Ayurveda
Self healing from within:
Yoga is a part of Ayurveda, a 5,000 year old holistic form of Indian medicine that is now becoming more well known and practiced in the West. Ayurveda means, "The science of life." It is a union of the mind, body, senses and soul. The two goals of this practice is to keep the body in a state of health, free from disease and to show us how to use health as a basis of, or as a part of, a path to enlightenment. This form of medicine teaches us how to live in harmony with the basic laws of nature. The 5 elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether are the building blocks of all existence including ourselves. Each element has specific qualities. Each individual has their own unique combination of these elements with in. Dis-ease in the body happens when these elements and hence their qualities, become out of balance through what we draw in through our 5 senses.
What makes Ayurvedic Medicine Unique?
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Ayurveda heals the whole self - mind, body and spirit.
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Ayurveda addresses and heals the root cause of illness, not symptoms.
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Ayurveda recognizes that each individual is unique and requires their own path for healing.
An Ayurvedic practitioner creates a program for the individual that is unique unto them. The goal is to balance these elements and qualities to bring harmony to the body, mind and spirit through the 5 senses. The foundation is diet, herbal remedies, oils, yoga, mediation, detoxing therapies (panchakarma) and other lifestyle practices to empower the individual towards wellness.
Ayurveda teaches us how to live in harmony with the basic laws of nature.
The 5 elements SPACE, AIR, FIRE, WATER and EARTH are the building blocks of all existence including ourselves. Each element has specific qualities and each individual has their own unique combination of these elements and qualities known as DOSHAs. From what we experience with our 5 senses, our unique combination of Doshas can become imbalanced. By addressing the imbalance of our Doshas, we are addressing the root cause of illness.
Spotting your imbalance
Do you suffer from constipation, gas, bloating, weight loss, fatigue, insomnia, general pain, headaches, fear, anxiety or poor memory?
You may have a
VATA IMBALANCE
The elements of AIR and SPACE have risen and become out of balance in the body and/or mind.
All of these symptoms have the same qualities of COLD, LIGHT, DRY and MOBILE.
Keeping a regular schedule including meal times, keeping warm and eating warm foods, using oils on the body and in cooking, avoiding stimulants, slowing down and practicing healthy habits that are grounding all will help bring the body back into balance.
Do you suffer from intestinal acid, fever, inflammatory issues, infection, acne or other skin rashes, anger, impatience, rage, criticism, excessive hunger or thirst?
You may have a
PITTA IMBALANCE
The elements of FIRE and WATER have risen and become out of balance in the body and/or the mind.
All of these symptoms have the qualities of hot, dry, mobile, light and oily.
Avoid sun exposure and excessive heat, spicy foods, alcohol, stress, over work and skipping meals.
Do you suffer from mucous, excessive sleep, lethargy, sluggishness, water retention, weight gain, loss of appetite, nausea, cold extremities or dullness in the mind?
You may have a
KAPHA IMBALANCE
The elements of EARTH and WATER have risen and have become out of balance in the body and/or the mind.
All of these symptoms have the qualities of cold, dense, oily and static. Stimulation and movement are key.
Avoiding napping, eating warm, spicy foods and eliminating sugar, dairy and heavy oily foods along with keeping warm will help bring the body back into balance.