About Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient and holistic system of medicine from India that’s over 5,000 years old. The word Ayurveda roughly translates to “the science of longevity” or “the sacred knowledge of life.” In this system, we look at the world, and the human body, through the lens of the 5 elements of ether, air, fire, water, and earth, and the combination of elements that make up three energies (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) that circulate in the body and govern physiological activities. According to Ayurveda, we are all born with a combination of these three energies, but one or two may dominate. This is our unique constitution (Prakruti) and is our perfect sate of health. However, as we go through life, we often become imbalanced through diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors, which wreak havoc on the body resulting in a current condition (Vikruti) which may potentially lead to disease. So, discovering your primary constitution (Prakruti) and the imbalanced dosha (Vikruti) are key to living a healthy life.

Vata is comprised of the elements of ether and air, and embodies the qualities of cold, dry, light and mobile. Vata means "wind", so it governs all movement including muscles, nerves and even thoughts. People high in Vata are creative, artistic, vivacious, adaptable, and free-spirited. Vata imbalances include cracking joints, gas, bloating, constipation, weight loss, pain, arthritis, fatigue, restlessness, depletion of nutrients, and being fearful, worried, anxious, and foggy-brained. Early symptoms of Vata-dominant autoimmune disorders include joint pain, dry skin, and muscle spasms. Vata is best soothed by routine, warmth, serenity, and nourishment. The Vata diet should consist of foods like root vegetables, whole grains, good quality oils, and animal products to ground their airy nature.

Pitta is comprised of the elements of fire and water, but mostly fire. It embodies the qualities of hot, oily, sharp, light, sour, spreading and liquifying. Pitta governs all heat, digestion (of food and experiences), and transformation in the body. People high in Pitta are intelligent, enthusiastic, determined, and charismatic. When out of balance, Pitta people are prone to "heat" imbalances, such as inflammation, heartburn, hyperacidity, fever, liver disorders, and being overly critical, argumentative, and addictive. Early symptoms of Pitta-dominant autoimmune disorders include inflammation, skin rashes, and fever. To balance Pitta we encourage cooling foods and calming activities, such as meditation, yoga, or taking a walk in nature.

Kapha is comprised of the elements of earth and water. It embodies the qualities of cold, heavy, moist and dense. Kapha people love comfort, sweets, and heavy foods. They are loyal, loving and devoted. Kapha people have beautiful, creamy skin, strong bones and teeth. Sluggish digestion and metabolism, weight gain, diabetes, high cholesterol, water retention, increased mucus production, lethargy, and being complacent, depressed and stubborn are signs of imbalanced Kapha. Early symptoms of Kapha-dominant autoimmune disorders include swelling, weight gain, and sluggishness. To balance Kapha, avoid dairy, wheat, sugar, and raw foods. Instead, favor light, spicy, warm foods and drinks. Also, avoid oversleeping and eating at night, and get some exercise.

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About Ayurveda