Ayurveda is the 'Science of Life'
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WHAT IS AYURVEDA?
Ayurveda is the Sanskrit term for the ‘science of life’. Ayur means life and Veda means science, as well as knowledge, wisdom and enlightenment. Thus, many consider ayurveda much more than a science – a way of life. Ayurveda is an ancient, natural, holistic medical system that originated in India over 5000 years ago, yet is widely practiced today across the globe. This healing science focuses on achieving physical, mental and spiritual harmony with nature in order to help people live long, happy, healthy and balanced lives. Ayurveda uses a personalized, holistic approach to both prevent and treat disease through various protocols, including diet, lifestyle, herbal remedies, yoga and external therapies or massages.
The five great elements and Doshas
Ayurveda recognizes that there are five fundamental natural elements which are vital to life: ether (or space), air, fire, water and earth. These five elements interact and combine to form three energy profiles or mind-body types called doshas. The three doshas govern all physiological and psychological functions of the body and mind:
The first dosha is Vata, a combination of ether/space and air. Similar to the way air is constantly mobile, people having a dominance of Vata are generally talkative, active, great multi-taskers, fast thinkers and creative. Too much Vata however causes an imbalance. Air is also associated with dryness so people in this category may be prone to conditions such as dry skin or constipation. Similarly, due to irregularity and chaos of air, people with a Vata imbalance dosha often have a hectic lifestyles, get little sleep and are easily distracted or confused.
The second dosha is Pitta which represents fire – the energy of transformation. Pitta predominately comprises fire with a little bit of water. As some of the qualities of fire are hot, focused, penetrative and sharp, people with a Pitta dominance tend to be driven, determined, and ambitious. They tend to have a strong metabolism so may feel constantly hungry. Due to the property of heat, people with an excess of Pitta they may be prone to sweating, heartburn, heat-related allergies, as well as heated emotions such as irritability, anger and impatience.
The third dosha is Kapha, which is formed of equal parts of water and earth. Kapha is the energy for growth and repair. Water can be envisaged soft, gentle and flowing, whereas earth is heavy and stable. People with a dominant Kapha dosha therefore tend to be calm, grounded, loyal, patient and nurturing. An imbalance of Kapha brings weight gain, lethargy, congestion and water retention, as well as feelings of attachment, greed and withdrawal through internalisation of their emotions.
OUR UNIQUE CONSTITUTION
Ayurveda believes that each person is unique, having different compositions of each dosha (in both quality and quantity). This unique constitution defines everything that makes us individuals - our physical appearance, personality traits, likes, dislikes, and many other things. It makes us different. Most people tend to have a dominance of one or two of the doshas within their constitutions, however some have an equal dominance of all three doshas.
According to Ayurveda, people have two primary constitutions. The first is called is Prakruti which is the basic constitution determined at conception. Like our DNA or a genetic profile, Prakruti does not change. The second is Vikruti, which represents the current dosha constitution. Vikruti is a reflection of our environmental influences including, diet, lifestyle, location, climate, society and so on – it is subject to change. Our predetermined Prakuti is considered idyllic for long-term health, happiness and longevity. Vikruti is seen more of an imbalance. If left in this unbalanced state, it may eventually lead to physical or mental illness. Ayurveda serves to guide people in achieving their true balance, Prakruti, through a combination of detox or purification regimens, food, lifestyle changes, herbs, therapies/massages and yoga practices.
AYURVEDA VS MODERN MEDICINE
Like the majority of my peers in the Ayurvedic community, I believe that ayurveda is not superior to any other medical system, including modern or allopathic medicine. Both systems have their advantages and shortfalls. As a pharmacist, I believe in the synergistic benefits of integrating Ayurveda with modern medicine, where appropriate, in the best interest of an individual’s health and wellbeing. That said, if you are solely seeking a natural approach, I can help guide in the right direction in your journey to health.