About Ayurveda

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Located in Southern Oregon

About Ayurveda

Ayurveda means life knowledge. This knowledge is part of the ancient India texts known as the Vedas. The Rig Veda and the Atharva Veda are the two that hold this holistic information on longevity and healing. I have spent 30 years working in Allopathic medicine and looking at the symptoms of disease. It is an incredible pleasure to now work on the cause itself. Ayurveda is organic, flexible and divine, as is the body itself. This ancient science holds the key to our health, our happiness and our ultimate peace.

The fundamental concept of Ayurveda is the Pancha Bhutas, “five elements”. They are earth, water, fire, air and ether. These elements are the basis of everything in the Universe. Ayurveda, and most traditional medicine systems, use them as the building blocks for the practice. Doshas are based on the elements. Vata, Pitta and Kapha, the three doshas, are the pillars of Ayurveda. Doshas are humors or energetics. They are concepts that many people think of as only applying to a person's constitution. They actually apply to a much broader scope than just people. The principle of doshas can be applied to the seasons, times of the day, emotional and physical traits, food, herbs and more.

Vata is the energy of air and ether. It is the wind and the space that holds the wind. It is cold, dry, light, active or mobile and its primary taste is bitter. People of vata nature tend to be thin, small boned, dry hair and skin, fast talking, with a tendency toward being anxious, constipated, creative and fun loving. Hanging out with Vata, you will have a lively conversation, but you may not get a lot done.

Pitta is the energy of fire, with a little water. It is a bonfire with a bit of oil in the wood that keeps it burning. Pitta is hot, light, mobile, a little oily or wet and its primary taste is sour. People of pitta nature tend to be medium build and weight, sometimes red-headed, deep set eyes, focused, courageous and relatively quick to anger. If you're in a group, the strongest Pitta is the one directing the show, keeping people on task and he or she may get a little irritated with the folks that speak too slowly and don't get to the point.

Kapha is the energy of water and earth. It is the boulders as well as the water that flows over them. Kapha is cool, heavy, immobile, wet and its primary taste is sweet. People of kapha nature are stocky, slow talking, with round faces, big eyes and lustrous, thick hair. You may not notice Kapha right away but when you do, you'll see that they are supportive, complimentary and compassionate. They are the people that stay in the same job for decades and hold space for the activity of others.

Everyone has a blend of Vata, Pitta and Kapha qualities that comprise their basic natures. When these qualities are balanced then you have health; when they are not, you don't. Finding balance and maintaining it, is what the practice of Ayurveda is all about.