About Ayurveda
AYU = Life VEDA = Knowledge
450 year old Ganesh
Ayurveda is a 5,000 year old tradition. It is based upon knowledge of the ancient rishis (yogic masters) who discovered the inner workings of both the macrocosm and the microcosm in sublime states of meditative awareness. According to Ayurveda the entire universe is made up of five elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether. Health, well-being, and longevity all depend upon the art and science of balancing the five elements in our being. Diet, season and climate, lifestyle, work and home environment, all have a part in keeping or tipping the balance of the elements. Ayurveda provides a wealth of knowledge about how to discover our own elemental equation and how to harmonize with the many external factors in the dance of life.
There are three main constituional types in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Like all else, they are composed of the elements. Ether and Air combine to form Vata Dosha. Fire and Water make up Pitta Dosha. And Earth and Water come together to manifest Kapha Dosha. "Dosha" literally means 'fault', or 'that which can get out of whack'. In the same way that an orderly room can soon succumb to chaos, it is the nature of constitutional balance that it can swiftly be lost. However, the Doshas are not inherently bad. In fact, they are necessary governing forces. Vata provides movement and momentum to all physical and physiological processes. It promotes enthusiasm, openmindedness and an inclination for subtle and spiritual knowledge. It has the qualities of: rough, dry, cold, mobile, and erratic. When out of balance we manifest things like dry skin, a scattered mind, and feelings of anxiety and indecision.
Pitta as a governing force rules all things concerning transformation, digestion, and assimilation. It is the fire that allows us to digest and assimilate our food, thoughts, experiences. It gives brightness to the eyes, luster to the skin, and clarity to the intellect. It promotes the qualities of courage and leadership. It has the qualities of: sharp, light, hot, and oily. When out of balance we can experience inflammation, irritation, hypercriticism and anger.
Kapha as a governing force provides structure, stability, and cohesiveness. It manifests as the physical structure of muscles, tendons, and bones that house our Consciousness. It allows us to fully inhabit our earthly existence, allowing each cell to hold the integrity of its form and yet stick to and dance with other cells. Kapha supports our capacity to nurture. It finds expression in the love that binds human beings and the devotion that unites us with the Divine. It has the qualities of: heavy, damp, cold, and stable. When out of balance we can experience lethargy, depression, over-attatchment and congestion.