Ayurveda…The Science of Life

by Liz Kruger

The word "Ayurveda" is derived from two words — "Ayus" meaning life and "Veda" meaning knowledge or science. Hence, Ayurveda is "the science of life."

Life, according to Ayurveda, is a combination of senses, body, mind and soul. Ayurveda does not just limit itself to the body or physical symptoms, but also provides comprehensive know-ledge about physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. It is a science of balance — the art of daily living in harmony with the laws of nature. In working to create health, Ayurveda takes into consideration these different levels of life and their interconnectedness.

The aims and objectives of this science are to maintain the health of a healthy person and to heal the disease of an unhealthy person. Both prevention (maintenance of good health) and healing are carried out by entirely natural means.

Ayurveda is as old as humanity itself. It is the world’s oldest known medical science, originating in India over 5,000 years ago. Although Ayurveda was first understood in India, it does not belong to any particular country, religion or civilization. Its principles are universal, easily learned, and readily translate to our western lifestyle. Dr. Deepak Chopra, whose teachings are based upon this ancient science, has done much to socialize Ayurveda here in the west.

According to Ayurveda, each of us inherits a proportion of three basic body/mind principles called "doshas", which create our unique mental and physical characteristics. The three doshas are known as Vatta (air/ether), Pitta (fire) and Kapha (earth/water). Using these principles, we can identify our body/mind nature and use this understanding to make the most nourishing and appropriate choices for ourselves.

The nature of Ayurveda is commonsensical. For example, if you have a burning skin rash, you take cooling substances internally as well as externally, to heal yourself. A dry rash would indicate the need for internal moisture. In Ayurveda, what goes on inside the body affects the outside. Ayurveda operates in this way — cooling what needs to be cooled, warming what needs warming, moistening, or drying as required. Ayurveda addresses the individual body and what it needs for balance at any given time. It is specific to each individual. "For whom?" and "When?" therefore become the questions Ayurveda asks to determine appropriate treatment.

Ayurveda sees medicine and diet as complementary rather than separate. Food is considered medicine as well as nourishment — and what one eats vitally matters. Eating the right food can mean the difference between feeling wonderful and wondering why you don’t feel better. Most disease is traceable ultimately to incorrect diet. No one can expect to retain vitality, recover from disease, or succeed in the maintenance of health without the appropriate knowledge of the powerful effect diet has on physical health, mental clarity and spiritual well-being.

By understanding your basic constitution and condition, you can utilize nutrition as a deep source of healing. This resource is largely under your control it is you who eats for you and no one else. This can be profoundly empowering. It is not as easy as taking a pill or defrosting a TV dinner. And yet it’s positive effects extend in directions far beyond what you might imagine.

For more information, contact Liz Kruger at (775) 727-9397.