Herbs & Ayurveda

Explore Herbs & Ayurveda

WHAT IS AYURVEDA?

Ayurveda, translated from the Sanskrit words Ayur (life) and Veda (science or knowledge) means “Science / Knowing of Life”. It is one of the oldest forms of holistic medicine dating back more than 5000 years to ancient India where it was also referred to as the “Mother of All Healing”. Ayurveda is focused on prevention and encourages maintaining health by promoting balance of mind and body and incorporating natural therapies, herbs, positive thinking, healthy lifestyle and diet as it relates to one’s unique constitution.

Everyone is born with a unique pattern of energy; the physical, emotional and mental characteristics that create the individual. These traits remain the same through one’s lifetime. However, over the years as one encounters emotional, mental and physical stress and trauma, work and relationship challenges and diet deficiencies, one’s constitution becomes imbalanced. When this occurs, disease and other ailments arise. Ayurveda can help restore order and balance to achieve optimal health.

WHERE DID AYURVEDA ORIGINATE?

Ayurvedic medicine has a rich history. It is believed to be an eternal science that originally existed as part of the universal consciousness before it was passed from the creator to the ancient mystics/seers (Rishis) through deep meditation. It was originally recorded in Sanskrit more than 5,000 years ago in the four sacred texts called the Vedas. Several diseases and corresponding treatments were reviewed and set the foundation for organized medical care.

Also referred to as the “Science of Longevity”, Ayurveda provides the framework for living a long and healthy life. It teaches that one can rejuvenate the body, cure diseases and ailments and treat herbs food allergies with proper diet, nutrition and exercise choices. Further, it encourages the patient to take charge of their health and become responsible for the causes and effects of their lifestyle choices.

HOW TO PRACTICE AYURVEDA

Everything that one experiences, including physical substances, thoughts, or emotions, has a specific quality or classification that describe it. The ancient texts of Ayurveda classify these qualities — called “Gunas” in Sanskrit — into 10 pairs of opposites (softness/hardness, heavy/light, hot/cold etc). When gunas are imbalanced - either deficient or excessive, toxins build up and dis-ease occurs. Ayurveda restores the equilibrium with the use of herbs, oils, daily ritual, diet, movement and breathing exercises to feel more energized, focused and regenerated.

Another cornerstone of Ayurveda is the concept of Doshas, the unique combination of elemental forces of earth, fire, air, ether and water that are inherent in every person. The three Doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. One’s individual Dosha combination has an impact on physical, mental and emotional health, energy levels, weaknesses, clarity and endurance. When they fall out of balance through dehydration, anxiety, stress, exhaustion, or burn out,the person is propelled into a state of “vikruti” – an imbalanced state of body and mind. Ayurveda determines the makeup so a personalized course of treatment can be prescribed to restore optimal health.

Herbs and spices play an important role in helping to balance the doshas. The most popular ones are Ashwagandha, Boswellia (Frankincense), Cumin, Gotu Kola, Triphala and Turmeric and can be used to protect from disease, improve digestion, mood and energy and enhance mental acuity.

Other actions to integrate regardless of one’s individual Dosha composition include going to bed and waking up early, hydrating with water throughout the day, keeping the digestive tract healthy by eating balanced, whole foods, practicing excellent oral hygiene, yoga, breathing exercises, meditation and self massaging with oils.

WHY PRACTICE AYURVEDA?

Ayurveda is a holistic and practical method to achieve perfect health by keeping the Doshas in balance and can be incorporated into everyone’s life regardless of age, location and health status. It empowers the individual to take charge of their wellbeing by making conscious choices. Immediate benefits include weight loss, toned body, reduction of stress, anxiety and inflammation, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, healthy hair, skin and nails, increased focus and energy and overall life improvement.