Ayurveda

The world's oldest holistic medicine

Ayurveda, the world's oldest holistic medicine, is a treasure trove of ancient wisdom. Crafted by the sages of classical India, the Rishis, this Ayurvedic tradition is believed to have its roots over 5,000 years ago. Derived from the Sanskrit words' Ayur' (life) and 'Veda' (science, knowledge), Ayurveda translates as 'knowledge of life or longevity.' This profound wisdom is deeply embedded in India's sacred texts, the Vedas, which delve into the medical, spiritual, and philosophical aspects of human life.

Ayurveda is a holistic, preventive system of medicine that has been preserved and passed down through the ages through an oral and written tradition.

A way of life

Harmony and fulfillment

Ayurveda is not just a health system, it's a profound way of life.  It's a journey of self-discovery, a path that leads to lasting fulfillment and harmony. It's a unique approach that reconnects us with our true nature, awakening our inner divinity and intrinsic power.

Ayurveda is not just about theory, it's about practical application. It teaches us that good health is not just about physical well-being, but also about mental and emotional balance. It's about understanding our unique needs and adapting our lifestyle, diet, and interactions accordingly.

Ayurveda takes a unique approach, focusing on the 'patient' rather than the 'disease.' In other words, the Ayurvedic practitioner prioritizes understanding the individual's unique constitution and the reasons for their imbalance, aiming to provide lasting relief from the symptoms. This personalized approach makes each individual feel valued and understood.

Ayurveda is based on the theory of the five elements.

Ether or Cosmos (Akasha) - Air (Vayu) - Fire (Agni) - Earth (Prithvi) - Water (Jala)

Thousands of years ago, by observing nature, the Indian Sages deduced that the infinitely small (human beings, molecules) is governed by the same principles as the infinitely large (planets, galaxies). They considered that the states of matter present in nature (the five elements) were also present in human beings.

According to these writings, the five elements combine in all living beings to give rise to 3 biological humors, three great vital forces that create the body, make it function, and destroy it: the Doshas. Each individual has a unique constitution, called "Prakriti," determined by the relative proportion of each dosha at birth. This initial constitution influences physiology, temperament, dietary preferences, and disease susceptibility.

When the doshas become unbalanced, dysfunctions and illnesses may arise. However, Ayurveda offers a beacon of hope. It empowers individuals by restoring the specific balance unique to each person, thereby maintaining the body's optimal state of health. This empowerment instills a sense of control and optimism in individuals about their health.

The doshas are the building blocks of Ayurveda. They are the energies that govern our body and mind.  The three main doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, each with its own unique characteristics and functions.

3 main doshas

Vata, the Wind, combines the elements of Air and Ether.
It is the dosha that characterizes movement, the driving force. Vata is mainly found in the colon, nervous system, skin, ears, and bones. It manages all the body's movements, such as heartbeat and breathing. It is a rather cold, dry energy. In balance, it expresses fluidity, creativity, and alertness. When out of balance, it creates fear, anxiety, and irregularity.

Pitta, Fire, combines the elements of Fire and Water.
It is the dosha that characterizes transformation and metabolism. This mood is mainly found in the liver, small intestine, blood, and eyes. It's a warm, moist energy. It manages digestion, absorption, assimilation, and body temperature. In balance, it expresses tenacity, intelligence, and acuity. When out of balance, it creates anger, frustration, hatred, and inflammatory states.

Kapha, Water, is a combination of Water and Earth.
It is the connecting and supporting dosha, the structuring force. It is mainly found in the stomach, lungs, tongue, and plasma. It's a cold, moist energy. It manages the body's lubrication, hydration, and immune system. In balance, it creates love, gentleness, and forgiveness. When out of balance, it generates attachment, possession, greed, and congestion in the body.

BENEFITS

  • Calms the nervous system, soothes body and mind
  • Improves blood and lymph circulation
  • Facilitates elimination of toxins from the body
  • Promotes the body's natural regenerative and defensive capacities
  • Improves energy circulation

Ayurvedic medicine offers a set of simple yet profound principles for cultivating a healthy, balanced life. These principles are not only guidelines for maintaining physical health but also teachings for nurturing harmony between body, mind, and soul.

Here are the essential rules, often considered the pillars of Ayurveda: :

  • Adapted diet: Eat according to your constitution and the seasons to maintain the balance of your doshas.

  • Balanced lifestyle: Incorporate practices such as physical exercise, meditation, and relaxation into your daily routine to promote overall well-being.

  • Regular purification: Eliminate toxins from the body through internal and external purification methods.

  • Medicinal plants and herbs: Use medicinal plants and herbs to treat and prevent illness, in harmony with nature.

  • Breathing and yoga: Practice breathing and yoga techniques to strengthen body and mind and maintain energy balance.

  • Adequate sleep: Get enough sleep at regular times to allow the body to regenerate.

  • Avoidance of harmful behaviors: Avoid toxic substances such as tobacco and alcohol, as well as behavior patterns that are harmful to health.

  • Positive social relationships: Cultivate positive, supportive social relationships to promote emotional well-being.

  • Positive attitude and gratitude: Foster a positive mindset and embrace gratitude to nurture the soul.

  • Stress management: Avoid overwork and excessive stressful situations to maintain mental and emotional balance.