What is Ayurveda?
Ayus
the word for life
Ayurveda
Veda
knowledge
So, combined, Ayurveda means Science of Life or Science of Longevity.
Ayurveda is a healing art that is thousands of years old; it is the health system of the advanced Vedic civilisation of ancient India and is considered the oldest health system in the world. The World Health Organization has recognised Ayurveda as a traditional medicine.
According to traditions described in old ayurvedic writings, the basic principles of Ayurveda were perceived long ago and through profound introspection by highly developed human beings. In the beginning, the tradition was therefore passed on only from teacher to student. Only much later, when this vehicle of tradition was no longer reliable, it was written down in the first scriptures and works of Ayurveda.
Ayurveda is part of the "Veda", a comprehensive teaching system that considers human beings, nature and the cosmos as one whole.
This wholistic health teaching – Ayurveda – considers life as one whole and combines physical, psychic, mental and spiritual aspects. Its primary goal is to establish harmony of body, mind and soul, and in so doing to prevent disease or, when necessary, to heal. To achieve this, Ayurveda experts and doctors consider a broad spectrum of factors, such as for example consciousness; diet; stress at work or in relationships; too little rest; medications; too much, too little or the wrong kind of exercise; surroundings; the individual’s constitution, likes and dislikes; and much more. The teaching of the three doshas plays a central role.
According to ayurvedic teachings, the myriad factors that influence us and our health can be described with the help of three principles or biological programmes called doshas in Sanskrit, and which are best translated as “basic functional principles”.
These three doshas – vata, pitta and kapha – determine both the natural world surrounding us as well as our own bodies and minds. Conversely, everything that impacts our bodies directly impacts the balance of vata, pitta, and kapha, either disrupting it or contributing to a better dosha balance.
When these three fundamental principles are in harmony in a person, it constitutes the best prerequisite for health and happiness. We feel well, we’re healthy, and we radiate natural beauty.
Restoring the balance of doshas
that have become unbalanced is a core theme of Ayurveda.
Vata
The vata dosha is termed the principle of movement, characterised by the elements of ether (space) and air. It enables alertness, movement and communication. Ayurvedic doctors relate it to the nervous system, breath, circulation and the musculoskeletal system.
Pitta
The pitta dosha is described as the principle of metabolism, characterised by the element of fire. In ayurvedic medicine, it is viewed as closely linked to digestion, energy, metabolism, body temperature, vitality, intellect and emotions.
Kapha
The kapha dosha is called the principle of structure, involving the elements of earth and water. Kapha gives form, shape, and endurance. In ayurvedic medicine, balanced kapha stands for firmness, stability, and balanced body fluids.