What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is an integrative health system with roots in the Indian subcontinent over 5000 years ago. An indigenous medicine system, originally passed through oral tradition.
At its foundation is the understanding that each individual is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to life, well-being or medicine.
Ayurveda has procedures for preventative health AND disease intervention, for both physical and psychological ailments.
Ayurveda’s integrated approach allows us to tackle imbalances through a wide variety of modalities including:
Diet, Nutrition & Lifestyle
Herbs Supplements
Bodywork & Massage
Exercise & Yoga
Meditation & Breathwork
What does it look like to work with an Ayurvedic Practitioner?
Health plans and interventions from Ayurvedic Practitioners use a holistic approach to manage physical and mental health through herbs, diet, exercise plans, bodywork, mental health/counselling methods.
The some key differences you might notice from other modalities are the diagnostics and the understanding of the pathology of the condition. Ayurveda is an ancient science which approaches the body’s systems and causes from a uniquely Ayurvedic perspective by understanding the unique constitution (Prakruti) of each individual. Ayurvedic science defines the body systems (Srotas), the energies and forces for movement, contraction, expansion and elimination (sub-vatas), understandings of structures, barriers and fluids (sub-kaphas), and understandings of digestion, transformation and metabolic processes (sub-pittas and agnis) very differently.
This alternative perspective on pathology may lead to folks finding relief for their ailments within Ayurveda where other systems have not succeeded. Health plans are developed for both the disease level (Roga) and also the patient level (Rogi). This means that interventions are tailored to your individual needs, as well as what you are capable of receiving at the time (personally and seasonally).
We treat the person first, and the disease second.
It’s all about Balance
What does everything in moderation actually mean?
Ayurveda, at its most simplest, is about balancing “Gunas” or Qualities that make up the world around us. Essentially, it’s the Ayurvedic periodic table. These Gunas exist in us and around us through the changing seasons, food, lifestyle, work. When they are not in moderation, they cause imbalance.
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Excessive heat can lead to inflammation, acid reflux, skin concerns, and anger, perfectionism and burnout.
Excessive coldness can lead to poor assimilation of food, nerve pain, poor circulation and nervousness.
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Excessive Heaviness can lead to slow digestion and sense of fullness even after small amounts of food, mental fog, fatigue, and respiratory concerns.
Excess lightness can lead to ireegular or rapid digestion, unhealthy weight loss, physical weakness/lack of endurance, difficulty remaining calm, easily distracted, lack of sense of place.
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Excessive softness can lead to phlegm, sinus & respiratory concerns, indigestion & bloating, skin issues, weight gain, and inability to be assertive.
Excessive hardness can lead to mobility concerns, muscle and joint pain, constipation/difficult elimination, as well as difficulty adapting/ resistant to change.
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Excessive clarity can lead to digestive sensitivities and IBS, sleep disturbances, emotional sensitivity, overthinking, and challenges with decision making.
Excessive sliminess can lead to weight gain, blocked channels, heaviness, lethargy and indigestion, inability to be open minded.
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Excessive oiliness can lead to weight gain, acne, congestion, lack of motivation.
Excessive dryness can lead to creaking joints, sore muscles, colon concerns, dry skin & hair, anxiety, trouble with developing close relationships.
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Excessive smoothness can lead to reduced alertness, lack of stimulation to various body systems, lack of energy/vigor, and decreased metabolic activity.
Excessive roughness can lead to brittle hair and bones, constipation, dry skin, respiratory concerns, reduced flexibility, and mental agitation.
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Excessive subtle quality can lead to hyper stimulation of the senses/ agitation of external stimulus, anxiety, disconnection from reality, reactivity, and inability to be present.
Excessive Gross quality can lead to inability to initiate or sustain physical and mental tasks, mental fog and difficulty concentrating and apathy.
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Excessive Solidity can lead to tight muscles, lack of mobility, slow digestion and malabsorption, weight gain, difficulty moving, and mentally being “stuck in their ways”.
Excessive liquidity can lead to dampness, congestion, mucus, reduced digestive capacity, weakness in the muscles and joints.
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Excessive mobility can lead to restlessness, racing thoughts, too many or too little bowel movements, sleep disturbances and difficulty completing tasks.
Excessive stillness/stability can lead to lethargy, stagnation, toxin accumulation, mucus and sinus issues, and depression or inability to move on.
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Excessive dullness can lead to persistence fatigue, mental fog, difficulty processing information and making decisions, reduced sensory awareness and disconnection from the world around, lack of responsiveness and enthusiasm.
Excessive sharpness can lead to increased acidity, moving “stabbing” pains and nervous system concerns, inflammation, skin concerns, irritability and over active mind.
Äyur - vedā // Life - Science
In consultation we uncover the equilibrium that defines you. Then we are able to see deviations. Once we understand this, we develop a plan that meets your needs and lifestyle.
In Gratitude
In deep appreciation, I acknowledge that my life, activities, and practice unfold across the traditional and unceded territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw & xwməθkwəy̓əm, & Líl̓wat people. I also gratefully explore and engage with many other lands.
With humility, I recognise that much of my practice is comprised of traditions that are not my own. I offer deep respect to my teachers, Dr(Ayur) Manjot Garcha, Dr(Ayur) Roopa Rao, Dr.(Ayur) Leenu C.B., Rebekka Walker, Susie Newson, and the many other carriers of this wisdom over many thousands of years. Their acknowledgment of the profound value this knowledge contributes to the world is immeasurable.
May this acknowledgment serve as my commitment to understanding, honouring, and respecting the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous peoples whose lands I traverse and from whom I learn.
To learn more about the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw & xwməθkwəy̓əm, & Líl̓wat people, watch this video.