On Ayurveda
"Yoga and Ayurveda are two interrelated branches of the same great tree of Vedic knowledge that encompasses all of human life and the entire universe."
Dr. David Frawley
While yoga as a practice has become increasingly popular in today's busy society, Ayurveda still remains relatively unknown to most in western cultures. However, yoga and Ayurveda are incredibly support of each other when practiced together and seek the same goal of attaining inner peace.
So, what exactly is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is the world's oldest continually practiced healthcare system and way of life which focuses on an individual’s relationship with their own body, mind, and spirit, and with the natural world.
The term Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that translates to "the science of life" {Ayus = life; Veda = knowledge or science}. Ayurveda provides insight for achieving physical, mental and spiritual balance through individualized nutrition, lifestyle, exercise, daily and seasonal routines, proper use of the senses and psychology.
Where did Ayurveda originate?
Ayurveda originated in India over 5,000 years ago during the Vedic period of India. Its knowledge and tradition was passed down orally until it was written in the Rig Veda, scared scholarly texts.
As these texts were taught and shared the influence of Ayurveda stretched far and wide across the globe. Its longevity has allowed the science to be finely tuned and it remains a living practice helping people sync with nature and thrive in a constantly changing world.
What is Ayurveda's connection to yoga?
Ayurveda is considered the sister science of yoga, as they both stem from the Vedic tradition of India.
While yoga is a spiritual practice {or sadhana} of self-realization, Ayurveda is the science of healing and maintaining health in body and mind, as well as a philosophy of living.
They are interconnected and supportive of one another. The practice of Ayurveda helps us heal and maintain a healthy mind and body. It is with this clarity and vitality that we can begin to know our true Self through the spiritual practice of Yoga.
Both Yoga and Ayurveda share the ultimate goal of achieving inner peace.
What do I need to know?
There are a few basic principles to keep in mind:
Microcosm ↔ Macrocosm
Ayurveda recognizes the connection we have to the world around us - nature, the elements, the change of seasons. We are microcosms (individuals) that are integral to the macrocosm (the universe).
One of the main principles of Ayurveda is as without, so within. We are one with nature, we are quite literally made of nature and her elements. We take on the qualities of nature. By recognizing what is going on in the world around us we can learn how to find balance as we flow through the seasons of life.
Most significantly of all, Ayurveda empowers practitioners to take responsibility for their own well-being.
Personalized Healthcare
The Ayurvedic Definition of Health is
"One who is established in self, who has balanced doshas (mind-body constitution), balanced agni (digestive fire), properly formed tissues, proper elimination of waste, well-functioning bodily processes and whose mind, soul and senses are full of bliss is called a healthy person." - Sushruta Samhita 15.38
The beautiful thing about Ayurveda is that it recognizes the uniqueness of each person and so methods of healing and maintaining balance will also be unique. Ayurveda is not a one-size-fits-all healthcare system. It's tailored to each person based on their unique dosha combination, their environment, lifestyle choices and the seasons.
Nature vs. Nurture
We are balanced when our nature {Prakruti} equals our current state {Vikruti}.
When the doshas of our constitution are balanced, we are in a state of harmony, equilibrium or homeostasis - this is our Prakriti state, or our innate state of balance. If any doshas are imbalanced, this is our Vikriti, or current state. Everything in life can affect our current state and bring us out of balance including our lifestyle choices, diet, sleep, the company we keep, our jobs, exercise and so on.
If an imbalance is present we can determine which doshas need balancing by checking in with our current qualities and state of mind and body {more on this below}. We can also take an online dosha quiz or see an Ayurvedic health practitioner.
There are two laws of Ayurveda:
Like Increases Like
Opposites Balance
These laws help us to move back toward our Prakriti or our natural balanced state when we are in a state of imbalance.
To balance, bring in opposite qualities. For example, if it's summer and you're sitting in traffic with no air conditioner you might stop for an ice cream to cool down and not a spicy burrito, which would increase the heat and agitation that already exists within body and mind.
How is Ayurveda practiced?
Ayurveda is practiced through healthy restful sleep, a nutritious diet and healthy elimination, movement or exercise, lifestyle choices and energy management.
