What is Ayurveda?
The teachings of Ayurveda date back thousands of years as an ancient wisdom system. Ayurveda my direct Sanskrit definition is ayur which means “life” and veda which means “wisdom or knowledge”. Ayurveda can be used as both an analysis and healing system to understand 1) when the natural state of our bodies are out of harmony and 2) what our bodies need to bring us back to that place of harmony.
Ayurveda is both a natural healing wisdom and a teacher. It has become a great way for me to tune into my body and listen to what it needs.
My understanding of it, is that we each have a natural state of ‘balance’ within our bodies. Our bodies meaning the physical body, mind, and consciousness.
This place of ‘balance’ can change as you get older, but there is always a generic ‘mapping’ of your body, which is also aligned with the seasons and energy.
As we go through life, there are a number of things than can cause us to become ‘unbalanced’. These can be certain events, situations, people, stress, poor diet, our environment or our upbringing.
There are a number of factors that play into what would could hinder our natural resting state. An ‘unbalanced’ state of being could signal temporary disorder, like a sickness or a cold. It can also signal more lasting, devastating disorder like illness, disease, or a new diagnosis. For me, it showed up as an Autoimmune Disease.
Additional ways of recognizing when we are not in balance with our true selves, are extreme feelings, intrusive thoughts or behaviors.
The good news is, no matter what you are facing in an imbalance, it is important to remember that being aware and conscious of this imbalance is the first step. Ayurveda can help someone understand what their natural state is and how to maintain it, while also correcting any imbalances we experience. This is done by introducing certain tastes and natural products to the body, determined by one’s genetic makeup, current state, and the season.
What is an Ayurveda Spa Treatment like?
With Ayurveda Spa treatments, Ayurvedic massage is focused on the skin and energy points rather than the muscles. The skin is the largest organ of our bodies and we must nurture and protect it from outside toxins and impurities. When learning more about Ayurvedic massage, I found it beautiful that the focus is on our skin because not everyone feels comfortable in their own skin.
In a typical Ayurvedic massage, herbal infused essential oils are applied to the body with a focus on improving circulation and lymphatic drainage and balancing one’s energy centers (chakras) which are super important for people living with inflammation and chronic pain. This focus can release emotional baggage, stress, and mental blocks, while the body enters a state of relaxation.
There are many different treatments options available ranging in temperature, herbs, and sensations. The Ayurveda specialist selects a treatment that best suits your individual health and genetic makeup (or doshas) in order for you to receive the maximum amount of benefits, while releasing toxins and reducing stress in the body.
The ancient practice of Ayurveda believes each individual has a unique amount of Doshas within the body. Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) are specific elements in the body and based on your body’s characteristics, you have different levels or combinations of these elements naturally within you. The elements include air, space, earth, fire, and water. Ayurveda attempts to bring your Doshas to its natural state of balance.
Depending on the person’s needs and individual health, will depend on the intensity of the essential oils, heat, and pressure.
Who Should Practice Ayurveda?
I believe Ayurveda can be practiced as much or as little as you want. Every person’s time and energy is different, just like everyone’s body, mind, and consciousness are different.
If any of these apply to you, it is a great reason to practice Ayurveda:
- Want to learn more about your body and how to listen to its needs
- It would benefit you to understand when to recognize an imbalance in your life
- Are interested in more natural, whole foods
- Looking for new recipes to try
- Practicing being more intentional with what you put in/on your body is important to you
- You steer away from chemicals, GMOs, and preservatives in your food and in your home
- Anyone who wants to learn about an ancient healing system
- You have a desire to deepen your spiritual journey
- Currently facing an illness, sickness, or disease
- Maybe you just received a diagnosis of some sort
- You are tired of all the ‘fad’ diets and are looking or something more sustainable
- Want to feed your family with the best foods, herbs, and spices throughout the year
- Anyone! Healthy people too!
Why Did I Begin?
When I was in the midst of my spiritual awakening, I became very congisant of the choices I was making or thoughts I was having. Being intentional from the moment you wake up to the moment you lay your head down at night, opens a realm of bliss. The first intentional decision you make as you wake snowballs into another intentional decision, and another.
Soon, my days began with yoga and meditation, journaling or reading, caring for my garden’s herbs and plants, fueling my body with ingredients that brought energy and balance, and cutting out things that brought disorder.
It was exciting to build this intentional relationship with my body. As someone who has little control over what is going on neurologically due to my autoimmune disease, being able to control what I put into my body gave me my life back.
How Has it Made a Difference in my Life?
It has been about a year since I’ve started practicing Ayurveda, or at the least, being more intentional with what I put in and on my body. I am in no way an expert nor do I claim to be, but I am aware that this has changed my life for the better, in both little and big ways.
In regards to my Autoimmune disease, it has done wonders! My latest MRI results have been undeniable proof that being intentional with my mind, body, and consciousness through this practice, are helping me manage my chronic illness in an enjoyable manner.
For an invisible disease that I can not control, I get to control this. I get to be intentional. I can decide what I do for my health. And my body rewards me in its acceptance and pleasure.
As much as I would like for Ayurveda and natural remedies to be the sole reason for my health results when it comes to my Autoimmune disease, I do in fact also receive modern, western medicine to treat my Multiple Sclerosis.
However, giving my body the natural remedy of Ayurveda in conjunction with the western medicine I receive…my body, mind, and consciousness feel a great deal better. Compared to the prior, when I was only receiving western medicine to treat my MS, I was still experiencing imbalances which showed up in other areas of my life.
Food can be just as powerful as medicine. Which is why I believe my choice to practice Ayurveda, in addition to modern medicine, I receive the best healing possible.
What Else is There?
I am currently still practicing in little ways that I can. I would suggest you continue to read more about Ayurveda, and discuss with people who are currently practicing Ayurveda- ask them what has worked for them and any advice they have.
*Please note, these are just my understandings and how I have welcomed the practice into my life. Talking to an Ayurveda therapist and health practitioner is always a good idea when it comes to your health.
