Ayurveda is the ‘science of life’
You don’t get much more of a all-encompassing definition than that do you? Ayurveda is a huge science, documented since 3000BC and in use for thousands of years before that. It currently comprises about 50% of the Indian healthcare system and its popularity is growing steadily across the rest of the world. This popularity arises not only from its results but also from its holistic nature which is appealing in societies where the compartmentalisation and disconnection of the modern healthcare approach often forgets that the patient is more than a sum of their ailments.
Ayurveda looks at the whole you
An Ayurvedic practitioner looks at you holistically, examining all aspects of your life to find the causes and solutions to any problems. This would include diet, work, family, daily regimen and mental, emotional and spiritual life. After any adjustments are made and treatments carried out, you will begin to understand your body and natural balance to such an extent that you can begin to nip any other problems in the bud before they begin. You regain control of your health. The aims of Ayurveda are to cure disease and prevent illness, to which is given equal focus.
Ayurveda is effective, safe and inexpensive
Ayurveda helps you understand the laws of natural health. By living in tune with your body, you can remain free from discomfort. By addressing the root cause of a situation and resolving the issue, it remains resolved. It has been a way of life for millions of people for over 5000 years, the results of which are documented in a huge array of manuscripts. These, and many modern research trials, are testament to the effectiveness of the science. The remedies and treatments are all natural and beautifully simple, meaning they don’t cost the earth.
Ayurveda’s unique principles: doshas and digestive fire
The definition of health in Ayurveda is the state when the three doshas (vata, pitta and kapha), the digestive fire (digestion, assimilation and metabolism), all the body tissues & components and all the excretory functions are in perfect order along with contented senses, mind and spirit.
The doshas – vata, pitta and kapha – are the bio-energetic principles which govern all the physiological and psychological aspects of one’s life. We are born with our own individual ratio of these doshas and we only remain in health if this balance is kept. Ayurveda describes their qualities and functionality in great detail along with how to to keep them in balance and bring them into balance when they are out of balance.
Maintaining the strength of our digestive fire is of prime importance. This digestive fire can be equated with metabolism; including digestion and asborption of food, and the assimilation of this to our bodily tissues. If our digestive fire is not working properly, all our tissues and our immune defense systems are compromised.
Find out more about Ayurveda
We have some suggested reading on the resources page.