Ayurveda is a 5,000 year old science of how to live a healthy and happy life.
Ayurveda recognizes each human being as a unique individual with their own special requirements.
By adapting a balanced routine and diet one can keep their body functioning at an optimal level which greatly diminishes the capability to develop disease or chronic issues such as allergies, digestive disorders, elimination disorders and mood imbalances. The time it takes each person to find a state of healthy balance varies depending on their state of imbalance, their willingness to make changes regarding activities, habits, routine and diet that have created the imbalances in the first place.
By working with a knowledgeable Ayurveda practitioner over time every person can find their healthy state of balance which is what the body is constantly seeking. By learning how to live in tune with the natural rhythms and flow of nature, acknowledging the seasons and climates where we reside and eating foods that have been raised with regard to supporting a healthy planet; health and happiness is available to everyone.
Aspects of Ayurveda
Every Person is Unique
In Ayurveda we recognize that every one of us is a unique individual and our bodies require certain foods, exercise, and routines during the varied seasons to remain stable, strong and vibrant. In this consultation we will determine what your unique doshic balance (prakriti) is and then also determine if you are experiencing imbalances (vikriti) what they involve, potential causes and guidance in dealing with them.
Dinacharya is Daily Routine
Daily routine is a pillar in Ayurveda and of utmost importance in establishing and supporting a state of wellness. By living in harmony with nature, following proper routines, taking in appropriate food, sights and sounds our systems are able to reset to their natural intelligence which will support their proper function and our health and well-being.
Good digestion is key to good health and there are a few simple rules that help support good digestive fire. First only eat when you are hungry, at proper times, in proper amounts and proper combinations.
By eating our largest meal of the day around noon when our digestive fire is strongest we can best utilize that fire to break down our food into absorbable nutrient levels. Having lighter meals for breakfast and then again at dinner will not overtax a weaker digestive fire and help in reducing digestive upsets.
Sleeping at proper times is also important because it is when we are asleep that our bodies have an opportunity to digest everything we have experienced throughout the day. We also detox and synthesize new tissues during this time.
Waking up early gives us plenty of time to gradually transition from sleeping into our daily routine. Starting your day with a glass of warm water and a little lemon will help your elimination. Then it’s a good time for exercise, pranayam (breathing method to extend life force) and meditation followed by a healthy but light breakfast and then off to work!
Ritucharya refers to Seasonal Routines
Ritucharya teaches us how to live in harmony with the seasons. Just as we change our wardrobe to keep us comfortable during different weather we should also adjust the foods we eat to support these weather changes internally. When the weather outside is hot we introduce cooling foods and herbs into our diet with a heavier emphasis on sweet, bitter and astringent tastes. When the weather is cool and dry, we need moist, warming foods and spices to help our bodies find balance changing the emphasis to sweet, sour and salty. When the weather is cold and wet, we need more warming and drier foods focusing on bitter, pungent and astringent taste to help us balance the cold and wet aspects of late winter and spring.
The three doshas are also reflected in the different stages/seasons of life. When we learn to assimilate all this information into our lifestyles then staying in balance becomes a delightful dance with nature.
Treatments of Ayurveda
Abhyanga is massage using oils (sometimes medicated) appropriate to your dosha, season or condition. It is good to take the time for abhyanga once or twice a week. For vata season (fall/early winter) or constitution warmed sesame oil is nice. For Pitta season (summer) or constitution raw organic Coconut is very nice. For Kapha season (late winter/spring) or constitution warming Mustard Oil is a good choice. For convenience you can do self-abhyanga at home. Taking your time, use long strokes on the long bones (arms, legs) and circular strokes on the joints (ankles, knees, shoulders, etc.). Large circular motions clockwise on the abdomen. Even include your scalp. Feel free to take 30 minutes or more applying your oil. Keep the oil warm in a bath of hot water. After 15 – 20 minutes you are ready for a warm shower. Let the warm water melt the oil off. You can use a light cloth but no need for soap as the oil will have dissolved any grime or residue that was on your body. Allowing the oil to stay on for 15 to 20 minutes lets your skin absorb and digest the good nutrients of the oil. Please use cold/pressed organic oil. Everything you put onto your skin goes into your systems.
After Abhyanga you may find no need to use moisturizing lotions.
Shirodhara is a very soothing treatment where warm medicated sesame oil is poured in a gentle stream across your forehead for about 30 minutes. This is very soothing to the nervous system and is a great way to reduce stress and tension.
Is a 5 step cleansing and rejuvenation procedure that is beneficial for a healthy person to undergo twice a year to preserve their health.
It is best to have an experienced practitioner to oversee this cleanse to tailor it to your specific needs as well as supervise the rejuvenation process to rebuild a healthy, balanced body.
Whenever undertaking a cleanse it is of utmost importance to rebuild in a proper manner. Cleansing is a depleting action and must be followed by rejuvenation.