Ayurveda
The Nature of Ayurveda
Derived from the Sanskrit words Ayur (life) and Veda (science), Ayurveda, the science of life, is an ancient, holistic medical system practiced for over 5000 years.​ ​Originating in India​, it focuses on achieving balance between the body, mind, and spirit, in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
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More than just a science, Ayurveda is a way of life. It provides personalised guidance on diet, herbal remedies, daily routines, yoga, and massage, all tailored to an individual's requirements. ​At its core, Ayurveda aims to restore and maintain long-term health by addressing imbalances in the body's doshas (energy-profiles).
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While Ayurveda is not intended to replace western medicine, it can work synergistically with conventional healthcare to support overall health and wellbeing.
The Tri-Dosha Theory
In Ayurveda, ether (space), air, fire, water, and earth are the five great elements of nature which exist in all matter.
These fundamental elements of life combine to form the three doshas:
vata, pitta and kapha.
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The three doshas govern the physical, mental, and emotional tendency of an individual.
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Our Individual Constitution
Each individual embodies all three doshas. The predominance of one, two, or all three doshas varies for each person, giving rise to our own unique constitution. Each individual has two constitutions: Prakriti and
Vikriti.
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Prakriti, an individual's basic body constitution, is their unique dosha combination determined at the time of conception. Parkriti never alters and remains the same throughout an individual's lifetime.
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Vikriti, an individual's current dosha constitution, reflects their present health state. The dosha balance can fluctuate over time due to several factors such as diet, lifestyle, stress, and the seasons.
Differences between Prakriti and Vikriti will highlight any dosha imbalance, indicating the most suitable massage, yoga, herbs, lifestyle, and dietary changes required to address this. Returning an individual to their Prakriti is key, as prolonged dosha imbalance can lead to illness, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
