What is Ayurveda? How different is it from modern medicine? This blog post should answer all your lingering questions about basic Ayurveda.

Anyone who’s into yoga knows that once you make it a lifestyle, Ayurveda will never be far behind. Ayurveda, for me, is perhaps one of the most amazing philosophies of healing. In fact, it makes me appreciate, respect and understand my body more. Sadly, not everyone knows what it really is. Some even have wrong ideas about it! So here I am sharing with you the knowledge of basic Ayurveda.

Basic Ayurveda | What You Need To Know

The Wonders of India’s Ancient Form Of Healing

Long, long before penicillin, antibiotics, and other forms of modern treatment came about, there was Ayurveda (which roughly translates to the science of life). Its history can be traced back more than 5,000 years ago, although there’s a possibility its actual origin started way earlier. We cannot really determine since it began as an oral tradition.

The Body-Mind-Spirit Connection

Recently, modern medicine begins to see the connection between the mind (or at least the brain) and the body. For example, people with depression possess a higher risk of developing sleeping disorders. This relationship, however, has long been established by Ayurveda. Truth be told, it is the essence of the practice!

Ayurveda takes a more holistic approach to healing and body awareness. It says a healthy person has a balanced physical body, mind, and spirit. If this balance is disturbed, symptoms of illnesses surface. To cure therefore is to regain the balance.

But what sets Ayurveda apart from other holistic perspectives is its strong emphasis on the power of the mind. If the mind is balanced, the body and the spirit follow.

No Modern Pills, Please!

Ayurveda is completely natural. It relies on specific formulations of herbs, oils, tonics, and spices. It also utilizes other forms of alternative techniques such as massage and diet.

Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

No, these are not sorority groups but the three types of doshas, or energies, flowing around the body. The idea wherein the body is a form of energy has been around for a very long time and is recognized by other countries like China. Ayurveda’s doshas, however, are connected to natural elements and seasons.

Vata is connected to air and space and therefore governs body movements including blinking, swallowing, and breathing. It is also related to winter, and so people with strong vata may desire hot weather (as a way of achieving balance).

Pitta is connected to water and fire and thus manages transformations or processes in the body such as digestion. It is also related to summer. A person with an imbalanced pitta may be suffering from an inflammation.

Kapha is related to spring and is connected to water, as well as land or earth. Therefore, it is related to structure and stability such as the skeletal system and organic molecules that support our body. People with more kapha may struggle losing weight.

What Is Prakriti?

In basic Ayurveda, you cannot choose your dosha. In fact, you have all three! However, the prakriti (your body constitution or nature) is different from the rest. For example, according to my doctor, I am more kapha than pitta and vata. This means I prefer stability in relationships, as well as slow and steady paces. That’s why I love yoga!

But this also implies my metabolism is slow, and it’s incredibly easy for me to gain weight! To avoid these, I need to create balance by avoiding heavy cold food such as ice cream (boohoo).

Yoga and Ayurveda

Ayurveda and yoga are not the same as only one of them is a medical system. However, they are interrelated as both are part of the Vedic teachings.

Moreover, yoga incorporates many principles that are complementary to Ayurveda. Take, for example, meditation and yogic breathing. These two can increase a person’s self-awareness, thus improving the mind. They also cause physiological changes such as a slower heartbeat and a more relaxed body, which is the kind of balance an overstressed person needs.

Need to restore balance to your vata? Try these yoga exercises shared by Banyan Botanicals: 

If you’re interested in going beyond basic Ayurveda, I highly recommend you see a doctor. This way, you avoid making your own formulations that can do more harm than good.

Nevertheless, embrace natural healing and experience the benefits of Ayurveda!

Got more questions about yoga or Ayurveda? Don’t forget to subscribe to Yoga Form or leave them in the comments section below. 

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