What is Ayurveda?

What is Ayurveda: Ayurveda is a system of healing that has its roots in ancient India. “Ayu” means life and “veda” means knowledge. 

The knowledge contained in Ayurveda deals with the nature, scope, and purpose of life, and includes its metaphysical aspects.

Ayurveda defines life as the conjunction of body, mind and spirit found in Cosmic Consciousness and embracing all of Creation.

Ayurveda is a medical science, and its purpose is to heal and maintain the quality and longevity of life. 

It is an art of daily living that has evolved from practical, philosophical, and spiritual illumination, rooted in the understanding of Creation. It offers a profound understanding of each person unique body, mind, and consciousness, which is the foundation of health and happiness.

According to Ayurveda, life is a continuous interaction between body, mind, soul and senses. Each individual is considered in his or her totality and uniqueness and is in close connection and relationship with the surrounding environment: nature, climate, and seasons.

The human being is described as a microcosm within the macrocosm: he or she is an integral part of the universe and everything that exists in nature also coexists in it.

The individual is composed of the five basic elements: ether, air, fire, water and earth. The elements combined form three bio-energetic principles, the Doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The Doshas manage specific physical, mental, and physiological functions in the body.

Vata consists of the elements ether and air and is the energy that regulates movement.

Pitta consists of the elements fire and water and is the energy of transformation.

Kapha consists of the elements water and earth and is the energy that creates and manages structure and cohesion.

All three Doshas are present in each person, but their proportion and balanced state are different for each person. This defines the individual constitution, called Prakriti, which influences aspects such as build, personality, preferences, and tendency to certain issues. If in balance the person will enjoy good health, while if there is an imbalance disorders may arise and in the long run diseases may arise.

As explained by Sushruta, a renowned Ayurvedic physician, the concept of health in Ayurveda extends to the proper functioning and condition of metabolic and digestive processes, tissues, waste products, and a state of peace of the senses, mind, and soul.

Which treatment is preceded by a brief initial interview and concludes with a time of rest and sharing.

Treatments are given preferably on an empty stomach.

They cannot be practiced in the presence of acute inflammatory states, fever, infection, or injury.

For woman, it is recommended to refrain from massage during the first 3 days of the menstrual period.