What is Ayurveda, after all?

Defining and explaining what Ayurveda means in a few paragraphs is tough. Ayur is life, and Veda is the science of knowledge. Thus, Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that translates to knowledge of life, the "science of life and longevity." A self-healing and self-knowledge, an approach to this incredible Vedic wisdom, a spiritual practice, and a pathway to take control of one's health. The philosophy of life in this ancient medical system originated in India a thousand years ago; Ayurveda seeks to blend and balance the body, mind, and spirit and enliven the consciousness to promote wellness and prevent illness. 

Today's medical system focuses mainly on the disease attributes, fixing the problem, and fighting the disease. The Ayurveda texts, the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hrdayam, established the principles and goals of Ayurveda, to restore and maintain health by balancing the body's fundamental life forces and energies. This ancient knowledge requires an open mind to believe that we are whole, one body of consciousness geared to personal healing and promoting good health.

Our universe consists of water, fire, wind, space, and earth elements; every individual has a unique combination of these five features that combine to make up the doshas—the constitutions of Vata, pitta, and Kapha. The food I eat may not agree with someone else, and the spices that work for me may go against the nature of their constitution. Thus, by knowing one's body, living in harmony with nature's rhythms, the sun, the moon, and the seasons, and honoring our unique reflection of self, we can prevent diseases and achieve optimal health.

Understanding the genuine relationship of our body and balancing its natural elements through an internal purification process followed by a special diet, yoga routine, meditation, herbs, massage, and lifestyle changes can bring clarity, feel connected, and spiritually uplifted.

The Sanskrit names of doshas, Vata (that which moves), Pitta (that which transforms), and Kapha(that which brings cohesion) perform specific functions in the body of every person. Knowing your dosha type is essential to understanding one's body and its corresponding qualities in the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of one's being. The maintenance and breakdown of the bodily tissue, elimination of wastes, and psychological elements, such as emotions, hate, anger, loss, understanding, and love, must be coherent to feel your best. When this unique blend and natural balance of doshas become unbalanced due to stress, poor diet, bad habits, lack of routine, and countless other influences - physical, mental, and emotional illnesses can occur. The key to healing in Ayurvedic medicine is to harmonize all three doshas and remain sublime and authentic.

Can you define Ayurveda - the science of life in simple terms? 

What is life, after all?

The Ayurvedic definition of health describes the components surrounding us in the universe and creating a balance. Physical, mental, and spiritual wellness brings consciousness to how we live and thrive. The body we live in, the senses we thrive with, the mind we think with, and the spirit-our soul we work with are all combined aspects of what we call life.

Here are a few short Sanskrit terms to explain a balanced healthy individual:

Digestive fire (Agni), the seven bodily tissues called Dhatus, the production and elimination of wastes- malas, the sensory and motor organs - indriyas, the mind - manas, and the soul - atman. The functional elements in the body are responsible for movement, transformation, and cohesion, which we call the doshas. Consider this life's journey into yourself, knowing your body and creating a path with this ancient wisdom rooted in timeless philosophy to fulfill our purpose, or dharma, and to evolve as happy ultimately and healthy spiritual beings.

From philosophy to practice can be tricky, and living a life based on Ayurveda can be intimidating. That may go against the Prakriti (nature) of oneself and the environment. But no one wants an overnight change. Start by knowing your true self, like being comfortable in your skin, making room for your unique constitution, and participating in seasonal, daily routines to enhance and preserve health. Expand your self-care rituals with diet, exercise, meditation, and management of common imbalances to restore vitality and support self-healing.

My goal as a student is to share and teach the wisdom of Ayurveda through the lens of ancient texts and modern concepts of integrative medicine, how to attain optimal health through a more conscious approach to self, and the connection between the environment and the world around us. It is a technique based on natural healing by strengthening the body, mind, and spirit and allowing the body's innate, biological healing ability to work to its fullest potential.