What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is an ancient holistic system of healing, in Sanskrit, Ayurveda means “the knowledge of life” (ayur means life, while veda means science or knowledge).

The principals of Ayurveda work with the body’s innate intelligence to promote natural self-healing. Ayurveda uses diet, exercise, massage therapy, various treatments using medicated oils, medicated baths, steams, sun bathing, meditation and yoga to achieve results. Ayurvedic diets and lifestyle concepts are customised depending on one’s body type which in simple terms is called a dosha. T he Ayurvedic lifestyle is based on rhythmic changes found in nature, including the patterns of the sun each day and the changing seasons.

Ayurvedic Medicine

In Ayurvedic medicine, health is a state of equilibrium with one’s self and with the environment. Addressing the whole person on all levels is Ayurveda’s key. Food is a major component.

Ayurvedic diet

Ayurvedic diets are based on ancient medicinal practices. They promote “holistic” balance in the physical body and mind. The diet works on nourishing the tissues which are enhanced or aggravated through the taste sense.

Benefits of the Ayurvedic diet include:

• Improved digestive and metabolic processes

• Improved heath of the gut/microbiome

• Weight management

• Enhanced detoxification

• Less anxiety and more inner calm

• Fertility and sexual/reproductive health improvement

• Efficiency in the excretion process (help passing bowel movements

• Decreased inflammation leading to better physical mobility

• Overall health and wellness

What are the Ayurvedic body types?

Ayurvedic medicine has several key foundations that pertain to health and disease. These concepts have to do with universal interconnectedness, the body’s constitution (prakriti), and the life forces (doshas).”

In Ayurveda, the three doshas are vata, pitta and kapha. The doshas correspond to different body types, tendencies, personality traits and nutritional needs. Each dosha is made up of five basic elements, they are ether, air, fire, water and earth. Every person has a unique combination of the three doshas that determines his or her physical and psychological characteristics. The aim of Ayurveda is to prevent imbalances in the doshas which are due an unhealthy lifestyle such as too much or too little exercise, chronic stress, seasonal fluctuations and environmental and dietary toxin exposure.

Vata

Tend to be thin, have smaller bones, not to put weight on easily and struggle with digestion. Vatas are creative, open-minded, curious and energetic and can also be fearful and stressed as well as being “scatter-brained” at times. Vata energy plays a role in essential functions, including mobility, motion, circulation and breathing. Vatas are susceptible to mental obstacles like including fear and grief, and health problems, like neurological disorders, insomnia, arthritis and heart disease.

Pitta

Have a medium, athletic build. These dosha body types are usually smart, hard-working and ambitious or driven. They can be competitive, angry and aggressive at times. This body type energy plays a strong role in metabolic functions, digestion, absorption of nutrients, body temperature and energy expenditure. Pittas are prone to overexertion, hypertension, heart disease, infectious diseases and digestive conditions.

Kapha

Tend to struggle with weight gain and have a bigger, solid build. Kaphas are lovely people and they are stable and supportive but they can be lazy, insecure, envious and sad at times. Kapha energy plays a role in lubrication, fluid balance, nourishment, rest, relaxation, caring for others, reproduction and building strong immune system. Health problems that kapahas may deal with more often include diabetes, cancer, obesity, fluid retention and respiratory illnesses.

As Ayurveda, the knowledge of life is such a vast topic, you can read more about this vast topic.