Introduction to Ayurveda
Photos by Jennifer Johnson
What is Ayurveda?
pronounced [EYE-YUR-VAY-DUH]
You will notice that throughout our website and journal, we incorporate Sanskrit, the ancient mother language of India. In order to better understand Ayurveda, it is essential to have a basic knowledge or understanding of Sanskrit.
In Sanskrit, Ayurveda translates to the science of life.
Ayuh means life, and veda means knowledge or science.
Originating in India over 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda is the holistic medical practice that is known as the “mother of all healing sciences.” Many healing modalities such as herbal medicine, polarity therapy, reiki and acupuncture stem from Ayurvedic Medicine.
My name is Adrienne Diaz, I am an Ayurveda Health Counselor, yoga teacher and Full-Spectrum Doula. My goal is to inspire you to trust your body. In order to establish trust, we must first get to know our bodies a little bit deeper. This is my introduction to Ayurveda, the gateway to you learning more about your unique, brilliant body.
Health According to Ayurveda
A healthy person, according to Ayurveda, is defined as:
One who is established in Self, who has balanced doshas (fundamental energies), balanced digestive system, properly formed bodily tissues, proper elimination of waste, well-functioning bodily processes and whose mind, soul and senses are full of bliss.
In simplest terms, Ayurveda views health through a holistic lens. Body, mind, spirt and senses are not treated separately, but rather treated as one whole unit. Ayurveda gives us a clear understanding of how to heal the body, mind and soul through food, lifestyle and rejuvenation. Ayurveda is pro-nature, holistic, personalized and is considered a safe, green pharmacy.
Pro-nature — Ayurveda favors a “go slow” approach to healing. Let nature takes its course, then medicate if needed.
Holistic — your body, mind and spirit are all taken into account when going through the healing process.
Personalized — you were born with a specific constitution, or prakruti, that makes you uniquely you. Therefore, your body requires a special treatment that is different than anyone else’s.
Green pharmacy — Ayurveda is safe and cost-effective healing.
Pictured above and below: Adrienne during an Ayurveda Health Session, offering yoga, breathwork, energy work, tools and resources for healing.
Panchamahabhuta : The 5 Element Theory
pronounced [PAHN-CHA-MAH-HAH-BHOO-TAH]
Let’s take a look at nature to better understand the body because the same elements in nature are present within the body.
Ether/Space (Akasah) — nuclear energy
Air (Vayuh) — electrical energy
Fire (Agnih) — radiant energy
Water (Apas) — chemical energy
Earth (Prthivi) — physical energy
The five elements found in nature, when combined, create the Tri-Dosha: vata, pitta and kapha. An understanding of the 3 doshas is essential in keeping the body and mind happy, healthy and balanced.
What are the Doshas?
Dosha - pronounced [DOH-SHAH] - is the principle that governs your psychophysiological tendencies, or the way in which your mind and body interacts.
The Three Doshas are:
Vata — combination of ether and air elements, and is responsible for movement in the body.
Pitta — combination of fire and water elements, and is responsible for transformation in the body.
Kapha — combination of water and earth elements, and is responsible for cohesion, lubrication and stability in the body.
Prakruti - pronounced [PRUH-CROO-TEE] - the unique mind-body constitution you were born with.
Vikruti - pronounced [VIH-CROO-TEE] - the current state of imbalances in the body and mind.
Above: Photo of Adrienne’s handwriting and illustrations on a white board during her Intro to Ayurveda Workshop. Below: Photos of attendees and students at Adrienne’s Intro to Ayurveda Workshop.
Various factors in life such as the foods you eat, the kind of lifestyle you live, your environment, your emotions and the relationships you allow in your life have the ability to throw your doshas out of balance or stabilize them. Living an Ayurvedic lifestyle teaches you the art of coming back to balance and bliss, and returning to your original prakruti.
Through the understanding of your own body, and by learning dinacharya or “daily self-care rituals” and ritucharya or “seasonal self-care rituals,” you can feel more confident in maintaining vibrant health and preventing disease.
May this inspire you to dive deeper into understanding your body.
May you be joyful, happy and free from suffering.
To learn more about your doshic constitution, book an Ayurveda Health Session below:
