Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient medical system developed in India. It does not deal with the human body exclusively at a physical level, but includes the mental and spiritual levels simultaneously.

Ancient Ayurveda literature incorporates an extensive study on nutritional balance that is not only dependant upon the basic value of nutrients, but is also related to the fundamental nature ( prakrti) of an individual. Prakrti denotes both the physiological and mental characteristics of a person.

The Five Fundamental Elements

Ether , Air , Fire , Water , and Earth

These elements form the reality of our Universe. And what brings life to the Universe is the Universal Soul which pervades each element of the cosmos. It is only energy.

The real self is called Jiva, or the soul. And unlike our bodies , Jiva is changeless and immortal.

Our bodies will undergo the transformation of birth, childhood, youth, old age and then death. After death , the elements of the body that were once formed in a particular fashion, seperate leaving the physical body . Jiva (the soul) also leaves. Then, eventually moves back into another physical form and is said to be reborn. Creating a cycle of life and death. The past Karma (the deeds of the previous life) are said to account for the quality of the next life.

The Three Humors

vata , pitta and kapha

These three humors are responsible for our physical being and vital functions.

When the Jiva enters the body , made of all five elements , the body starts living. The five elements then aquire the form of these three humors. They are vital forces in the performance of the physical and mental body.

Vata : light , mobile , cold , and rough . The functions of the body that involve movement.Blood circulation , respiration , speech , touch , excretion , hearing . Also, fear , anxiety , grief , and sexual urges.

Pitta : hot , sour , sharp , and pungent. Fire. Digestion , hunger , thrist , vision , cheerfulness and sexual vigor.

Kapha : cold , heavy , sweet , dull , solid. Body , firmness , heaviness , sexual potency and restraint.

It is essential to maintain the equilibrium of these three humors. When completely balanced , the five elements are life- supporting. A pure state of well-being.

Humors in Relation to Seasons

Rainy : Vata

Warm and Dry (Summer and Autumn) : Pitta

Cold (Winter) : Kapha

Ether & Air

Fire

Water and Earth

Healthy nutritious meals containing grains , vegetables and fruits are essential for a healthy lifestyle. Regular meals should be consumed in an appropriate manner and in moderate quantity. The food should be fresh, of good quality and well-prepared. Take the time to shop around for wholesome foods to keep in your home. There are many great vegetarian cookbooks online and in your local bookstores. Create a happier, lighter lifestyle with vegetarian health.

Ethnic medical practices from all over the world include healing rituals, prayers , or other ceremonies associated with certain holy places, rivers, specific astronomical time, ect. In Ayurveda practice, healing rituals are largely based upon the worship of the five elements that constitute our material reality.

Yoga, meditation, chakra balancing and breathing techniques are also used to create a healthy , well-balanced self. Click back in your browser to my home page to read more on these practices.