Ayurveda 101 | The Key to Health and Wellness

Ayurveda is a holistic approach to healing that originated in India as long as 3,000 years ago and it still plays an important role in the healthcare system in India today. Ayurveda is considered one of the oldest medical systems; the word Ayurveda in Sanskrit translates to 'the knowledge of life'. It is a personalized treatment that focuses on the natural systems of healing under the belief that imbalances in the body and mind are what lead to illness. Ayurvedic treatment addresses these imbalances with the use of herbs, diet, yoga, mediation and other practices. Many find Ayurvedic practices helpful in relieving mental and physical symptoms, balancing hormones, and preventing disease.

Ayurveda is based on the belief that the elements—air, fire, water, earth and space, make up every person. Ayurvedic tradition says that the presence of these elements in varying degrees make up our body, mind and consciousness, which can be represented in the three doshas—Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each dosha has associated characteristics, which are generally assumed to be attributable to those that identify with each. Vatas tend to be thin with dry hair, light, flexible, creative and easily bored. Pittas tend to be muscular, social, passionate, mentally sharp, and sometimes quick to feel anger. Kaphas have strength, endurance, a calm demeanor and may express possessiveness. It's important to note that the doshas are simply generalizations, and most of us have a mix of all three doshas, though we may 'overindex' in one of them. Ayurveda takes a very personalized approach to understanding one’s doshas and ensuring they are balanced through ancient practices using herbs, nutrition, massage and others.

How it works?

The goal of Ayurveda is to restore balance to the body, mind, and spirit through prescribing an intentional lifestyle, including diet, movement and meditation. In western and modern society, Ayurvedic practices are often applied more generally, sharing suggestions for food, movement, meditations and other practices to create general balance. The most common Ayurvedic practices we see today are often focused on digestion and suggestions often include the use of certain herbs, eating specific foods and incorporating movement into day to day that will help promote that balance. Because these practices tend to be more generalized, the suggestions are based on common, shared experiences, such as time of year and weather. 

The Evidence

Though Ayurvedic methods have been used and tested on individuals for years and reflect time-tested knowledge of health, Western research has yet to produce conclusive scientific evidence on the effectiveness of the practice. However, herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda have been shown to offer protection from illness, lead to stress reduction and a general improvement in well-being. Some studies of herbal formulas traditional to Ayurveda have found that they provide anticancer activity and can treat chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension and arthritis. Ayurvedic herbal formulas have also been used for treating cardiovascular disorders and studies have found that Ayurveda practices can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, slow the aging process and speed recovery from illness.  

Over the last few decades, there have been multiple high quality research studies that have produced promising results. We have seen positive effects of Ayurveda when used as a complementary therapy with other, conventional medicine. 

The Benefits
Ayurveda can be helpful if you’re experiencing:

• Stress
• Brain fog
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Digestive issues
• Physical chronic pain
• Inflammation
• Challenges losing weight
• Dull skin tone