Ayurveda

In the Sanskrit language of India, Ayurveda translates to the science (or wisdom) of life. Its origin is thousands of years old.

Among the 4 Vedas, Ayurveda is a part of the Atharva Veda.
From the Vedas, there are 6 fundamental systems of philosophy.

Ashtanga Ayurveda has 8 limbs.

Vagbhata wrote the Aṣṭāñga Hṛdayam.

Pañca mahābhūtas translates to The Five Elements:
1. Ākāśa (Ether/Space)
2. Vāyu (Air)
3. Tejas (Fire)
4. Aap (Water)
5. Pṛthvī (Earth)

All natural things have these 5 elements, so opposite qualities are used in treatment with the goal of maintaining or restoring balance.

These elements give rise to the 3 doṣas (governing energies):
1. Vāta (Ether + Air)
2. Pitta (Fire + Water)
3. Kapha (Water + Earth)

Prakṛti is an individual’s natural constitution. This is the proportion of doṣas at the time of conception.
The most important factor in Ayurveda is the determination of one’s Prakṛti. This is critical, as preventive or treatment plans are dependent on the specific Prakṛti of the individual being treated.

The 3 Guṇas are mental doṣas:
1. Sattva (purity): quality of intelligence, harmony, balance and stability, creating peace, happiness, and contentment.
2. Rajas (action): quality of change, activity, stimulus, motivation for power, control and dominance.
3. Tamas (inertia): quality of darkness, heaviness, and ignorance.

Mental Prakṛti can be altered become Sattvic, thereby improving health.

The 3 bodies are:
1. Sthūla Śarīra (physical/gross body): comprised of the 5 elements, 5 sense organs, and 5 organs of action
2. Sūkṣma Śarīra (subtle/astral body): comprised of the 5 subtle senses, 5 subtle Karmendriyas, 5 Prāṇas and Mānas, Ahaṃkāra, Buddhi and Citta. *The seven cakrās are located here.
3. Kāraṇa Śarīra (casual body):

The 3 subtle energies are:
1. Prāṇa (life force)
2. Tejas (inner radiance)
3. Ojas (primal vigor)

Ayurveda works through personalized: dietary, herbal, and lifestyle guidelines.

Contact me if you are interested in balancing the mind, body, and spirit.