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Sunday, May 20, 2012
What is Ayurveda?
The word "Ayurveda" is from the ancient Indian language, Sanskrit, and literally means "Knowledge of Life". Inherent in Ayurvedic principles is the concept that you are capable of taking charge of your own life and healing. Ayurveda provides both curative and preventive measures towards optimal physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
More than simply medical care, Ayurveda offers a philosophy whereby one may prevent unnecessary suffering and live a long, healthy life. Known as the mother of all medical systems, Ayurveda has undergone continuous research, development and refinement over past 5,000 years. Originally from India, Ayurveda is currently experiencing world-wide popularity as a revival sweeps in all continents. Ayurveda employs the judicious application of nutritional guidance, herbal medicines, exercise therapy, meditation and many special rejuvenation and purification therapies. Preferring to focus on the type of person who has the disease, rather than just understanding the type of disease the person has, Ayurveda is a patient-orientated system of healing.
Ayurveda and the 3 doshas
In Ayurveda, different people with the same disease sometimes receive different diets and herbal plans. Each person's constitution (Prakruti) and the imbalance found in each individual is taken into account.
With Ayurveda, we acknowledge that beneficial daily habits are different for each person, because each person is a unique combination of the 3 fundamental biological principles, which are called "doshas": Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Everybody has all 3 energies - although people experience each of them to a lesser or greater degree.