AYURVEDA
Ayurveda, which literally means the knowledge and wisdom of life, is the traditional healing system of
India.
Often called the Mother of All Healing, it originated in India over 5000 years ago.
Recently, Ayurveda has been having a profound impact upon the world of health care. Popular books by Deepak
Chopra, M.D., and others have called attention to the potential of this ancient healing system. Along with the potential to heal chronic diseases, Ayurveda promises to improve health and
increase longevity.
Ayurveda is considered the healing side of Yoga. Likewise, Yoga is the
spiritual side of Ayurveda. Both Ayurveda and Yoga strive to help a person re-connect to their true nature through direct experience. Together, they encompass a complete approach to the well
being of the body, the mind, and the spirit.
Ayurveda views health and disease as the end result of how we interact with our environment. Harmonious interactions lead to
health while disharmonious interactions lead to disease. Ayurveda is the science of developing greater harmony with our environment through all of our senses.
According to Ayurveda, we create and recreate our state of health each day based upon how we interact with the world, in terms of
our beliefs, perceptions, thoughts, and feelings, which then ultimately determine our actions. Actions in harmony with our inner nature create health, while those disharmonious with our inner
nature create disease.
Your inner nature is called your constitution or prakruti. This unique balance of energy was determined at the moment of conception and is with you the rest of your life. It determines what is in
harmony with your nature and what will cause you to become out of balance, sick, and diseased. Knowledge of your constitution is essential to develop- ing optimal health. Your constitution
determines how you react to various foods, colors, aromas, and general life habits.
The Three Doshas
Your constitution is the fundamental and unique balance of three basic energies called doshas. They are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The balance in each
individual is different; hence, each individual has his or her own special set of challenges and gifts. For this reason no two programs are identical, and each person's path toward optimal health
is unique.
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VATA
Air + Ether
Dry
light
Cold
Mobile
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The Vata dosha is said to be made up of the air and ether elements. This means that it has qualities that are similar to these elements.
Vata is very much like the wind: it is light, cool, dry and mobile. In the body those people with a Vata nature experience more of these qualities. Their bodies tend to be light, their bones thin,
and their skin and hair dry. They often move and speak quickly. When out of balance, they may lose weight, become constipated, and have weakness in their immune and nervous
systems.
These qualities are also reflected in the personality. Those with a Vata nature tend to be talkative, enthusiastic, creative, flexible, and energetic. Yet when out of balance, they may also become
easily confused and overwhelmed, have difficulty focusing or making decisions. and have trouble sleeping. This becomes more apparent when they are under stress. They are challenged by cool emotions
like worry, fear and anxiety.
In order to bring balance to Vata, programs are designed that emphasize the opposing qualities of warmth, heaviness (nourishment), moistness and stability. In
the diet this is reflected in the consumption of cooked grains such as rice and cooked vegetables as well. as the intake of warm milk with spices.
Pungent herbs like ginger that increase internal heat and nourishing herbs like ashwagandha bring balance to Vata.
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PITA
Fire + Water
Hot
Light
Oily
Unstable
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The Pitta dosha is said to be made up of the fire and water elements. Fire is more predominant, and those people with a predominant Pitta nature have many of the
qualities of fire within them. Pitta tends to be hot, sharp and penetrating. It is also somewhat volatile and oily. The oily nature of Pitta is related to the secondary component of water. People
with a Pitta nature reflect these qualities. They tend to feel warm, have somewhat oily skin, penetrating eyes, and sharp features. They tend to have moderate weight and good musculature. When
out of balance, they tend toward diarrhea, infections, skin rashes, and weakness in the liver, spleen, and blood.
These qualities are also reflected in their personalities. Pitta people tend to be highly focused, competitive, capable, courageous, energetic, and clear
communicators, who get right to the point. They like to solve problems, and, when under stress, they dig in their heels. However, they can also become overly intense and speak with a sharp
tongue. They make great friends but feared enemies. Emotionally, they are challenged by the heated emotions of anger, resentment, and jealousy.
In order to bring balance to Pitta, programs are designed to emphasize the opposing qualities of coolness, heaviness (nourishing) and dryness. Cool spices like
fennel are recommended in the diet along with foods such as raw vegetables, cooked rice, and wheat as well as most beans. Sweet herbs like shatavari are used to nourish the body, while bitters
like dandelion root temper the fire.
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KAPHA
Earth + Water
Cold
Heavy
Moist
Stable
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Within the Kapha dosha there is a predominance
of the water and earth elements. Like these elements Kapha tends to be cool, moist, stable, and heavy. In the body1hese qualities manifest as dense, heavy bones; lustrous, supple skin; low
metabolism; and large, stocky frames. In addition, those with a Kapha nature tend to feel cool. When out of balance, Kapha individuals are prone to gaining weight and tend to have weaknesses in
their lungs and sinuses, where there is an accumulation of mucous. Those of Kapha nature are also most prone to non-insulin- dependent diabetes mellitus.
The elements of water and earth are also manifested in the personality. The heavy, stable nature of Kapha is
reflected in a steady personality that is not prone to quick fluctuations. Those with a Kapha nature handle stress very well, often not even noticing that it exists. They don't like change, are
generally conservative, and would prefer to keep things just the way they are. Those with a Kapha nature are also comfort seekers. This relates to the soft, watery nature of Kapha. Too much
comfort, however can lead to a lack of motivation and a feeling of becoming stuck. When Kapha is out of balance, the heavy emotions of depression and lethargy result.
In order to bring balance to a Kapha nature, the opposing qualities of lightness, dryness, and warmth are
recommended. Grains such as quinoa and amaranth are recommended as well as hot spices like cayenne pepper. Lots of vegetables and very little nuts or dairy are prescribed. Cleansing herbs like
guggul and pungents like clove bring balance to Kapha.
The awareness gained from having an Ayurvedic consultation allows one to create balance and harmony, thus
avoiding the onset of symptoms. If you are already ill, Ayurveda helps you to create the optimum environment in your body for healing to take place! Ayurveda will help you feel better about
life and have greater energy and enthusiasm.
Clinical Ayurvedic Specialists at CCA's Ayurveda Healthcare Center conduct Ayurvedic consultations to
determine a person's unique constitution. Through this consultation the nature of a person and any imbalances are identified. Then the Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist puts together a treatment
program that not only includes foods and herbs but also aromas, colors, massage, detoxification, yoga, and meditation -all aimed at restoring or maintaining balance.
Healing imbalances at their root is the ultimate goal of Ayurveda. Many times, the root of imbalance lies
in the digestive system and in the mind. Ayurvedic Pancha Karma therapy is the most powerful way of addressing the root causes of disease. Pancha Karma purifies both the digestive system and
the mind. Removing impurities from the body via the digestive system and bringing balance to the mind is the art of Ayurvedic Pancha Karma.
All treatments take place at the Omspring Offices in San Francisco:
