What it is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda translates to “knowledge of life”
Ayurvedic medicine (“Ayurveda”) is one of the world's oldest holistic healing systems. It was developed more than 5,000 years ago in India. The term Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words “Ayur” (life) and “Veda” (science or knowledge). Ayurveda translates to “knowledge of life”. It’s based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Its main goal is to promote good health, not fight disease and one key principle is that your body has an amazing capacity to self-heal. Depending on how you treat your body and what you feed it, you have the ability to either assist or inhibit the natural healing process.
According to Ayurveda, there are five elements that make up the world around us and the world inside of us: space, air, fire, water and earth. Inside our bodies, these five master elements combine together and exist as three primary energy patterns.
These energy patterns – or doshas – are present in every cell in our body, thereby they govern all of the body’s processes, from bodily functions to our thoughts and feelings. This dosha, are: wind or Vata (cold, dry and light) is the force that controls our movement, regulates the nervous system, and oversees elimination of waste; fire or pitta (hot, wet and combustive) is the force that controls our digestion and metabolism; and water or kapha (cold, wet and heavy) is the protective force which governs stability, structure and moisture in our mind and body.
Although we’re all born with all three doshas, everyone inherits a unique mix of the three doshas. Typically, every person has one dominant form of dosha that makes up his or her personal Ayurvedic constitution or Prakriti. The health issues a person develops are linked to the unbalance of their doshas.
VATA
Elements of space and air, Vata types commonly reflect this with tall and thinner body shapes. They are quick thinkers but quick to forget. They are very creative and fast-moving with high energy bursts that lead them to tire easily. Full of joy and enthusiasm when the Dosha is in balance but when out of balance they can act in impulse affecting their decisions.
PITTA
Elements of fire and water, usually personalities that are strong and fiery, with a sharp mind. Pitta bodies are of the medium physique, strong and concentrated. Assertive and confident, pushing the boundaries often to bossy and aggressive. They enjoy challenges, are romantic and passionate types. Although great leaders, they become irritated very easily.
KAPHA
Elements of earth and water, with a bigger bodily frame and calm persona. They tend to be easy-going, slower-paced and non-judgemental. They speak slower, as they think thoroughly about their words. They strive for peace and calmness in their surroundings, almost being grounding stability for others. Sometimes Kapha bodies may easily gain weight due to slower digestion and can be prone to depression.
