From the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health:
“Ayurvedic medicine (also called Ayurveda) is one of the world's oldest medical systems. It originated in India and has evolved there over thousands of years. In the United States, Ayurvedic medicine is considered complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)—more specifically, a CAM whole medical system.”
Ayurveda is a 5000-year-old traditional medical science from India. “Ayur” means life and “veda” means science, quite simply, Ayurveda is the science of life.
In examining a person Ayurveda looks at the physical constitution, mental outlook and emotional nature of the individual. The climate in which the person lives and the person’s stage of life are also considered. This gives Ayurveda a global view on an individual and a deep understanding of preventative medicine. By focusing on areas which conventional medical practice often ignores it makes Ayurveda an excellent complement to western medicine.
The global view of Ayurveda provides us with a deeper meaning of what is beneficial and what is detrimental to our health and wellbeing. It allows us to see the healing power in diet, lifestyle, environment, and relationships.
Diet takes a central part in Ayurvedic treatment. Diet does not only include an ability to choose healthy foods but also the ability to digest and assimilate the food. A strong fire of digestion or “Agni” is necessary for proper health. Ayurveda uses diet and lifestyle to keep Agni strong, preventing disease and maintaining vitality.
An important factor in determining a healthy diet and Lifestyle is determining an individual’s constitution. A person’s constitution is made up of three different types of ‘Doshas’: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. To understand the doshas, we have to take a look at the five elements.
Ayurveda looks at the world as a combination of 5 essential elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. Everything and everyone is composed of all 5 elements but in different proportions thus creating an infinite variety of combinations. These 5 elements create 3 main body types: Kapha, Pitta, and Vata. Kapha is Earth and Water, Pitta - Fire and Water, and Vata – Air and Ether.
Kapha type people tend to have a strong frame. They tend to have a melodious voice, thick hair, and lustrous, moist eyes. They are generally loving and kind to others. In it’s imbalance, Kapha people gain weight easily. Because of their attraction to sweets they are more prone to diabetes. Emotionally, they can get overly attached.
Pitta type people usually have a medium frame. Pitta people are very smart and motivated. They are natural leaders well loved for their bright and brilliant minds. When out of balance, Pitta can create too much competitiveness and lack of concern for others. It can create heartburn, ulcers, and liver disorders, and balding.
Vata type people have a small frame. They are very creative and get exited about having multiple projects. Vata people can be spiritually inclined. Out of balance, Vata people tend to get anxious and fearful. They also have a tendency to develop disorders of the central nervous system.
To do more detailed research on Ayurveda check the Wikipedia article - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda
Ayurvedic Light was founded by Anna Sapritsky to bring the science of Ayurveda to the busy urban lifestyle of New York. Anna Sapritsky believes that every person has a bright light of health and joy inside. She can help you find it through simple but effective Ayurvedic remedies.