Ancient Holistic Sciences for Health, Harmony and Spirituality

Ayurveda and Yoga being ancient sister sciences have served humanity for more than 5000 years. Ayurveda literally means “Science of life”, and is made up of two words; AYU and VEDA. Ayu means Life/ age/ life span and Veda means Knowledge. So it can also be termed as “Knowledge of Longevity.” Ayurveda offers wonderful tools for better life style. It gives equal importance to our body, mind and soul, therefore works with holistic approach. Ayurveda has two aims one to promote, protect and maintain the health of a healthy person and secondly treat / cure the disease of a diseased person. Having this aim Ayurveda emphasizes on healthy lifestyle according to season, diet, state of mind and individual’s own nature i.e. body constitution (known as prakruti in sanskrit), The Ayurvedic understanding of the universe and body is based on a three‐fold system called the “tridosha theory” which are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Another basic principle i.e. the five elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Space and Eather) which integrate into physical form as the three doshas. Everyone is a unique combination of the three doshas. Vata, pitta and kapha are found in every cell, tissue and organ in different degrees. Your distinct nature (prakruti) or individual constitution is established by pulse diagnosis, observation and personal health history. These are important steps to understanding your basic qualities, tendencies and needs. Basic functions of Tridosas are: • Vata is composed of the ether and air elements. Vata is responsible for movement in the body and mind. Balanced Vata produces flexibility and a balanced mind. Out of balance Vata is fearful, anxious and nervous. • Pitta is composed of fire and water. Pitta functions are associated with the digestive processes, metabolic activity and body temperature. Balanced Pitta lends itself to intelligence and leadership. Out of balance it expresses itself as anger, hatred and jealousy. • Kapha is composed of earth and water. Kapha corresponds to the building up of body tissues and stored substances. Kapha lubricates, moistens and maintains immunity. Balanced Kapha is love and forgiveness. Out of balance Kapha is associated with attachment, greed and congestion. Imbalances in these Tridoshas lead to disease condition. To cure or overcome such disease conditions Ayurveda suggests lifestyle modifications, herbal medicines, detoxification therapies knowns as Panchakarma (fPancha means five and karma means procedures o therapies / detox therapies). Thus Ayurveda aims at a multi-dimensional, holistic approach to gain and maintain health.