Ayurveda, meaning “the science of life,” is an ancient healing system that teaches how to achieve health and harmony by balancing the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. The teachings were documented in Sanskrit by Sushruta Samhita in four sacred texts. Ayurvedic traditions state that the human body is made of the same materials and elements that make up the universe, meaning it’s vital to balance the universal elements within ourselves to achieve harmony.
There are three doshas, or energies, that circulate throughout the human body, known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, with each being responsible for different aspects of physical, mental, and spiritual health. It is common to have one dominant dosha, while the others may be less prominent. Observing which elements are overworked or underutilized allows for balancing the body through Ayurvedic practices and treatments that calm the extremeness of overworked elements and bring more attention to those that are underworked. Ayurvedic practices and treatments exist that can calm the extremity of overworked elements and bring more attention to those that are underworked.
Ayurvedic medicine and its practices focus on making consistent and sustainable lifestyle choices for the long run, such as proper nutrition, leading an active lifestyle, adding mindfulness practices, bodywork, and supplementing with herbal remedies. These practices can relieve stressors within the body and thus improve overall health. Consistent use of ayurvedic practices has been shown to support the prevention of chronic disease and illness, encouraging healthier lifestyle choices that naturally lower stress levels. Some ways that ayurveda helps in promoting longevity include improved mood and digestion, better sleep pattern, lower levels of cholesterol and blood pressure, and reduction in the incidence of cancer. As ayurvedic principles are practical to follow, it can be easily integrated into our daily life, maintaining balance in day-to-day routine.
