The word Ayurveda is one of the most mis-pronounced Sanskrit words I have heard. Usually I hear it said as: “Are-your-veda.” To understand it’s pronunciation and meaning better, let’s take a look at the two parts of the word. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word made of āyuh, which means life/longevity and veda, which means science and or knowledge.…
Ayurveda is the longest standing system of medicine in the world. That fact alone shows there is truth and relevance to its principles. Ayurveda stands apart from other systems of medicine, because it values the recognition of a person as a unique individual having a unique prakruti or elemental balance. The mass media tends to portray…
The ancient sage of Ayurveda Acharya Susruta has described the features of a healthy person. It follows that the doshas must be in equilibrium, the digestive fire must be in a balanced state and the dhatus (tissues) and malas (wastes) must work in a normal way. The sensory and motor organs and mind, atma must…
When people are just beginning to try to figure out Ayurveda, they’ll often say to me that it can be confusing. My response is that it’s not that Ayurveda is confusing. Modern society has pushed us so far away from what is natural that Ayurveda feels like learning a new language. But Ayurveda can feel like learning…
Have you ever wondered why people gain weight at different rates, walk at different speeds and are prone to different health problems? According to the ancient Indian healing system Ayurveda, the answer lies in your constitution type or Dosha. This beginner's guide will help you identify your Dosha, discover which elements govern you and learn…
Ayurveda dates back thousands of years just like Yoga. Both aim to improve your health mentally and spiritually as well as your happiness. The practices of Ayurveda and Yoga are very similar practices especially regarding how they effect your mental strength and abilities. Ayurvedic practices influence different aspects of the body. They help improve upon…
In the United States, Ayurveda is considered a 'complementary health approach' by the National Institute of Health's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Ayurveda is not currently licensed in any of the 50 states. However the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) is working on changing that. NAMA represents the Ayurvedic profession in the…
Ayurveda Can Transform Your Life Have you ever called your doctor with a nagging complaint (migraine, ringing in the ears, sinus congestion, bloating, constipation, heartburn, pimples, sciatic pain, etc.) and he tells you there is nothing he can do? Well, there's an ancient healing science that may provide some answers. What Is Ayurveda Used For? Ayurveda…
In Ayurveda, there are three pillars that make health happen: ahara (food), nidra (sleep), and brahmacharya (balanced sexual drive). When all three are in balance, they make for a properly nourished, adequately rested, and sexually healthy human being. Lacking this critical balance, the individual will suffer from a myriad of disorders, ranging from headaches to infertility. Make…
Macrocosm and Microcosm Ayurveda is the product of a civilization, which is deeply rooted in Mother Nature. The seers knew that all of Nature is part of the individual, since we are all created from, exist in, and return to nature. A fundamental tenet of the Ayurvedic system of medicine is the principle of similarity…
