| Ayurveda is a complete system of health that embraces holistic diet, lifestyle habits, herbs and detoxification therapies individualized for each metabolic body-type called Doshas. Translated as "the science of life," comes from a volume of books called the Vedas which originate in India from over 5,000 years ago, and is now taught in prestigious universities, schools and organizations all across the world. One of the most beautiful and unique aspects of Ayurveda is the level of self-responsibility it encourages and deems possible. Through the learning of some basic and easy to manage tools, it is possible to artfully apply balance in our mind and body. Ayurveda explains the relationship certain foods can have on the quality of our thoughts, as well as environmental shifts on our body, and even how our intentions can directly effect the outcome of our goals. Ayurveda is truly a practice of self-inquiry. Ayurvedic tools such as diet, body-work, yoga, and herbs are used to optimize inner contentment and balance. A cornerstone in Ayurvedic philosophy is the concept of Doshas. Like Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, is based on a five elemental theory. Those five elements are air, ether, fire, water and earth. Everything in the universe is made up of some combination of the elements, weather it be a quality in food or in the mind, or imbalance in our physical body. How these elements pair together are further categorized into Doshas. People exhibit one or more of these Doshas in their mind/body types. There are three main Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Vata is comprised of the elements air and ether. In our environment it can be seen as wind, volcanoes or unexpected change in the weather. Vata-like foods include raw green vegetables or dried fruits which are light and dry. In the mind it can be felt as creativity, intuition, and illumination. A Vata type body is long and willowy with a tendency to be underweight. When Vata is imbalanced, a person might experience anxiety, symptoms of a.d.d., impulsiveness, dryness, insomnia, loss of appetite and constipation. For more about Vata Pitta is comprised of the elements fire and water. In the environment it can be felt from the hot sun. Pitta-like foods include anything hot and spicy like peppers, ginger and cinnamon. In the mind it can be felt as ambition, organization and leadership. A Pitta type body is of medium proportion with a natural tendency toward musculature. When Pitta is imbalanced, a person might experience anger, dictatorship, arrogance, and even hatred. In the body, Pitta imbalances include acne, liver problems, acidity and ulcers. For more about Pitta Kapha is comprised of the elements earth and water. In the environment it can be felt in the cool soil, or a deep and calm lake. Kapha-like foods include rich dairy, nuts, and sugar. In the mind Kapha can be felt as loyalty, compassion, and nurturing. A Kapha body is of a medium to large build, and can often be stout or stocky with a tendency to gain weight easily. When Kapha is imbalanced, a person might experience resentment, lethargy, self-pity and contempt. In the body, Kapha imbalances include weight gain, swelling, diabetes and oedema. For more about Kapha |
| Ayurvedic Bliss Therapies For Living Yoga in a Modern World |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |