Introduction to Ayurveda

Ayu means life and Veda means knowledge, and so Ayurveda means the "Science of Life".  Ayurveda is the traditional Indian health system which is more than 5,000 years old and uses a constitution based model (the doshas) for determining your state of health.

Thousands of years ago, India’s Rishis and seers observed the rhythms of the universe and the interaction of the flow of energy throughout the body/mind during deep states of meditation – these insights form the basis of Ayurveda, the “Science of Life”, and were documented in ancient Indian texts such as the Charaka Samhita.

They realized that good health can be maintained through diet and lifestyle, and the use of herbs and minerals. The principles of Ayurvedic medicine and the harmony between mind and body have been documented and practiced in India for thousands of years.

How does the Ayurvedic system work?

From observing the universe, macro-cosmos, climate differences in various geographical locations and seasons the Rishis discovered that these principles can be applied to the human body. We are a micro-cosmos living in macro–cosmos. They realized that the body has certain rhythms, similar to nature. When these rhythms are balanced the body is healthy; when they are imbalanced the body becomes sick - this system is governed by Dosha - biological force or humor - which defines your constitution, Prakriti or nature. Dosha is the “password” of your body, once you understand your unique password you will be able to understand how your body works and how to keep it balanced.

Rather than treating the symptoms of disease directly, Ayurvedic treatment aims to rebalance your doshas according to your innate constitution, resulting in a body and mind that is healthy and sound. By becoming familiar with your own unique dosha pattern you can lead a life that is more in harmony with your individual nature.

Ayurvedic Medicine describes a complete system for restoring, maintaining and enhancing health, advocating the use of natural healing methods tailored to the individual - such as diet and life style changes, Ayurvedic remedies, Detoxification treatments (Panchakarma) , Rejuvenation preparations (Rasayanas) and Yogic and Tantric practices.

What is ama?

Ama is the by-product/waste material of metabolism that can be in any form: solid, liquid or gas.

The body is like a factory, which manufactures a variety of things and produces a range of products. During the process of manufacturing waste products are naturally formed. The body must have a management process to eliminate these waste products. If it does not, the waste will accumulate on the nearest available extremity or organ. This will then cause various types of problems in the body. Therefore ama is the cause of many bodily conditions. If the ama is not cleared from the organ or extremity the ama will become part of it and consequently impair its function.