Tamika Phillips

Health Sciences

School of Natural Health Studies

What is Ayurveda?

Some may not have heard of Ayurveda, you might’ve heard of acupuncture. Like acupuncture which came from Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda came from India. Ayurveda is a traditional medical practice that started long ago before TCM.

Ayurveda is an ancient medical holistic practice which started from the Vedic civilization of India.

What was the Vedic civilization?The Vedic civilization brought Ayurveda, the science of life from India an ancient form of healing the health system

The origin of Ayurveda can be trace back to over 5000 years from the Vedic’s civilization. Ayurveda has two meanings from the Sanskrit language Ayur which means life and Veda which means knowledge so this can be said Ayurveda means the knowledge of life.

DOSHA

According to Ayurveda Medicine there are three dosha functional intelligences within the human mind complex, they are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Vata: The energy of movementVata regulates the activity within the body. A person who has the Vata dosha body manifest dry skin, and hair, and tends to become constipated. Moreover, Vata individuals have light muscles, bones and thin body frame. Pitta: The energy of digestion and metabolismPitta is the principle of fire in the body. The responsibilities of Pitta is to regulate the chemical of food that gives the body an appetite, vitality and the to understand and ability to learn. Those with the Pitta for energy have strong appetites, may have a higher than average body temperature and may have a receding hairline or boldness. The body of a Pitta is light and medium with sensitive and reactive to heat. Kapha: The energy of lubrication and structureThose who carry the energy of Kapha have strong qualities of earth and water. Kapha energy comprises all cells, tissues and organs in the body. People who are Kapha are chubby shaped and overweight. Moreover, Kaphas have good memory, faithful, steady mind and understanding.

Ayurveda Treatments

There are different forms of treatment in Ayurveda anyone who have the same illness will use the same treatment for their illness. The different treatments in Ayurveda are:

DietRoutine exerciseMinerals, herbs, oilsMassage

When following Ayurveda base on the diet understanding the Dosha will help you know what foods are good for the body and the ones that should be avoided. Learning about the Dosha energies will help a person understand what risk factors will cause a preventable illness due to foods.

The routine exercises based from Ayurveda Medicine follow the three doshas. Each dosha follow exercises that will help the body stay physically active without damage. Vita dosha people have a lot of energy, however tire quickly. Ground exercises work best such as yoga, walking and dancing. Pitta should exercise in moderation, so do activities such as roller skating, jogging and cycling. With Kapha dosha the exercises individuals should stick to anything aerobic. Since Kapha dosha individuals has great physical strength do some exercise that can cause a lot of sweat to cleans the body. Other ways Ayurveda is used is through minerals, herbs, and oils. With minerals, and herbs Ayurveda practitioners as well as consumers can use St. John’s Wort for depression, and Turmeric (curry), and ginger for Atherosclerosis. There are other herbs that also help with AIDS, Autoimmune diseases, and Depression. Furthermore, oils are use when given massages.

Ayurveda diets

Ayurveda focus a lot on the way the diet maintain wellness in health and a preventive for diseases. The diet in Ayurveda has been shown according the three

doshas to balance living.

All diets for the three doshas are found on http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/2/a/ayurveda.htm

On the website there is a list for all type of foods that helps with balance.

Places to find for Ayurveda medicineFresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats

South shore India market218 Quincy ave.Braintree, ma 02184

Shiva bazaar of India914 Washington St.Norwood, ma 02062

Sabb’s market of Norwood1001 providence hwyNorwood, ma 02062

Mass farmers marketshttp://www.massfarmersmarkets.org/FMFM_Main.aspx

Ayurveda: the complete illustrated guide for ancient Indian healing tradition