Ayurveda - Knowledge of Life!

Ayurveda means "The Knowledge of Life" and is one of the oldest systems of holistic medicine and healing.

Ayur or life is characterized by the harmony of the higher self, mind, vital energy, senses and body.

This idea of ​​life encompasses all aspects of our existence and suggests the breadth and comprehensive perspective of Ayurvedic theory and practice.

Ayurveda is part of the ancient Indian texts, the Vedas, which date from 4000 BC – 500 BC. The Vedas analyze the birth and properties of the five elements, as well as the relationship of man with these elements.

The five elements – Pancha Mahabutas

According to Ayurveda, all creation is based on the theory of the five elements which are:

The ether, the air, fire, water and earth.

The five elements compose what we can perceive with our senses and we could say that they also shape our thoughts and emotions. Each element has its own characteristics and its own qualities. One is the continuation of the other as they develop successively and for this reason we observe some common properties between them.

Because of their kinetic nature, when the five elements interact with each other, Three energies arise that we call doshas, ​​which are:

Vata = ether + air

Pitta = fire + water

Kapha = earth + water

The vata dosha is responsible for the motor action within our body, and because all of our body's functions are based on movement, it is considered the leader of the doshas.

Pitta dosha with fire as the main element Its component, takes care of digestion, metabolism and maintaining our temperature.

Kapha dosha is the building block of the body. The density of its elements (water + earth) shapes our bones and muscular system and helps restore balance after any action.

The different proportion of these energies within the body determines the uniqueness of each individual's temperament.

"The purpose of Ayurveda is to maintain health in the healthy body and restore health to the sick body."

Charaka Samhita

The Ayurvedic system's definition of health holistically approaches the tripartite body, mind and spirit, thus covering harmony in the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of man.

"Health is balance in energies, fires, tissues and wastes, peace in the spirit, senses and mind."

Susruta Samhita

The actions in the body are characterized by Vata, which is responsible for movement, Pitta, which expresses the metabolic process, and Kapha, which contributes to restoring the body's balance.

The fires represent the digestive system and the substances secreted by the organs during food metabolism.

The tissues are 7 : rasa, rakta, mamsa, medas, asti, majja, sukra (plasma, blood, muscle tissue, adipose tissue, bones, bone marrow, egg/sperm).

Waste are the results of the excretory system, menstruation and sweat.

Peace It lays the foundation for the happiness of the spirit, senses and mind.

The therapeutic material of Ayurveda is based mainly on the food we consume, which must be adapted according to the needs of our age, the time of year, and be as close to its original form as possible.

The system's rich botanicals are one of the most important allies in maintaining the body's well-being. Many of its herbal recipes are time-tested and documented by modern studies.

Practicing yoga and breathing exercises are Ayurveda's suggestions that help us maintain a harmonious relationship, initially with ourselves, with other people, and with the nature around us.