a “woo-woo” person, you can find value in some of the very easy practices that support your wellbeing. As an example, I have adopted much of the oral care routine including tongue scraping and oil pulling … at my last dental appointment, my dentist said “your oral hygiene is pristine, no tarter or calculus build up to have to clean at all!” Yep! That was my goal!
Ayurveda also places a strong emphasis on preventative care and self-awareness as a way to maintain optimal health and wellness. By understanding your unique combination of doshas and how they affect your health, you can take steps to maintain balance and prevent illness before it occurs.
If you’re curious about Ayurveda and how it can benefit your health, consider consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner or trying some Ayurvedic practices on your own. From herbal remedies to yoga and meditation, there are many ways to incorporate Ayurveda into your daily routine and start reaping the benefits of this ancient system of medicine. I love to incorporate this wisdom into my own self-care and certainly offer options for others to explore and experiment with on their journey to improved wellbeing. Stay tuned to this blog for ideas on bringing some Ayurveda into your days.