Ayurveda: An Ancient Holistic Healing System
Ayurveda is one of the world's oldest holistic healing systems. It was developed over thousands of years of trial and error in India. It is based on establishing balance between the mind, body and spirit. Ayurveda uses diet, biorhythms, herbal medicine, psychology, lifestyle, movement and bodywork to address the root causes of ill-health.
When I first leaned about ayurveda, having studied the ‘usual’ medical model, I had a big ‘ah ha’ moment: It is a system that addresses much of what is missing in our western framework. While our Western system emphasises curing dis-ease, ayurveda uses a preventative approach and honours the non-physical aspects of health.
Ayurveda recognises that we are a microcosm (a small part; a reflection) of the macrocosm (the big picture; the universe.) We are composes of the same elements that make up everything around us and we are moved by the same forces that move the oceans, the wind, the stars and the planets.
The world operates in rhythm; the cycles of seasons, tides and sun. So do we. The introduction of artificial light, transported food and the stress of life (let's throw in a pandemic) can mean that we don't notice nature's rhythms and we get out of sync.
If we act separately to the rhythms of the macrocosm, we feel unwell and out of balance. It's easier to bodysurf the ocean waves at Gunnamatta than to try to swim against them.
Ayurveda is based on the principles of three primary doshas* or energies, called Vata, Pitta and Kapha. They are a blend of the five elements of earth, water, fire, ether and space. Just as everything on this planet is composed of these elements in different proportions, so are we. As within, so without. Some of us have fiery natures (guilty), while others are more earthy, or airy.
Each of these elements manifest as felt qualities in the body. Air and space are cold and light, fire is hot and sharp and earth and water are heavy and moist.
Each of us has a unique proportion of these three energies that shapes our nature – our looks, hair, eyes, body shape, behaviour, emotional responses, sleep, voice, favourite food, friends and career choices. It's why some of us prefer Golden Gaytimes and others choose a handful of corn chips. It's why some of us are wired to prefer mountains more than oceans.
Predominance of one or more of these forces at the time of our conception establishes our individual constitution, called Prakriti. It is our true nature, and never changes. Because we all have a very unique constitution, what creates balance and vibrance is different for each of us.
Just as each person has a dosha* that predominates, each season is also dominated by a specific energy: As seasons change, our bodies require a different diet and lifestyle to stay balanced.
· Kapha (earth + water) season falls in spring
· Pitta season (fire + water) falls in summer and early autumn
· Vata season (air + ether) bridges late autumn and winter
For example: Winter as the inward turning season of the year creates ideal conditions for establishing our vitality (ojas), building our inner fire – our agni – and slowing down to reflect and contemplate. Winter becomes a balancing act for our health and well being. It is the time where we can balance cold with warmth, heaviness with lightness, stagnant energy with circulation and dullness with inspiration.
In spring, as the sap rises, the birds and bees to their thing. Water and earth combine to make new life. We too, feel more energy and this is reflected in our yoga practice and we begin to crave lighter, spring foods. It is often called a season of fresh beginnings, renewal, change and growth.
Diving into balancing practices allows us to feel nourished, strong and fortified as the seasons change and allow us to synchronise to the natural rhythm and flow of life.
Try an online quiz to discover your dosha and enjoy next week’s post where we’ll explore some daily ayurvedic rituals that are perfect for springtime.