Ayurveda- The Science of Life

Ayurveda

Origin of Ayurveda

Ayurveda,  is a healthy-lifestyle system that people in
India have used for more than 3,000 years

 Ayurveda emerges from the
ancient Vedic culture and was taught for many thousands of years in an oral
tradition from accomplished masters to their disciples. Ayurvedic medicine is
holistic, which means viewing the body and mind as a whole. Ayurveda places great emphasis on prevention and encourages the maintenance of health through close attention to balance in one’s life, right thinking, diet, lifestyle and the use of herbs. 

 Doshas:    

According to ayurveda, the five elements of nature (space, air, fire, water, earth) combine in the body as three components (doshas) known as Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas relate closely to the basic elements of nature and to specific functions of the body.A balance of these doshas is thought to be required for optimal health.

 Vata Dosha:

Vata is characterized by the properties of dry, cold, light, minute.. All movement in the body is due to properties of vata. Vata is responsible for our energy and movement as well as for nerve impulses. Breathing, speech, circulation, and digestion are all the manifestation of Vata. Foods that can increase vata are, in general, bitter, astringent, and pungent in taste. These tastes, when in excess for the vata in your prakruti (constitution), can create rough, dry, and irregular digestion, and eventual vata imbalances.

 Pitta Dosha: 

Pitta contains the properties of the fire and water element, but the former is more pronounced.Thus, Pitta regulates all metabolic processes in the body as well as body temperature and our hormonal balance. Hunger, thirst, and even intelligence are associated with Pitta.

Pitta is hot, sharp, sour,pungent, and penetrating. To balance pitta, make choices that are cooling,sweet, and stabilizing.

 Kapha Dosha:

 Kapha’s elemental makeup consists of water and earth.” According to ayurveda, this is the dosha responsible for the stability, lubrication, substance and support of our physical body. Kapha is responsible for solidity and all structures as well as for the right amount of body fluids.

 Kapha types can eat all spices and herbs but need to be cautious with salt.

 Most people’s prakriti is made up of a combination of two doshas. For example, people who are

“Pitta Kapha” will have the tendencies of both Pitta dosha and Kapha dosha,
with Pitta dominating. By understanding the qualities of our natural
constitution we are better able to do what is needed to keep ourselves in balance.