How Ayurveda balances body and mind.
Are you interested in Ayurveda? That’s fantastic! In this article I’ll give you a brief insight into what makes Ayurveda so special. Ayurveda is much more than just a form of wellness; it is an ancient philosophy of life and a holistic medical system.
As you might already know, Ayurveda originates from India. The word “Ayurveda” comes from Sanskrit and is composed of “Ayuh” – “life” and “Veda” – “science.” Thus, it can be translated as “The Science of Life.” The goal of Ayurveda is to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being to enable a long, healthy and happy life.
Living ayurvedically means enjoying life in all its facets while maintaining your individual balance. This is achieved by leading a life in harmony with nature and your own unique needs. Ayurveda always views the person as a whole, considering the interactions between body, mind and environment.
The Doshas – Key Principles
One of the most fascinating aspects of Ayurveda is the Doshas. Based on the five elements of space/ether, air, fire, water, and earth— which are fundamental building blocks of nature and thus of humans— various functional principles can be derived. In the body, these principles manifest as the three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Vata is composed of the elements space/ether and air. Pitta consists of fire and water, while Kapha is made up of earth and water.
Vata is the kinetic principle and is responsible for all types of movement in the body, the nervous system, and respiration. Pitta is the transformative principle, primarily governing digestion and metabolism. Kapha is the principle of structure and stability. It is responsible for good immunity, lubricates and nourishes body tissues and joints.
Every person has a unique combination of Doshas in their body from birth, which is referred to as their constitution (Prakriti). These Doshas shape our personality, preferences, and health. All three Doshas are active in every body and have specific functions. This physical and innate constitution is called Deha-Prakriti. Consequently, some people are predominantly influenced by Vata, while others may have a strong presence of two Doshas. This is always highly individual.
Are you in balance?
However, the Doshas can fall out of balance. They can be increased by an improper diet, stress, or an unsuitable lifestyle, especially if these conditions persist over a long period. This imbalance can lead to various ailments and diseases. In Ayurveda, this condition is known as Vikriti, a disturbance of the original state.
The goal of Ayurveda is to bring these imbalanced Doshas back into harmony to promote our overall well-being. The secret lies in maintaining the Doshas in balance. And how do we achieve this? By aligning our diet, lifestyle, and even therapy with our unique Dosha constitution.
Ayurveda as a Journey to the Self
Ayurveda is an exciting journey towards inner harmony for body and mind. By understanding the Doshas and applying individualized healing methods, we can benefit from the advantages of this ancient tradition. The best part is that we also get to know ourselves much better and understand who we are and what we need to be happy. Ayurveda offers personalized approaches for a healthy, happy life.
Would you like to learn more about how to integrate Ayurvedic principles into your daily life to life healthier and feel your best self ever? Or would you like to discover your personal Dosha constitution? Book a 1:1 consultation with me. Feel free to schedule a free introductory call beforehand or send me a message via the contact form.
Or let’s connect on Instagram where you’ll find more information and tips on Ayurveda and nutrition. You can contact me through Instagram if you have any further questions. I look forward to hearing or reading from you! I would be happy to hear about any of your experiences with Ayurveda.
Yours Yvonne