The science behind Ayurvedic medicine has increased in interest recently as people seek a more natural, holistic and proven approach to lifestyle medicine.
The foundations and approach to Ayurvedic medicine are based on healing the body from the inside out.
Sickness, illness, anxiety and depression, as an example, are thought to manifest through an imbalance within the body. Ayurvedic medicine provides a unique understanding that wellness in the body is created through the harmony and balance of energies and elements which together are named doshas.
Gunas (which there are three) and the five elements create the doshas (also known as constitutions) which we are all uniquely born with, which are called Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
But first, what are the Gunas and the five elements?
Gunas Translated from Sanskrit, means ‘what bind us’ like a thread to the physical world.
Sattva Guna – A state of equilibrium, goodness and balance, creativity, happiness, purity, within the body. Sattva people would typically be spiritual, calm, health and wellness minded and quiet in persona. Steering away from negative energy and choosing to immerse in seeing beauty and nature to promote wellness and serenity within the mind and body.
Rajas Guna – High energy, power focus, egotistical, competitive, and driven. Too much Rajas energy can lead to imbalance, turbulence, aggression, impatience, restlessness, anxiety and frustration leading to distress and conflict.
Tamas Guna – A state of darkness, dullness, inaction, and inertia. Tamas energy brings insensitivity, loss of self discovery and awareness, materialistic, short sited, closed in nature and lack of unification.
The Five Elements:
The five elements being: ether (akasha) air (vayu) fire (agni) water (ap or jala) and earth (prithivi).
The elements and Gunas come together to form the three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Elements associated with each dosha are Vata = ether & air Pitta = fire & water and Kapha = water & earth.
We are born with our unique dosha, one dosha is generally the most dominant, however we all typically have varying levels of all three.
Your most dominant dosha is seen as your main dosha, it is very rare to have a completely dominate dosha in more than one.
When the doshas are in balance the body and mind is in harmony, however when the doshas are unbalanced, unrest, illness, and turbulence will start to emerge. Following the unique path of Ayurvedic lifestyle medicine will support and assist to rebalance body and mind through the approach of an Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle plan.
To start your own Ayurvedic wellness journey book a consultation with a qualified Ayurvedic Doctor or practitioner.
