Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that translates as "knowledge of life". It is a universal body of medicine and philosophy whose principles are applicable to those who wish to live a happy, healthy, and inspired life. Ayurveda is rooted in the ancient Vedic scriptures which date back to 3000 B.C.
When looked at in its simplest explanation Ayurveda is a practice for establishing balance within the body, mind, and spirit.
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As a form of medicine, Ayurveda is a strong preventative as well as a strong treatment for chronic conditions. As a philosophy of life, Ayurveda offers us a simple way of living that supports the life force with self-care routines and healthy dietary habits.
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Doshas
Ayurveda has three archetypes or categories of which all things are made of. These are called the Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. From the doshas, we can understand the constitution or makeup of each individual. This breakdown helps us to better understand what forms of medicine or self-care can create balance or cause imbalances.
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Vata- dry, light, cool, rough, subtle, and mobile
Pitta - oily, sharp, hot, light, fleshy smelling, spreading, and liquid
Kapha - cold, moist, heavy, dull, static, smooth, dense, oily, and soft
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To learn more about the doshas and discover your dosha you can visit this article by Banyan Botanicles.
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Gunas
In Ayurveda, we often speak about the qualities of things. Talking about how a season is light and sharp, or a food is heating in energy but slow and unctious. These qualities are called the Gunas.
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I personally find the Gunas to be more helpful when it comes to creating balance within my own system. This pushes me towards working closely with the Gunas while working with clients.
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The 20 Gunas are
Heavy – Light
Slow – Sharp
Cold – Hot
Oily – Dry
Smooth – Rough
Dense – Liquid
Soft – Hard
Static – Mobile
Gross – Subtle
Cloudy – Clear
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As you can see, each Guna has its opposite. This is very important when it comes to understanding how one thing may be throwing you out of balance while another can bring you back into it.
Balance
Balance is the name of the game! The goal in creating optimal health is bringing your body into a state of homeostasis.
'In biology, homeostasis is the state of steady internal, physical, and chemical conditions maintained by living systems. This is the condition of optimal functioning for the organism and includes many variables, such as body temperature and fluid balance, being kept within certain pre-set limits'
In order to reach homeostasis we need to understand the concept that like increases like and opposites decrease. Meaning, if you are a constitution that presents mostly Vata qualities you will have a tendency towards dry cold conditions. Think constipation and cracked lips. By consuming foods that are dry and cold in nature (rice cakes, kale, popcorn) you are increasing the dry quality in your body and pushing your body further out of balance resulting in worsening conditions that could evolve into a state of disease. However, if you were to choose foods that are warm and moist (cooked rice, bone broth, cooked salmon) you are giving your body the building blocks it needs to bring its self back into a state of balance and lessen the uncomfortable symptoms.
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This idea works within many levels of the body and life. If you tend towrads anger and get heated easily taking a 90 minute hot yoga class may leave you iritable on your drive home. You might find that you are more likely to yell at the cars on the way home. If you had chosen instead to cool off in a restrative yoga class you might find yourself in a calmer state of mind through out the day.
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The Gunas are the key to creating balance!
Ultimately, Ayurveda is a very simple yet extremely complex body of knowledge. But luckily you don't have to be an expert to apply the foundations of this ancient science to your life. There are many wonderful books, blogs, and podcasts that offer a simple understanding of Ayurveda and how you can use it to create a happier, healthier, and longer life.
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As an Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor & Bodyworker, I use this ancient medicine and philosophy to facilitate healing with my clients through several ayurvedic treatments such as Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Netra Basti, and Nasya.
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If you are curious about Ayurveda let me know! Though I no longer take one on one wellness counseling clients, I am always happy to book education sessions. If you are seeking the help of an Ayurvedic counselor or practitioner for current health concerns I am happy to recomend you to the several Ayurvedic Practitioners that I work with.
