Ayurvedia: The Science of Living
Ayurveda is made up of two Sanskrit words:
Ayu, which means "life", and
Veda,
which means "the knowledge of". To know about life is Ayurveda. Ayurveda is an intricate system of healing that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. We can find historical evidence of Ayurveda in
the ancient books of wisdom known as the Vedas. Ayurveda is a system that helps maintain health in a person by
using the inherent principles of nature to bring the individual back into equilibrium with their true self. In essence, Ayurveda has been in
existence since the beginning of time because we have always been
governed by nature's laws. We are all part and parcel of nature.
Just as the animals and plants live in harmony with nature and utilize
the Laws of Nature to create health and balance within their beings,
we, too, adhere to these very same principles. In Ayurveda we view a person as a unique individual made up of
five primary elements. The elements are ether (space), air, fire,
water, and earth. Just as in nature, we too have these five elements in
us. When any of these elements are present in the environment, they
will in turn have an influence on us. The foods we eat and the weather
are just two examples of the presence of these elements. While we are a
composite of these five primary elements, certain elements are seen to
have an ability to combine to create various physiological functions.
Ether and air combine to form what is known in Ayurveda as the Vata Dosha.
Vata governs the principle of movement and therefore can be seen as the
force which directs nerve impulses, circulation, respiration, and
elimination. Fire and water are the elements that combine to form the Pitta Dosha.
The Pitta Dosha is the process of transformation and metabolism. The
transformation of foods into nutrients that our bodies can assimilate
is an example of a pitta function. Pitta is also responsible for
metabolism in the organ and tissue systems as well as cellular
metabolism. Finally, the water and earth elements combine to form the Kapha Dosha.
Kapha is what is responsible for growth, adding structure unit by unit.
Another function of the Kapha dosha is to offer protection. Cerebral-spinal fluid protects the brain and spinal column and is a type of Kapha
found in the body. Also, the mucousal lining of the stomach is another
example of the Kapha dosha protecting the tissues. We are all made up
of unique proportions of Vata, Pitta and Ka pha. These ratios of the
doshas vary in each individual; and because of this, Ayurveda sees each
person as a special mixture that accounts for our diversity. Exploring the vast knowledge of Ayurveda will help enhance your health and brings powerful insights into this precious gift we call life.
