What is Ayurveda?

Ayurvedic medicine is also called Ayurveda. It is a system of medicine that originated in India several thousand years ago. The term Ayurveda combines two Sanskrit words--ayur, which means life, and veda, which means science or knowledge. Ayurveda means "the science of life." It is based on theories of health and illness and on ways to prevent, manage, or treat health problems. Ayurveda aims to integrate and balance the body, mind, and spirit . This balance is believed to lead to contentment and health, and to help prevent illness. However, Ayurveda also proposes treatments for specific health problems, whether they are physical or mental. A chief aim of Ayurvedic practices is to cleanse the body of substances that can cause disease, and this is believed to help reestablish harmony and balance.

In ayurveda "constitution" refers to a person's general health, how likely someone is to become out of balance, and their ability to resist and recover from disease or other health problems. Three qualities called 'doshas' form important characteristics of the constitution, and control the activities of the body. These are called: vata, pitta, and kapha. By identifying your dosha (constitution type) you can identify the most healthy lifestyle for you ie, what sort of foods, exercise etc. are best suited to you. Different dosha's are more susceptible to certain diseases.

The vata dosha is thought to be a combination of the elements space and air. It is considered the most powerful dosha because it controls very basic body processes such as cell division, the heart, breathing, and the mind. Vata can be thrown out of balance by, for example, staying up late at night, eating dry fruit, or eating before the previous meal is digested. People with vata as their main dosha are thought to be especially susceptible to skin, neurological, and mental diseases.

The pitta dosha represents the elements fire and water. Pitta is said to control hormones and the digestive system. When pitta is out of balance, a person may experience negative emotions (such as hostility and jealousy) and have physical symptoms (such as heartburn within 2 or 3 hours of eating). Pitta is upset by, for example, eating spicy or sour food; being angry, tired, or fearful; or spending too much time in the sun. People with a predominantly pitta constitution are thought to be susceptible to heart disease and arthritis.

The kapha dosha combines the elements water and earth. Kapha is thought to help keep up strength and immunity and to control growth. An imbalance in the kapha dosha may cause nausea immediately after eating. Kapha is aggravated by, for example, sleeping during the daytime, eating too many sweet foods, eating after one is full, and eating and drinking foods and beverages with too much salt and water (especially in the springtime). Those with a predominant kapha dosha are thought to be vulnerable to diabetes, gallbladder problems, stomach ulcers, and respiratory illnesses such as asthma.

Some people will be a mix of two dosha's.

What is an Ayurveda session like?

At an initial session the ayurveda will ask you a lot of questions to help determine your dosha and to work out the underlying imbalances that are causing your health problem. They will also look at your tongue and physical characteristics and take your pulse.

The practitioner will then put together a treatment plan for you. This will require your active participation, as it is likely to include changes of diet, exercise and lifestyle. The general aims will be to eliminate toxins, reduce worry and increase harmony, reduce both emotional and physical problems. Treatment may also include herbs, yoga, meditation and massage.

What are the benefits of Ayurveda?

As a complete medical system ayurveda can in theory treat any condition. Its aim is to produce harmony and balance which in turn lead to good health.

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