What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda originated in India and has been used for over 5000 years to bring the body back in balance with nature and harmony with the self. The Sanskrit word "Ayurveda" literally means "Knowledge of Life". It is not only a science but also a philosophy. It accepts the Vedic view that we are a microcosm of the universe (macrocosm). What is present in our environment is also present within us. We are made up of the same elements that make up the universe, earth, water, fire, air, and ether, in different proportions. This gives us our original constitution our Prakruti. Throughout our lifetime we try to keep the balance within our bodies as close as we can to its original constitution.
When stress, disconnection with self, unhealthy eating, bad habits, and wrong lifestyle choices happen our bodies go out of balance, causing dis-ease, if left unchecked for a long period of time it can become chronic or life threatening.
Ayurveda is different from western conventional medicine in that Ayurveda looks at the body/mind system whereas western medicine looks only at the physical body. Ayurveda also knows that at the core of our being is spirit, which is always healthy, whole, non-changing, and immortal. Coming from this perspective we are able to gain a more holistic insightful diagnosis of the problem causing the dis-ease. This allows us to take care of the cause and not just mask the symptoms, which is what conventional medicine does. Ayurveda uses multiple approaches to remedy the problem; diet, lifestyle, herbs, meditation, pranayama, panchakarma, and spiritual counseling. This takes care of the whole being, body, mind and spirit.
Ayurveda approaches health as a process not a state, it is ongoing not a one time attempt and the process is dependent upon the person taking responsibility for his or her life not just waiting for an expert to fix “it”. Health is a dynamic balance not a stationary balance. This dynamic balance needs to be achieved in all aspects of a person’s life, physical, biochemical, intellectual, emotional, behavioral, spiritual, familial, and social. This is done through therapies that are customized to suit the individual and comprehensive, considering all aspects of life like nutrition, natural medicine, exercise, rest, emotions and lifestyle. All ayurvedic therapies are natural not synthetic allowing for a harmonious integration with the self. The goal of Ayurveda is to heal diseases, reestablish balance, prevent disease, and promote positive health.
If you'd like to know more about Ayurveda, understand more about your unique Prakruti (constitution) and how you can live more in harmony with Life and Nature. Chitra Sukhu gives Ayurvedic Consultations, in-person and LIVE Online. Ayurvedic Consultations
Chitra Sukhu is leading an Ayurveda and Yoga Nidra Retreat in Kerala, India Sept. 30th - Oct. 14th. More Info coming soon.
