Are you looking for ways to naturally increase your quality of life, allowing your mind and body to stay healthy and active whilst becoming a happier, balanced, more positive person? If so, the holistic practice of Ayurveda is for you.
A Brief History
Thousands of years ago, before the times of scientifically founded research medicine and health care, Ayurveda was developed by the sages of India and has been since, one of the most sophisticated and widely practised forms of natural healing. Directly translated, Ayurveda translates into ‘Ayur’, meaning life and ‘Veda’, meaning knowledge or science.
The main concept that Ayurveda is founded on is simple. The idea behind the practice is that every person’s mind is so connected to the rest of their body that no substance, medicine or practise can even come close to having the same power that the mind does when it comes to revitalising and healing the body.
So, What Is Ayurveda?
The foundations of Ayurveda are very simple. There is no strict diet to follow or regime to practise. Ayurveda understands that every individual is different and that everyone’s lifestyle is unique to them. With this in mind, Ayurveda is there to provide the guidelines which enable each individual to maintain and preserve a healthy mental and physical being.
How Does It Work?
At its core, Ayurveda consists of three main principles known as doshas. Dosha is the word used to describe the energies that make up our physical beings, each one having its own function in the body and mind. The three doshas are as follows;
- Pitta Dosha
This is the title given to the dosha energy that is responsible for our metabolism. This includes our digestive systems and can affect aspects such as absorption rates as well as our bodies temperature. If balanced Pitta Dosha energy levels are maintained, individuals will find they become more intelligent and more satisfied with their lives. A deficiency in this area can result in a short temper and mood swings.
- Kapha Dosha
This energy is solely responsible for the growth that occurs in our bodies. Kapha Dosha is also in charge of maintaining a healthy immune system and keeping the body hydrated. A deficiency in this area is easy recognised as the individual can suffer from personality traits such as jealousy and can become very insecure. A balanced energy level can help an individual feel more loving and emphatic towards others.
- Vata Dosha
This final energy is in charge of maintaining and promoting healthy bodily functions, especially when it comes to movement. This includes ligament movement as well as internal movements such as blood flow, breathing and the heartbeat. Balanced Vata Dosha levels will result in a creativity, open minded and active individual whereas a deficiency can lead to feelings of anxiety and even fear.
Where Do I Go From Here?
The next step to unlocking your mind and soul using the art of Ayurveda is to discover which energy best describes you. This can be completed using a book or online website such as the one found on Banyan Botanicals. From here, you can discover which energy you are which, in turn, you will be able to follow which lifestyle best suits your personality type, allowing you to maximum and cater your diet and decisions to suit your mind and body’s needs.
This allows you to discover a whole new side to living, empowering you to live a happy and healthy lifestyle, making the most out of every opportunity. In the next article, I will be exploring the different types of each dosha and the characteristics of each.
Have you found out which dosha best describes you? Let us know in the comments and we’ll let you know what element your dosha is linked with!