What is Ayurveda?

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine originating in India in the Vedic period over 5000 year ago. The earliest know records of herbal medicine found in the Rig Veda, an ancient collection of Sanskrit hymns.  Ayurveda means the ‘science of life’, and it is the sister science to yoga.

Based on the 5 great elements, earth, fire, water, air and ether, Ayurveda prides itself in recognising the individual constitutional make up, including their emotional, psychological and physical attributes.

The tri –doshic theory is at the centre of Ayurveda, which is our individual genetic constitution – our unique blueprint just like our genetics.

Ayurveda recognises that ‘dis –ease’ comes when the body and mind are out of balance.

Each person has a unique make up of the three doshas which dictates how our body functions, our emotional and psychological characteristics, the type of conditions and disease that may develop.

The three Doshas
Vata (Ether and Air)
Pitta (Fire and Water)
Kapha (Earth and water)

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‘You herbs, born at the birth of time
More ancient than the gods themselves.
O Planta, with this hymns I sing to you
Our mothers and our gods’
The Rig Veda

Ayurveda and the Doshas

The Doshas

Each person has a unique make up of the three doshas which dictates how our body functions, our emotional and psychological characteristics, the type of conditions and disease that may develop.
The three Doshas
Vata (Ether and Air)
Pitta (Fire and Water)
Kapha (Earth and water)

Vata

Known as the king Dosha.  It is governed by ether and air.  It can generally be described as cold, light, dry and rough.  Autumn season is know as Vata and the qualities within us can be exacerbated during this season 

Pitta

Pitta is governed by fire and water and can be described as hot, light, sharp, liquid, mobile and oily. Summer time is know as Pitta season and can intensify these qualities.    

Kapha

Kapha is governed by earth and water.  It can be described as heavy, large, slow, cold, stable and moist.  It is the winter/spring season where these qualities within the body can increase.  

Balancing the Doshas

When we have our unique doshas in balance we are full of vitality and vigour.  When our dosha’s are out of balance ‘dis-ease’ in the mind and body occur.  

Ayurveda teaches us to live in harmony with ourselves and the world around us – ‘As in the microcosm so in the macrocosm’ (Deepak Chopra)  – when this is achieved we reach our true potential and wellbeing.