Ayurveda is the science of life. Literally. The word Ayu means life and veda means science. It is a 5000 year old holistic medical system that originated in India and continues to be practiced there. That is, Ayurveda has stood the test of time, because it works. Ayurveda keeps the healthy healthy and restores the sick to wellness.
Ayurveda is not just concerned with the cure, but addressing the deeper issues that have caused the dis ease in the first place. Unlike many more modern medical modalities which treat the symptom, Ayurveda deals with the branch and the root. Ayurveda recognizes the mind as the cause of all disease, and identifies the digestive system as being the physiological seat of the mind. In this way, there is a profound relationship between the brain and the gut. What may appear to be an issue, may just be a symptom of a larger issue. Ayurveda addresses both. The basic premise of Ayurveda is – as without, so within. That is, we as individuals are inextricably tied to nature. In this way, Ayurveda understands all life to consist of five energies/elements. The five energies/elements in Ayurveda are: 1. Space 2. Air 3. Fire 4. Water 5. Earth. I say “energies/elements” because the Sanskrit terms in the context of the Vedas, don’t exactly translate to elements. That is fire, isn’t exactly fire, but that which is heating and has the power to transform. These five energies/elements manifest as three in the body: Vata (space/air); Pita (fire/water); Kapha (earth/water). All of us have our unique combination of these doshas. Even two people who may have similar elements, may have them in variable amounts. Thus, Ayurveda recognizes that there is no such thing as a standardized approach. That is, there is no one-size-fits-all medicine, and each person is treated for the unique being that they are. Essentially, Ayurveda states that the key to health is balance. Whether it’s in nature or in our bodies, when the elements are imbalanced, there is a state of dis ease. Balance, or homeostasis is achieved through a proper diet, proper lifestyle, proper movement, proper relations (with self and community) all based on your unique constitution.