Ayurveda is becoming a buzzword in the field of alternative medicine, but it’s been around literally for ages. First discovered in India, Ayurvedic medicine seeks the balance of the body with the universe. It believes that people have three prevailing life-forces or “doshas”: the Vata dosha, the Pitta dosha, and the Kapha dosha. These energies are said to all exist in all individuals, but various individuals will have different dominant doshas. Each dosha is assigned to two elements that make up the individual.
The Three Doshas
For instance, the Vata dosha is the dosha of space and air. This dosha governs circulation and breath, the core bodily functions which keep us alive. The Pitta dosha, on the other hand, is the dosha of fire and water. This dosha is in charge of metabolism and digestion. And finally, the Kapha dosha is the dosha of water and earth, and is in charge of growth in the body. This dosha is nourishing and nurtures the body to grow and become stronger.
Ayurveda creates balance through various means. This may include diet, herbal medicine, blood cleansing, and massage therapy. These methods are said to help an individual be more in tune with their overall wellness.
But what does all this have to do with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and does it really work? Yes, it does. Here’s why:
Balancing Not Just the Body
Ayurveda doesn’t just seek to balance your body, and it’s not just about seeking balance with the universe. Ayurvedic medicine also incorporates the mental and emotional welfare of an individual in the equation, making it more realistic.
For example, the more stressed you are, the more likely you’re prone to disease. After all, diseases do develop from not only infections, but a radical imbalance in the body, such as the food we intake, the stress we develop from the state of our relationship, among others. Ayurveda seeks to balance out these things in creating a more holistic approach to wellness.
