What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda the science of life. Ayur = life, Veda = science or knowledge. Originating in India and dating back over 5000 years. It is a holistic approach to health and well-being through diet, cleansing and lifestyle.
Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Ether. The elements are represented and seen in everything in creation. Including ourselves. Ayurveda recognizes that everyone’s health is different according to our constitution or dosha which is the balancing of the five elements internally and bringing awareness to how they relate to us externally. Imbalances can cause excess or deficiency in our doshas creating dis-ease. Imbalances can be caused by energy blocks, not finding stillness, not slowing down and taking the time to connect with yourself and your body’s needs.
Earth
Represents: State of matter
Body: Feet, legs, muscles, bones, fascia
Sense: Smell
Water
Represents: Change, instability
Body: Blood, plasma, fluids
Sense: Taste
Fire
Represents: Transformation, purification
Body: Digestive system, solar plexus
Sense: Sight
Air
Represents: Mobility, movement, dynamic
Body: Respiratory system, lungs, prana
Sense: Touch
Ether
Represents: Container for the other elements
Body: Empty spaces in our bodies (bones, pores, ears)
Sense: Hearing
The five elements combine to form three main doshas; Vata, Kapha and Pitta. We are a mix of all three but tend to have one or two elements be more dominant. When our doshas are out of balance it can be expressed by changes in personality and how we are generally feeling. Maybe you are usually full of energy and ready to go with a positive attitude each day but for some reason you feel sluggish, lethargic? Perhaps your doshas are out of balance.
What to expect from an Ayurveda Assessment & Evaluation:
A detailed questionnaire regarding health, diet and lifestyle will be used to determine your unique constitution or dosha. Skin, eyes, nails and lips will be observed for clues to what is out of balance. Your Prakriti is your natural constitution, the one you were born with. Your Vikriti is your current constitution, it fluctuates throughout life depending on your life! Stress, diet, even seasons can have an effect on your vikriti. Both will be evaluated to provide an individualized plan including diet, yoga, and cleansing recommendations to restore balance.