Experience Ayurveda

Experience Ayurveda – Established in Self

In Ayurvedic philosophy, swastha is defined as a balanced state of the doshas (bodily energies), dhatus (tissues), agni (digestive fire), and malas (waste products), along with a peaceful mind and harmonious senses. Achieving and maintaining swastha involves a holistic approach, encompassing proper diet, regular physical activity, adequate rest, mental peace, and spiritual practices. This balanced state is considered the foundation of good health and longevity, allowing for one to age with grace and vitality. Therefore, ‘swastha’ essentially means ‘established in oneself.’

Ayurveda believes the human body is designed to live 100 years free from disease – this is very possible. The purpose of such a long life is to achieve spiritual freedom, elevating us to higher consciousness. We use the challenges of being in this physical body to move us along on our path – to remind us to re-set, restore and begin again. Ayurveda is such a big help in this way and is a support to us to set us right again.

Experience Ayurveda – the Doshas

Doshas are fundamental bio-energies or principles in Ayurveda that govern the physiological and psychological functions of the body and mind. There are three primary doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each person has a unique combination of these doshas, which determines their constitution (prakriti) and health tendencies. Here is a brief overview of each dosha:

Vata

Composed of the elements air and ether (space), the compound qualities of these two elements manifest as cold, light, dry, rough, mobile, erratic and clear. Space and air have no heat, moisture, or heaviness. These qualities are inherent in fire, water, and earth instead. Vata is associated with movement and change; think of it as currents in the body. When food goes into the body, it is vata that ushers it along. It governs bodily functions such as circulation, breathing, and the nervous system. People with a dominant vata dosha are often energetic, creative and quick-thinking but may also be prone to anxiety, dryness, and digestive issues.

HEALTHY VATA ENSURES THAT THE BODY HAS:

  • Consistent elimination
  • Free breathing
  • Good circulation
  • Keen senses

Too many vata qualities might cause these common disorders: arthritis, high/low blood pressure, cracking joints, bladder/urinary disorders, muscle stiffness, headaches, dry skin, insomnia, constipation, gas/bloating, dizziness/ringing in the ears, premature aging, chronic fatigue, heart disease, low energy and food allergies.

Treatments to restore Vata may include: Abhyangha (oil massage); Panchakarma Therapies such as Basti (medicated enema), Snehana (oleation), Shirodhara; Herbal Remedies; Dietary Adjustments; Routine and Lifestyle such as Dinacharya (daily routine); Yoga and Pranayama (breathing exercises); Warm Baths and Hydration; Lepam (herbal pastes); Aromatherapy; Stress Management

Pitta

Made up of fire and water elements, pitta can be understood as a type of firewater with compound qualities that are liquid, hot, sharp, penetrating, light, mobile, oily, and smelly. (Think acid, bile). When food gets chewed, pitta breaks it down, liquidizes it into food juice (raha), metabolizes it, and transforms it into tissues (dhatus). Pitta controls digestion, metabolism, and energy production. It is associated with qualities like heat, intensity, and transformation. Individuals with a dominant pitta dosha tend to be ambitious, intelligent, and competitive but can also experience irritability, inflammation, and overheating.

HEALTHY PITTA CREATES

  • Good appetite and metabolism
  • Steady hormones
  • Sharp eyesight
  • Comprehension
  • Good complexion

Too many pitta qualities may cause these common pitta disorders: hot flashes, disorders of the stomach/small intestine, hyperacidity, skin rashes/psoriasis, ulcers, inflammation, heartburn, diarrhea, liver disorders, canker sores, sore throats/tonsillitis, excess hunger/thirst, appendicitis, bad breath, hemorrhoids, bloodshot eyes, infection, intolerance to heat.
Treatments to restore Pitta may include: Cooling dietary recommendations; Herbal Remedies; Panchakarma Therapies, such as Virechana (therapeutic purgation); Basti (medicated enemas); Nasya (nasal treatment); Cooling oils for massage (abhyangha); Lifestyle adjustments; Cooling teas and beverages; Skin Care; Stress management.

Kapha

Consisting of water and earth elements, the compound qualities are similar to that of mud – cold, liquid, slimy, heavy, slow, dull, dense, and stable. This grouping of qualities provides density in the bones and fat, cohesion in the tissues and joints, and mucous, to prevent us from drying out. Kapha provides structure, stability, and lubrication to the body. It governs growth, immunity, and fluid balance. Those with a dominant kapha dosha are often calm, patient, and nurturing but may struggle with weight gain, sluggishness, and congestion.

HEALTHY KAPHA PROVIDES

  • Strong bodily tissues
  • Hearty immune system
  • Well-lubricated joints and mucous membranes
Too many kapha qualities may cause these common kapha disorders: obesity, diabetes, colds/flus, yeast conditions, sinus congestion, anorexia/bulimia, lymphatic system disorders, excessive sleeping, water retention/bloating, allergies, asthma, low thyroid function, heart disease, excess phlegm/mucous, intolerance of cold/damp.

Treatments to restore Kapha may include: Dry massage (udvartana); Panchakarma Therapies, such as Vamana (therapeutic emesis); Nasya (nasal treatment); Virechana (purgation); Herbal Therapies; Dietary Adjustments; Lifestyle Adjustments; Pranayama and Breathing Exercises; Yoga for Kapha Balance; Dry Brushing; Warm Herbal Teas; Aromatherapy; Mental and Emotional Wellness.
Everyone should have a nice amount of all these qualities and thus, healthy, well-functioning bodily processes. The variation of nature provides each of us with varying degrees of the elements therefore making some of us more fiery, others more airy and still others more sturdy in structure. The body’s constitution, or particular makeup of the five elements, is similar to DNA and comes mostly from one’s parents. The expression, ‘the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree’ is apropos in considering one’s constitution. Understanding your constitution can help you understand which of the three doshas is likely to get out of balance in your body, allowing you to make choices in your diet and lifestyle that will keep your doshas in check.