| |
Introduction
to Ayurveda
A common sense medicine
Ayurveda - (pronounced i yur vay duh)
means the ‘science of life’ in Sanscrit. It is a profound
understanding of how the universe works. Ayurveda explains
how we can
cooperate with nature in order to embrace greater
vitality, well-being and optimal health.
A sister science to yoga, Ayurveda was developed in ancient
India over 5,000 years ago, to treat royal families and
to heal and rejuvenate yogis after their austerities.
Ayurveda recognizes 10 metabolic body types, each with distinct
attributes and inherent strengths and weaknesses. All diet,
herbs, treatments, suppliments and lifestyle recommendations
are customized for your individual metabolic body type and
current health needs.
Thus, one person would not receive the same treatment
protocol as another person, even if they had the same ‘disease’.
In fact, an ancient Ayurvedic text states: “One man’s food
is another man’s poison”.
Ayurveda is outstanding for treating difficult and chronic
ailments, including: digestive problems, women’s health
issues, weight balance, stress, anxiety and depression,
vitality, immunity, and pain management.
Today, Ayurveda is quickly emerging in the west
as a powerful, common sense medicine and health management
system. It also offers an exciting array of luxurious traditional
treatments for your healing journey.
An Ayurvedic consultation includes diet and lifestyle recommendations
for your metabolic type and
current health condition. Custom herbal formulas and other
botanical supports are given. A truly
holistic medicine, Ayurveda works with your dharma or life
path, enviornment and relationships to balance spirit and
mind with the physical being.
Ayurvdic services are available through Life
in Balance, at several locations in the city and Chicago
suburbs. Call Nancy Phillips at: 773/465-0720 for more information
and to make an appointment.
Glossary
of Ayurvedic Terms
The Doshas
Ayurveda believes that everything in the universe (including
us!) is made up of the elemental building blocks - ether,
air, fire, water and earth. These elements come together
to form the three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The balance
of these elements in our body create our metabolic body
type, called Prakruti in Sanskrit. Determining your Prakruti
is an important part of the Ayurvedic consultation.
Vata
Made of ether and air, Vata governs movement and electrical
impulses in the body. Vata is marked by irregularity, cold,
dryness, and lightness. A predominantly Vata person is slender,
has some asymmetry in their features, is creative, spiritual
and talkative, and may suffer from dry skin or constipation.
Pitta
Is primarily fire, with a type of water (bile). Pitta governs
metabolism, digestion, transformation and perception. Pitta
is marked by heat, burning, irritability, sharpness and
luminosity. A high Pitta individual is of medium build,
may have red or blonde hair, warm skin, is dynamic, friendly
and assertive, and may suffer from skin problems or anything
that ends in ‘-itis’.
Kapha
Is made of earth and water. Kapha governs structure and
lubrication and is marked by coolness, density, softness
and stability. Kaphas are loyal, steady, compassionate and
tend to have luxurious hair and beautiful ‘doe ‘eyes. They
may suffer from congestion or lethargy,
Ama
Is a term meaning toxins, formed in the body due to poor
diet, inappropriate habits,
environmental toxins, and faulty digestion, which must be
removed to prevent or reverse disease.
Agni
The digestive fire, is impaired in the majority of people
today. It is needed to allow the body to utilize nutrients
properly and avoid
formation of ama in the body.
|
 |
