Ayurveda: A Journey Into The Science of Life
Ayurveda, often referred to as the “Science of Life,” is an ancient holistic healing system that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. The term ‘Ayurveda’ is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Ayur’ meaning life and ‘Veda’ meaning knowledge or science. Thus, Ayurveda translates to the ‘knowledge of life’, the ‘science of life’, or, as my teacher Anjali Deva says, Ayur-Vidya, a wisdom of life that is living and ongoing.
Roots of Ayurveda
Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems. Originating in India over 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda is more than just a medical discipline — it’s a philosophy & way of life. Rooted in the belief that health and wellness depend on the balance between body, mind, and soul, Ayurveda seeks to promote good health rather than fight disease, emphasizing the uniqueness of the individual and offering personalized solutions based on one’s unique constitution or ‘Prakriti,’ which is determined by the combination of the three fundamental energies or ‘Doshas’: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
The Three Doshas
At the heart of Ayurveda are the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas are energy types that circulate within the body and govern physiological activities. They’re formed by combining two of the five elements: ether, air, fire, water, and earth. Each of us has a unique proportion of these doshas, typically one being predominant.
- Vata (Air & Ether): Represents movement and change. Governs all movement in the body and activities of the nervous system. People with a Vata dominance are often quick-thinking, thin, and fast-moving.
- Pitta (Fire & Water): Embodies transformation and digestion. Oversees digestion, metabolism, and body temperature. Pitta-dominant individuals tend to have a fiery nature, a robust appetite, and can be good decision-makers.
- Kapha (Water & Earth): Stands for structure and fluidity. Manages growth, stability, and body architecture. Kapha types are typically calm, steady, and have solid body structures.
The balance of these doshas is crucial as it dictates one’s health and well-being. A disturbance in this equilibrium due to stress, unhealthy diet, or lifestyle can lead to diseases. Ayurveda provides a roadmap for maintaining this delicate balance, prescribing dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, yoga, meditation, and lifestyle changes tailored to an individual’s constitution.
The Ayurvedic Lifestyle
Ayurveda isn’t just about identifying one’s dosha and working towards balancing it. It’s a comprehensive approach to life and wellness. It encompasses everything from diet and digestion to sleep, mindfulness, exercise, and what we take in through our senses. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of Dinacharya (daily rhythm, routines & rituals of self-care) to maintain balance and health.
Ayurveda considers every individual to be unique, and that optimal body+mind+soul wellness is a personalized path. It emphasizes disease prevention and promoting health and longevity through living in alignment with Nature, which teaches us to live in the flow of change and the balance of opposites.
Relevance Today
The preventive and curative aspects of Ayurveda have found resonance globally, and its practices are being integrated with modern medicine to create comprehensive healthcare models. In fact, modern research is growing that validates the power of so many of the core principles of Ayurveda! I’m (slowly;) working on compiling a reference list for research, so stay tuned.
Top of mind are 3 areas of modern science meeting ancient wisdom:
- circadian science (impact of time or day and light on our sleep, energy, focus, digestion, hormones & more)
- the benefits of NSDR — non-sleep deep rest (the practice of yoga nidra)
- the deep connection of the body+mind (Fascia’s deep connection to the nervous system, as well as the depth of the interweaving of many physiological systems)
A Path of Transformation
The rise in the popularity of Ayurveda is a testament to its efficacy and its ability to address the root causes of diseases, rather than just the symptoms. By understanding and living Ayurveda, we choose a path of balance, resilience, harmony and joy!
Interested? There are so many wonderful teachers and resources out there, I encourage you to lead with curiosity and follow your heart.
If you’re reading this in the Fall of 2023, may I invite you learn more about how Ayurveda can support your life in the Living in Balance virtual yoga retreat with myself and special guests.
