What is Ayurveda?

AYURVEDA (pronounced i-yer-vay-da) means “knowledge of life.” Ayurveda is an ancient Indian healing system, emphasizes the importance of a healthy and balanced mind, heart, and body so that each may serve as an instrument for Spirit. It encourages certain lifestyle choices and natural therapies to uplift the consciousness and support inner and outer well-being as well as a life harmonious with nature. When we approach our health in a conscious, integrated manner, we maximize the ability to live a life that is free of bodily or mental diseases, full of delight, spiritual and worldly progress, and beneficial to others and the environment.

The Doshas & the Elements 

Ayurveda suggests all life in the universe is composed of the PANCHAMAHABHUTAS, which are THE FIVE ELEMENTS; AIR, ETHER, FIRE, WATER AND EARTH. Everything that exists is composed of these five elements. The ancient Rishis figured out the various combinations of these elements govern various functions within the physiology of the human being. The doshas are a combination of these five elements. 

VATA (AIR+ETHER) PITTA (FIRE+WATER) KAPHA (EARTH + WATER) 

The DOSHAS are dynamic energies that constantly change in response to our actions, thoughts, emotions, the foods we eat, the seasons, and any other sensory inputs that feed our mind and body. When we live into the fulfillment of our individual natures, we naturally make lifestyle and dietary decisions that foster balance within our doshas. When we live against our intrinsic natures, we support unhealthy patterns that lead to physical and mental imbalances. 

  • Vata

    AIR + ETHER

    SEASON | Late fall to late winter
    TIME | 2:00 - 6:00 am/pm
    TIME OF LIFE | Age 60 - 75+ years

    The common translation of Vata is “that which moves things.” Vata is often referred to as the vayu (wind) in the body, and it is the primary motivating force of the doshas—without it, the other doshas are unable to move. Vata is dry, light, cold, rough, subtle/pervasive, mobile, and clear. According to Ayurveda, Vata is responsible for our mental and physical adaptability. It is the energizing force of the body and mind, and it governs our nervous system, our bones, and our senses of touch and hearing. During the early fall and winter, Vata can accumulate in the colon, low spine, hips, thighs, bones, and nerves manifesting within the body as constipation, flatulence, dry skin, insomnia, arthritis or sciatica. The key to pacify Vata is to remain grounded, warm and stable. When out of balance emotionally, the light quality of Vata provokes fear, anxiety, loneliness and insecurity. When Vata is in balance, the Vata person experiences excellent health, stability, creativity, and freedom.

  • PITTA

    Fire + Water

    SEASON | Early summer to early fall
    TIME | 10:00 -2:00 am/pm
    TIME OF LIFE | Age 20 - 60 years

    The common translation of Pitta is “that which digests things.” According to Ayurveda, this is the dosha responsible for our ability to mentally digest our life experiences and biologically digest our food. Pitta is responsible for all of our chemical and metabolic transformations. Pitta is sharp, penetrating, hot, light, liquid, mobile, and oily. Our ability to perceive what the body senses (sees, hears, smells, etc.) is governed by Pitta. Regarding transformation, Pitta governs the ability of the body to combust, or digest, the materials needed to bring warmth and color to the body. During the summer, Pitta can accumulate as inflammation in the stomach, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and small intestines. The key to pacifying Pitta is to remain cool, calm, and peaceful. When it’s out of balance, you might arouse aggression, irritability, anger, hatred, judgment, criticism, and jealousy. When Pitta is in balance, digestion and metabolism are strong and you feel passionate, joyful, and courageous.

  • KAPHA

    Earth + Water

    SEASON | Late winter to late spring
    TIME | 6:00 - 10:00 am/pm
    TIME OF LIFE | Age birth - 20 years

    The common translation of Kapha is “that which binds things” or “that which holds things together.” Kapha is heavy, cold, dull, oily, smooth, dense, soft, static, liquid, cloudy, hard, and gross (in the sense of dense or thick). According to Ayurveda, this is the dosha responsible for the stability, lubrication, substance, and support of our physical body. Kapha supports our emotional calm, and our mental and physical endurance, and it allows us to feel deeply, empathize, and be patient and compassionate. During the late winter to the end of spring, Kapha can manifest in the body as excessive phlegm in the lungs or sinuses, nausea, weight gain, fluid retention, and allergies. The key to pacifying Kapha is to seek the stimulation of new sights, sounds, and experiences. When out of balance emotionally, the earthy-watery quality of Kapha types may become overweight, sleep excessively, and suffer from asthma, diabetes, and depression. When Kapha is in balance, the Kapha person is calm, loving, strong, loyal, patient, steady, and supportive.