INTRODUCTION TO AYURVEDA

Ayurveda is often referred to as the ‘sister science’ of yoga. These two practices go hand in hand to support each other, and to support you.

‘Ayur’ translates to life or longevity.
’Veda’ translates to knowledge or science.
Therefore Ayurveda is the science of life. The science of longevity.

In Ayurveda, we operate under the belief that everything is made up of five elements. Earth, air, fire, water and ether (or space).
We all have these five elements present in us, however, Āyurveda recognises that each person is unique and has a distinct constitution also known as a prakriti. 

As we move through the world, taking in information, ingesting food, moving our bodies and just generally experiencing modern life, we begin to develop what are called doshas or imbalances.
Below is a breakdown of each of the doshas. 

THE DOSHAS AT A GLANCE: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. 

Vata

Vata is associated with the elements of air and ether.

It represents movement, creativity and vitality. It is cold, dry and mobile. 

Vata governs bodily functions such as circulation, respiration, nervous system activity, and elimination. 

People with a dominant vata dosha tend to have a lean body, dry skin, and exhibit qualities such as enthusiasm, creativity, and quick thinking. 

When vata is imbalanced, it can manifest as anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, dryness and restlessness.

Pitta

Pitta is associated with the elements of fire and water. It represents transformation, change, metabolism, and energy production. 

Pitta governs functions such as digestion, metabolism, body temperature, and hormonal balance.

Individuals with a dominant pitta dosha typically have a medium build, oily skin, and possess qualities like intelligence, focus, and ambition. 

When pitta is out of balance it can lead to issues such as acidity, skin rashes, anger, over-competitiveness and inflammation.

Kapha

Kapha is associated with the elements of water and earth. 

It represents structure, stability, and lubrication.

Kapha governs functions like growth, lubrication of joints, immunity, and emotional stability. 

Those with a dominant kapha dosha generally have a sturdy build, smooth skin, and exhibit qualities like calmness, compassion, and endurance. 

When kapha is out of balance it can lead to weight gain, sluggishness, inertia, congestion, and unhealthy attachment.

Ayurveda treats wellness not as the absence of disease; it is the presence of wellness in body, mind, and spirit.

Our aim is to maintain a state of balance among the doshas.
Ayurveda places great emphasis on preventive healthcare and maintaining balance to prevent the onset of diseases. It encourages us to adopt a healthy lifestyle, eat according to out constitution, and apply movement and meditation practices that promote balance and well-being. 

If you’d like to learn more about how to balance the doshas using your yoga practice, try: SEASONAL STUDIO

Yoga that changes with the earth’s seasons. Using the teachings of Āyurveda, Daoism and Yoga to find balance, equilibrium and longevity.