Ayurveda

/ˌäyər ˈvādə/ noun

Yoga’s sister science of diet and lifestyle management is a system of living that understands each individual is a microcosm of the greater universe which is the macrocosm.

Ayur = meaning life

Veda = knowledge or science

Ayurveda is yoga’s sister science of diet and lifestyle management.  Ayurveda means “science of life” and has been around for approximately 5,000 years.  It remains a form of medicine and healthcare in India to this day.  

Ayurveda looks at the world as comprised of 5 elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether (space).  Each individual is a microcosm of the macrocosm which is the Universe itself. Ayurveda describes individual constitutional types as a combination of these 5 elements.  These types are called doshas.  The word “dosha” means imbalance or imperfection.  It refers to our tendency to go out of balance.  The three doshas are Pitta (fire element dominates), Vata (air element dominates and Kapha (earth element dominates).  The doshas are a way for us to understand ourselves and others without judgement.

Ayurveda teaches that we achieve well-being by living in harmony with our individual nature and with the cycles of the natural world.  Eating food that is in season; sleeping and waking with the light/dark cycle or circadian rhythm; honoring the time of life that we are living in.  A consistent daily routine of self-care is central to an Ayurvedic lifestyle.  Whether this be yoga, meditation or other practices, the benefit is derived from consistency.  

Ayurveda teaches the idea of “living downstream”.  Meaning that the more we can allow ourselves to be supported by living in harmony with the physical world, the more energy we have for what’s important in life.  We are more resilient.  We have more energy and focus.  Our life becomes more abundant, joyful and peaceful.  

For me, Ayurveda has been a doorway to a type of radical self-acceptance.  I have been given all that I need to accomplish my dharma, or purpose, in life.  As the elements express themselves through me I am supported in living that dharma and being of greater service to those around me. I see the elements expressing themselves through those around me and I am filled with wonder at how they will life their purpose, supported by the qualities imbued by those elements.  Sometimes we go out of balance, and Ayurveda has the remedies for when that happens.  We have been given everything we need to live a life of joy.