What Is Ayurveda?
I often get many questions and confusion, many dazed looks from people when I speak about this topic.
And it’s nobody’s fault. You don’t know what you don’t know. Unfortunately, this amazing subject often falls under the category of either unknown, misunderstood or overlooked in our society. Ayurveda is written off as just another health fad that will fade away in a year. Quite the contrary, Ayurveda has been around long before any of us, and it will be here long after.
So to start clarifying and redirecting the confusion, I’ve taken a moment to write a short excerpt in which I simply and concisely define Ayurveda from my perspective through several years of study, dedication and practice.
I hope this helps spark your interest and that it brings you any amount of clarity.
And please… I’m always ready for more questions that may come!
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is a natural medical science derived from the Ancient Vedic texts in India. It is largely based on cultivating a balance of the elements and qualities of Nature through the lens of the body, mind and emotions.
The body is seen as a receiver from the outside world, and everything that enters the body, be it food or experiences alike, have a cause and effect on digestion, the tissues & overall health. The body is similarly affected by its disposition, or nature, as we enter this world with a specific constitutional being.
Ayurveda is used as a powerful preventative health practice to maintain homeostasis, as well as a form of treatment for those already experiencing disease. A tried and true method, Ayurveda has existed for a very long time for good reason. Its simplicity and alignment with Nature definitely balance out its complexity and nuance as one dives deeper into the knowledge and vast array of concepts this science touches upon.
While Ayurveda is gaining traction in the Western world, its power as a health practice is still largely untapped, as the intuitive nature of the Vedic teachings and Sanskrit alike need to be translated with patience to the Western way of thinking. That is to say Americans are way more mind-centric and sometimes dependent on quick results, while the practice of Ayurveda pulls us back down into a grounded place of knowing, being and harmonizing with what is. It’s definitely possible to integrate Ayurveda into your life, but it requires contemplation and reconsideration of the many certainties and norms from which many of us tend to source our comfort.