Ayurveda is a 5,000 year-old holistic medicine that teaches us to live in sync with the rhythms of nature. The Sanskrit translation of Ayurveda means “the science of life.” These Ancient teachings help us connect to and understand the inner workings of our holistic self so we may live a long, healthy and fulfilling life. Ayu means "life" or "daily living," and Veda is "knowing." And it teaches that preventative medicine happens in each we live and how we live it.
Through the practice of Svadhyaya (self-study) we can begin to understand the needs and cues of our energetic bodies and gain Tapas (discipline) to honor our needs and maintain balance in each aspect of our lives. Through this practice, we can learn to live in harmony with our inner and outer world.
"Ayurveda speaks to every element and facet of human life, offering guidance that has been tested and refined over many centuries to all those who seek greater harmony and peace and longevity."
- Dr. Vasant Lad
Ayurveda understands that Man is a microcosm of nature and the five basic elements present in all matter also exist with each individual. From this foundation, Ayurveda constructed a medicine around the understanding that life's characteristics are built around the elements. Each person is a unique mixture of constitutional elements - Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether. These elements are the energetic building blocks of all matter in the Universe. The elements also comprise what is referred to as the three Doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Every person is born with a natural constitution known as his or her Prakriti. It is made of predominantly one or three Doshas.
As a medicine, Ayurveda medicine understands there is no one-size fits all approach to health as we are all unique. Therefore, this holistic healing systems takes into account your unique constitution and personal journey and constructs a personalized wellness plan that is specific to your needs and goals.
Ayurvedic practices can include:
Yoga and Meditation
Pranayama (breathing exercises)
Kriyas (hygiene practices for detoxification)
Special diet - according to your Dosha
Massage
Herbs and supplements
Ayurvedic philosophy also understands that life is in a constant ebb and flow and that in order to thrive we need to adapt to the natural rhythms of the seasons, cycles and occurrences in life. However, life’s fluctuations can often leave us feeling stressed, disconnected, and depleted with low “Ojas,” our immune boosting life force.
Ayurveda empowers the individual to take responsibility in their health and wellness build the inner wisdom to identify when you are out of balance and have the tools to bring yourself back to a centered state. Through this self-healing medicine, you can examine your lifestyles and daily routines and help you develop practices that bring emotional, physical and mental resilience and Santosha (contentment) back into your life.
Love and light,
Justine