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Simple
Definition
Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine from India
that uses a constitutional model. Its aim is to provide
guidance regarding food and lifestyle so that healthy
people can stay healthy and folks with health challenges
can improve their health.
There are several aspects to Ayurveda that are quite
unique:
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Its
recommendations will often be different for each
person regarding which foods and which lifestyle
they should follow in order to be completely
healthy. This is due to it's use of a constitutional
model.
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Everything
in Ayurveda is validated by observation, inquiry,
direct examination and knowledge derived from the
ancient texts.
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It
understands that there are energetic forces that
influence nature and human beings. These forces are
called the Tridoshas.
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Because
Ayurveda sees a strong connection between the mind
and the body, a huge amount of information is
available regarding this relationship.
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Principles
Now that we have a better understanding of what
comprises life, let's look at some of the principles of
Ayurveda and how they might affect us. In Ayurveda we
view a person as a unique individual made up of five
primary elements. The elements are ether (space), air,
fire, water, and earth. Just a s in nature, we too have
these five elements in us. When any of these elements
are present in the environment, they will in turn have
an influence on us. The foods we eat and the weather are
just two examples of the presence of these elements.
While we are a composite of these five primar y
elements, certain elements are seen to have an ability
to combine to create various physiological functions.
Ether and air combine to form what is known in Ayurveda
as the Vata dosha. Vata governs the principle of
movement and therefore can be seen as the force which
directs nerve impulses, circulation, respiration, and
elimination. Fire and water are the elements that
combine to form the Pitta dosha. The Pitta dosha is the
process of transf ormation or metabolism. The
transformation of foods into nutrients that our bodies
can assimilate is an example of a pitta function. Pitta
is also responsible for metabolism in the organ and
tissue systems as well as cellular metabolism. Finally,
it is pr edominantly the water and earth elements, which
combine to form the Kapha dosha. Kapha is what is
responsible for growth, adding structure unit by unit.
Another function of the Kapha dosha is to offer
protection. Cerebral-sp inal fluid protects the brain
and spinal column and is a type of Kapha found in the
body. Also, the mucousal lining of the stomach is
another example of the Kapha dosha protecting the
tissues. We are all made up of unique proportions of
Vata, Pitta and Ka pha. These ratios of the doshas vary
in each individual; and because of this, Ayurveda sees
each person as a special mixture that accounts for our
diversity.
Ayurveda gives us a model to look at each individual as
a unique makeup of the three doshas and to thereby
design treatment protocols that specifically address a
person's health challenges. When any of the doshas (
Vata, Pitta or Kapha ) become accumulated, Ayurveda will
suggest specific lifestyle and nutritional guidelines to
assist the individual in reducing the do sha that has
become excessive. We may also suggest certain herbal
supplemen ts to hasten the healing process. If toxins in
the body are abundant, then a cleansing process known as
Pancha Karma is recommended to eliminate these unwanted
toxins.
Conclusion
This understanding that we are all unique individuals
enables Ayurveda to address not only specific health
concerns but also offers explanation as to why one
person responds differently than another. We hope that
you will continue to explore Ayurveda to enhance your
health and to gain further insights into this miracle we
call life.
Unwind and begin life anew.
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