Ayurveda

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a medical and spiritual system from India dating back more than 3000 years.  It is a holistic system of living, which incorporates nutrition, herbs, massage and yoga into a lifestyle to promote positive health and mind body balance.

Ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit ‘ayus’ meaning life and ‘veda’ meaning science
or knowledge. Ayurveda thus translates as knowledge or science of life. The aim of Ayurveda is to promote a long and healthy life.

How Ayurveda works

Ayurveda views the universe as composed of the panchamahabhuta or five great elements: earth, water, fire, air and space. We are also composed of these elements. In our bodies they translate into the tridosha of vata, pitta and kapha, the physiological humours, which govern all bodily functions. Each of us has our own unique mix of these doshas, which create our prakruti (mind body constitution). This mix is always in flux and can become imbalanced due to diet and lifestyle. This can lead to illness if left unchecked. The distinctiveness of Ayurveda is that it can predict imbalance and rectify it before it leads to illness. If illness does occur, Ayurveda looks to repair the root cause rather than the symptoms and restore balance.

The Doshas - the root of all imbalance

The doshas are what make up our mind body constitution.  They are physiological humours which govern all our bodily functions.  In balance, they maintain health and vitality.  When in a state of imbalance, they can cause ill health.  While we have all three doshas in our mind body constitution, one or two tend to dominate.

Vata
Vata is responsible for all movement in the body. It is made of the combination of ether and air. Vata types in balance are inspirational and imaginary. They are full of life and ideas, which the may not always carry out. When imbalanced they can become anxious or forgetful.

Pitta
Pitta is responsible for digestive processes in the body.  Pitta is the result of a combination of fire and water.  Pitta types are goal oriented; when they decide to do something they will finish it.  When in a state of imbalance, they can become irritable and fiery.

Kapha
Kapha is responsible for growth in the body.  It is made of earth and water.  Kapha types are loving tolerant and have great stamina.  However, when imbalanced, the can become lazy and lethargic.

 

Yoga

WHAT IS YOGA?

Yoga is a spiritual system originating in India. It comes from the Sanskrit ‘yuj’ meaning yoke or union of the body, mind and spirit. Therefore it benefits on the physical level, mental level and spiritual level depending on how deep the student wishes to pursue it.

 

Asanas – the physical postures
This is what most people associate with yoga. An asana is a ‘sthira sukham asanam’ – a steady comfortable pose. Asanas develop the body and also the mental faculties and spiritual capacities. The aim is to achieve a state of health where the body and organs function under the intelligent control of the mind.

Pranayama – breathwork
Pranayama are breathing exercises which control the prana or subtle energy which in turn, leads to the control of the mind. In ordinary breathing we extract very little prana, but when we concentrate and consciously regulate the breathing, we are able to store a greater amount. Someone with abundant prana radiates vitality and strength.

Yoga nidra and sankalpa – relaxation and positive mental attitude
Yoga nidra is physical, mental and emotional relaxation with awareness. It is in this state that we introduce the sankalpa (resolve, intention or positive suggestion), for example: I resolve to stop smoking. It can be extremely powerful if used with commitment because you are accessing your subconscious and unconscious mind, thus increasing your willpower.

Benefits of yoga

Physical

• Improves the flexibility of the spine, which houses the nervous system of the body.
• Improves energy and vitality.
• Increases concentration.
• Promotes general well being.
• Improves strength.
• Massages the internal organs – promoting digestion and proper functioning of internal organs.
• Promotes immunity.
• Improves circulation.
• Improves posture.

Mental

• Improves concentration and mental clarity by increasing oxygen supply to the blood.
• Calms the mind, therefore increasing control over the emotions.
• Promotes general mental well being.
• Balances emotions and improves outlook on life.
• Can improve confidence.