“Without proper diet, medicine is of no use;
With proper diet, medicine is of no need.”
-Traditional Ayurvedic aphorism
Wellness is a human right
Ayurveda is the traditional medical system of India that has been practiced for thousands of years. It comes from the ancient Sanskrit texts called the Vedic Literature which was passed down as an oral tradition for over 3,000 years before they were committed to writing in 1500-500 BCE.
While there are Ayurvedic practitioners who focus on herbal treatments, detox cleanses, and even surgery; the foundational knowledge of Ayurveda is the use of food and routine to stabilize and soothe the dynamic principles underlying all the systems of the body (these are called Doshas) so wellness and health is spontaneous and disease doesn't arise.
The principles of diagnosis through self-pulse examination and methods of treatment within Ayurveda are simple. Absolutely anyone can learn the simple techniques and interventions that prevent disease regardless of education, background, station, income, or literacy. This is truly a system of wellness that is accessible to all people.
I find the preventative perspective from Ayurveda to be a wonderful adjunct to the interventional perspective in western Allopathic medicine and often use the two systems of knowledge in consort.
Whether you are interested in general classes or videos exploring Ayurveda or one-on-one training to become an expert in your own Pulse and the captain of your own Doshas, I am honored to share the knowledge of Ayurvedic medicine through individual and small group classes, lectures, and workshops.
Understanding
the Doshas
Consciousness becomes matter
Three Principles
Vata, Pitta, and Kapha
The Doshas exist at the junction between consciousness and matter and underlie the generation of all the tissues and functions of the body. When the doshas are balanced, they generate wellness and vitality. When the doshas are out of balance, or blocked by Ama (undigested material), disease arises.
Because the matter of the body is rooted in consciousness, the experience of the Doshas enlivens principles in the body that change how physical tissues function. With very basic knowledge of the primary characteristics of each Dosha, those dynamics can be activated or soothed through the 5 senses and through the properties of various foods.
The information for how to care for you body is *literally* at your fingertips. Lets work together to build this skill set so that you become the expert of care and wellness for your body.
About Vata
The "king" of the doshas
Vata is made of the elements Air and Space. It is the dynamics of moving and drying within the body.
When Vata is in excess it causes drying (joint degeneration), excess movement (racing thoughts, anxiety and insomnia) and irregularity (constipation and irregular menses).
Vata is irritated by cold, dry, rough sensations; bitter and drying flavors; and irregular routine. (Think eating a kale salad at 9pm).
Those who tend toward Vata imbalance should avoid cold, raw, and rough foods (sorry salad eaters!) and sooth this Dosha using cooked meals with plenty of lubricating oils, warm oil massage, sipping warm water throughout the day, and consistent daily routine.
Disease is caused by
Ama -
The product of improperly digested food is called Ama.
Ama blocks bodily channels (srotas) causing dosha aggravation and imbalance.
Signs of Ama build up:
-Sluggish mental processes/fogginess
-Clogged processes (nasal congestion, closed pores, blockages)
-Exhaustion
-Frequent illnesses/decreased immunity
-Indigestion
-Frequent spitting
-White coating on the tongue (especially in the mornings)
Heartburn & Indigestion
When Agni (the digestive fire) becomes imbalanced it creates dysfunction in the bodies ability to correctly process the foods we eat.
Symptoms:
heartburn, belching, sour taste in the mouth, irritability
These symptoms need to be treated by soothing Pitta
-the heating and transformation dosha-
in addition to cleansing Ama
through specific dietary adjustment that favor balancing Pitta and avoid foods and lifestyles that cause this dosha to flare up.