What is Ayurveda??

Ayurveda 101

Ayurveda is a holistic health system originating in India over 5,000 years ago.  Indian licensed Ayurvedic physicians are required to undergo over 8 years of professional education and training and are usually born into long lineages of Ayurvedic physicians.  Hospitals, clinics and universities of Ayurveda have helped build the current medical systems used today around the globe.  In the U.S., Ayurveda is recognized as an alternative health profession with many two year training programs available at state legalized Ayurveda colleges, and a few Master’s degree level certification programs.  In its full state, Ayurveda is a comprehensive medical system that involves all aspects of health and living, from simple preventative health techniques to medical correction and prevention as we know it today.  Ayurveda is the medical system of the ancient Vedic texts and traditions and is the medical side of Yoga.  

Ayurveda is based on the premise that we all have the innate ability within us to live harmoniously in nature; that under the right circumstances, we can live in balance with all of nature, which involves considerably less illness and disease than most of us are experiencing in our modern (fairly imbalanced) world.  According to Ayurveda, illness or disease results from imbalances in our natural states of existence, so returning to these natural states of balance are key to preventing sickness and degeneration.  We can do so by knowing some simple laws of nature and applying them to our lifestyles, ages, seasons and environments.  This includes subtle more esoteric therapies such as energy therapy, yoga, meditation, breath work, color therapy techniques, aromatherapy, gems, and the appropriate natural timing of therapies and applications as well as physical treatments such as eating or not eating certain foods (tastes), herbs, application of oils, and other practices which address all facets of the body, mind and spirit. Ayurveda uses methods which determine the root imbalance causing health problems and corrective measures to rebalance it, rather than just treating the surface symptoms of a root cause which could again manifest elsewhere in the body if not properly rebalanced.

Ayurveda is not a religion, but does emphasize the importance of one’s personal belief system and spirituality.  According to Ayurveda, most imbalances begin on a more subtle level of consciousness involving a person’s view of the world and life, and his/her place in it.  This could be as simple as eating one meal that doesn’t agree with your nature, causing indigestion, or as complicated as a lifelong illness, which Ayurveda most often sees as an opportunity for spiritual learning and personal growth.  Disease or imbalance are seen as messages of consciousness to remind us of our true existence and purposes.  Any stress or or imbalance usually affects us first on subtle levels and if not properly addressed, then enters the physical body.  (For more information on this idea, see our Energy Therapy page).  Therefore, the more esoteric methods of Ayurveda are key to any healing and disease prevention.  For these aspects, it is best to work with a certified and trained professional.  These aspects can be confusing, threatening or offensive to some people, in which case physical treatments can be the focus of one’s Ayurvedic care, instead.  (Please feel free to ask us if you would like to discuss this topic with us further).  For optimal healing and health, eventually these more spiritual and philosophical issues should be considered.

The physical aspects of Ayurveda self care and treatment can often significantly improve a person’s health and life simply by reading a few books on Ayurveda and following at home self care routines.  There is little harm in trying the basic principles for yourself; but when you are ready for a comprehensive program, feel free to ask for our help or that of a local certified practitioner in your area.  Ayurveda can be as simple or as comprehensive as your willingness and readiness. 

Please email us if you would like specific book recommendations to help you get started.

We are always happy to help via email or in person consultation to determine the best way for you to get started.