Ayurveda: The Basics

Ayurveda is known as the sister science to yoga. The name is taken from Sanskrit Ayur meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge. Originating from the Vedic culture of India, Ayurveda is commonly thought of as an alternative therapy for treating illness however Ayurveda bases as much emphasis on preventing illness as it does in treating illness.

One of the fundamental principles of Ayurveda is the belief that as humans we are part of nature so anything that affects our physical, spiritual or emotional wellbeing can cause us to be out of balance with the universe.

Every person is made up of a combination of five basic elements (Panchamahabhuta):

• Space (Akash)
• Air (Vayu)
• Fire (Agni)
• Water (Jal)
• Earth (Prithvi)

These elements combine in the human body to form three fundamental energies called doshas:

• Vata (Air + Space)
• Pitta (Fire + Water)
• Kapha (Earth + Water)

Each of us has a combination of all three doshas but usually one will be more dominant than the others. Each dosha has its own characteristics and a different energy.

Our doshas govern our diets and attitudes towards food. In Ayurveda however, it’s not just about the food we eat but how we cook it, season it and eat it that has a profound impact on our bodies and our minds.

If you’re new to Ayurveda it can seem like a minefield of information with a long list of do’s and don’ts which can be quite daunting but it doesn’t have to be as rigid as you may think and like anything new it’s best to take things slowly and implement any changes you may need to make gradually.

The Digital age has made it easier for us to access information on any subject at the click of a button and there is a plethora of information available on Ayurvedic medicine and diets for each dosha. However, when it comes to your health and wellbeing it is always advisable to have a one to one consultation with a Vaidya (Ayurvedic doctor) or a qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

An Ayurvedic practitioner will be able to give you a personalized, more detailed breakdown of doshas and assess what foods and changes to lifestyle, if any would be beneficial to you, taking into account any medical conditions you have or any medication you are taking.

As with anything related to your health and wellbeing, it’s vitally important that you do your homework. When choosing an Ayurvedic practitioner ensure that you visit their websites, read their terms and conditions, look at testimonials and reviews and make sure that they are qualified or certified and don’t be afraid to ask questions, as the saying goes “knowledge is power”.