REJUVENATE WITH AYURVEDA

“Life (ayu) is the combination (samyoga) of body, senses, mind and reincarnating soul. Ayurveda is the most sacred science of life, beneficial to humans both in this world and the world beyond.”

― Charaka Samhita

Ayurveda literally means “the Science of Life,” and can be understood to mean “the Science of Self-Healing.” What this means is that your health and healing is ultimately in your own hands. It is the oldest healing system known to man dating back to 5,000 BC. IT is the sister science of Yoga, allowing these two sciences to be practiced alongside one another, complimenting and accelerating healing within the body and consciousness. It is a science based on the elements found in nature. The elements recognized in Ayurveda are : Air, Ether, Fire, Water & Earth. In Ayurveda, we as human beings are viewed a reflections of the universe. All elements that exist in nature not only exist within us, but govern parts of our make-up as well.​​In Ayurveda Dosha means fault or blemish by which its factors indicate disease and decay.

The primary goal in Ayurveda is to create a harmonious relationship with one’s unique nature and moving in rhythm with nature. A comprehensive understanding of one self through the lens of the elements is cultivated and through this, a deeper understanding of how to make choices geared towards ones highest good is activated. Understanding something’s inherent functioning is the key tool to being able to take action in addressing imbalance and reigning it back into its home of balance.​

THE LANGUAGE OF AYURVEDA

What Are The Doshas?

In Ayurveda Dosha means fault or blemish by which its factors indicate disease and decay. Our primary goal in Ayurveda is to create a harmonious relationship with our unique nature and moving in rhythm with nature. A comprehensive understanding of one self through the lens of the elements is cultivated within Ayurvedic Counseling and through this, a deeper understanding of how to make choices geared towards ones highest good is activated. Understanding something’s inherent functioning is the key tool to being able to take action in addressing imbalance and reining the Doshas back into its home of balance.

VATA DOSHA

Vata is created by the elements Ether and Air. Ether is the idea of space and connectedness. Air is the idea of motion. Together, Ether and Air are cold, light, dry and mobile. If you are Vata in your nature or imbalance, these characteristics will dominate in your body and mind. Your body features will tend to be small, thin and light. When in balance, you will likely be bubbly and light-hearted, filled with enthusiasm and creativity.

PITTA DOSHA

Pitta is created from the elements of Fire and Water, but is mostly fire. Fire is the idea of heat, transformation and illumination. Water adds smoothness and flow. In combination, those of a Pitta nature tend to be warm and fiery. The Pitta body is moderate in size with moderate-sized features. Pitta brings focus, clarity and logic to the mind.

KAPHA DOSHA

Kapha is created from the elements of Earth and Water. Earth is the idea of solidity and stability. Water is the idea of flow. Together, Earth and Water are heavy, moist, cool and solid. Kapha brings stability to the body and sweet compassion to the mind and when in excess manifests as stagnant, inert and dense qualities.

 Your Prakruti, or natural constitution, is your unique balance of the doshas, which was determined at the moment of conception. It represents you in your most balanced, healthy state. This is the balance that we will be working to restore. Every person has a different prakruti, as each of us has a different fingerprint. We discern this balance through your pulse, physical characteristics, and long-term tendencies. 

Your Vikruti is your current state of the doshas as interpreted through Ayurveda. The dosha or doshas that are out of balance have risen into excess, manifesting as disturbances in the body and/or mind. Ayurveda works to correct energetic imbalances so that your body has an ideal environment in which to heal.

Ayurvedic Rule of Thumb

Like attracts like which creates imbalance, opposites bring balance.

In Ayurveda, we are always looking through the lens of the elements and their qualities. Quality meaning: characteristics, something’s way of being or inherent function.

The Pillars of Life

DIGESTION | ENERGY | REST

Ayurveda views these three points as the most crucial point for upholding balance within our lives. When one of these pillars is depleted or stressed, it affects the other two. Ideally you want to develop and honor each one equally. When we honor and tend to each pillar, we have a sound foundation to implement sound, long-lasting changes for well-being.

·      Sleep : Is the Nervous System Resting? How is the body regenerating?

·      Digestion : Metabolizing and transforming all that is taken in by the senses. 

·      Energy: healthy Sacral Chakra flow, reproductive health, creative life force

Forgetting your true nature as spirit is the primordial cause of dis-ease.

When we forget who we are, we expose ourselves to the causes of dis-ease to bring about the lessons needed to return us back hOMe within oneSelf.

Swastha : Health

Ayurveda’s definition of health is called Svastha.

Sva = Self + Stha = Established, steady, solid.

Ayurveda recognizes the individual within a dualistic view, just like Purusha & Prakriti. There are Two Selves:

Self

Capital S signifies soul or higher nature, connected to the greater whole.

self

Small s signifies ego or lower nature, disconnected from the whole consciousness, connected to the physical.

*Perfect health in Ayurveda is the end result of both positive self-esteem and spiritual Self-awareness

 

OJAS

Ojas is the energetic field behind your immune system. It is the subtlest form of Kapha because of its connection to the water element found in Kapha Dosha. It creates strength and resiliency within the mind and body. We can build Ojas with our lifestyle, food choices and daily practices along with Mauna, moments of conscious silence found in meditation and sacred times.

Ayurvedic Lifestyle Practices

 

Abhyanga : Ayurvedic Self Massage

The Benefits of Oil Massage :

·      Improves the function of the immune system & Lymph system

·      Stabilizes the mind

·      Reduces injuries to the body by keeping muscles and joints fluid

·      Pacifies Vata & Pitta (mild for Kapha)

·      Increases Ojas

Oils to Use:

·      Vata: Sesame, Almond, Pitta: Sunflower, Coconut, Kapha: Safflower, mustard

Tongue Scraping

Benefits :

·      Freshens the breath

·      Restores proper taste

·      Keeps digestive organs healthy

·      Removes toxins

·      Improves digestion

Dry Brushing

Benefits :

·      Moves lymphatic system

·      Sheds old skin

·      Balances Vayus

·      Promotes healthy circulation

Neti Pot

Benefits:

·      Cleanses the nasal passages

·      Removes allergens and irritants

·      clears the mind and head

“The great thing about Ayurveda is that its treatments always yield side benefits, not side effects.”

―Shubhra Krishan

Ayurvedic Therapies

Abhyanga

Bliss Therapy

Marma Therapy

“Because we cannot scrub our inner body we need to learn a few skills to help cleanse our tissues, organs, and mind. This is the art of Ayurveda.”

― Sebastian Pole

PANCHAKARMA

Ayurvedic Detoxification

AYURVEDA provides a complete system of healing to address a multitude of imbalances that have progressed into possible chronic conditions. The specific therapies of Panchakarma (Ayurvedic 5-fold detoxification methods) not only help to immediately alleviate symptoms but also aid the body in creating the optimal conditions for healing to occur.