Why AyurVeda?
In Sanskrit, Ayur means life and Veda means science, so, AyurVeda is the science of life as it relates to the study of all the laws of nature. An ancient and comprehensive system of natural health, the two main goals are to:
• maintain a healthy person’s health; and
• cure disease.
Maharishi AyurVeda is a holistic prevention-focused approach that integrates modern science and Vedic science and includes our understanding of the Self, mind, body, behaviors, daily routines, environment, our relationships with food, other people, animals, our connection with consciousness, the cosmos (yes, astrology too!) – it’s all about coming back to the sense of balance and health we were intended to enjoy in this life. It’s yoga – it’s the union of all that is. Maharishi AyurVeda unifies the knowledge of all areas of life which impact health.
Connection with consciousness enlivens the physiology to restore balance and, ultimately health. We consider all aspects of a person’s life when developing a plan to restore and maintain wellness. This means we don’t just look at the symptoms showing up at that moment. We look at everything about how an individual is leading their life to determine the root underlying causes of any imbalance and suggest recommendations that can be implemented over a period of time, not all at once, so that any changes made are sustainable. Nothing we practice is intended to bandage a problem and mask symptoms. We emphasize behavioral and lifestyle changes to prevent and address chronic health issues.
Maharishi AyurVeda is based on the study of life and health from the east as we know it from the most ancient texts, the Vedas, and knowledge passed down over thousands of years. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation, worked with many experts for more than 30 years to study these ancient materials and update the practices to apply to modern life.
One of the core practices that differentiates Maharishi AyurVeda from traditional AyurVeda is the practice of Transcendental Meditation or TM. During TM practice, we use a mantra (given by a certified TM teacher) and effortlessly bring the mantra to mind as easily and gently as any other thought. This practice enables us to settle the normally constant fluctuations of activity of the mind and experience a state of unity in the Self. Through TM practice, we strengthen our consciousness connection, and it is in this state of deep rest that the body has an opportunity to repair anything that has gone awry.
In the early stages of working with someone, using a variety of methods, we determine their Prakriti, which means their constitution, or their true nature, since most of the time, our Prakriti does not change. Everything we suggest after that is an attempt to restore someone to their true nature, allowing the ultimate sense of balance. It is because we have deviated from our true nature that we are out of balance and perfect health. So, unlike modern medicine’s typical approach, we treat each person as an individual based on their constitution.
The 5 elements, earth, water, fire, air, and space, represent 3 doshas which are the 3 fundamental essences or governing principles AyurVeda uses to describe our Universe. The 3 doshas are Vata, which is space and air, Pitta which is fire and water, and Kapha which is water and earth. Everything in our existence can be described in terms of the 5 elements and therefore, in terms of the 3 doshas. The interplay between the 3 doshas is how we understand and describe our nature.
Akasha, or space, is the field of consciousness – of all possibilities. Vayu, or air, is associated with our sense functions. These elements comprise Vata Dosha which is cold, light, dry, and irregular. Vata Dosha governs transportation, communication, and movement, which are the functions of the channels of communication and transport in the body, and is located in the large intestine and the colon. When balanced, there is strong immunity, sound sleep, and enthusiasm.
A Vata-dominant person tends to be fast-moving, have a slight build, and lose weight easily.
Some main causes of Vata imbalance are overexertion, excitation, keeping an irregular schedule, and staying up late. Fluctuating energy levels result from the irregularity of Vata Dosha and other signs of imbalance might show up as anxiety, excess dryness, constipation, insomnia, dry, rough skin, tension headaches, and degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Agni, or Tejas, means fire. Jala, or Apas, is water. These elements comprise Pitta Dosha, which is hot, sharp, and pungent. Pitta Dosha governs digestion, metabolism, and transformation, which are functions of digestive and metabolic processes, and is located in the small intestine. When balanced, there is normal body temperature, lustrous complexion, and contentment.
A Pitta-dominant person tends to be driven, has a medium build, is moderately muscular, and does not gain weight easily.
Inflammation is a function of Pitta Dosha and imbalances might show up as ulcers, rashes, irritable bowel syndrome, excessive body heat, visual problems, and premature balding or greying of the hair
Jala or Apas means water. Prithivi means Earth – this is the grossest level of the five elements. These elements comprise Kapha Dosha which is heavy, unctuous or oily, and cold. Kapha Dosha governs structure, cohesion, and lubrication which are functions of the tissues in the body and is located in the head and chest. When balanced, there is strong immunity, strong joints and bone structure, affectionate behaviors, and generosity.
A Kapha-dominant person tends to be slower moving, gain weight easily, and have trouble losing weight.
Congestion and toxicity are functions of Kapha and imbalances might show up as slow digestion, nasal allergies, diabetes, asthma, or excess oiliness.
These are just a few of the many characteristics that help us identify each Dosha. The important thing to us is identifying the fundamental elements of balance and imbalance, not being able to label a disorder.
If we are working with a client in person, we might also use pulse diagnosis to help determine the current state of the Doshas.
The imbalance of a Dosha begins with accumulation. When a Dosha starts to accumulate, it gets exaggerated. Too much of one, means the others decrease because they’re all connected. So, we need to take steps to pacify or reduce the accumulated Dosha so we can come back to a more natural state of balance between all three.
We use the concept of like attracts like to help pacify the imbalanced Dosha.
Samanya refers to the principle of similars which means, any substance or influence on the body will produce more of those similar qualities. Vishesha is the principle of opposites which means, any substance or influence on the body will produce the opposite qualities.
Similarity causes increase
Dissimilarity causes decrease
We use the concept of Samanya to understand causation. Usually, when there’s an imbalance, it’s because the body was repeatedly influenced by something which aggravated one or two Doshas, resulting in whatever issues being experienced.
We use the concept of Vishesha to guide us on how to balance a situation – using the opposite quality.
For example, if we’re in a cold environment, this corresponds with Vata. If we also drink ice water, we’re going to drive up the sense of cold in the body which might aggravate Vata. If instead, we’re in a cold environment and we drink hot water or eat warming spices, we’re going to pacify Vata Dosha, allowing us to feel more balanced.
Other important concepts include the strength of our digestion – the strength of our Agni which is the digestive fire – AyurVeda considers Agni to be the key to health or disease, proper elimination of the malas, or waste products, is essential for health, and keeping a low level of Ama which is undigested food, and is the result of improper digestion, has both physical and emotional causes.
When digestion functions as it should, we absorb maximum nutrition from the food we eat, and the body simply functions with more ease, which leads to ease in the mind. Easy digestion leads to easy elimination. We feel good and we can enjoy life.
When we don’t feel well, that is what’s in the background of our life experiences.
When Agni is balanced, we feel good during and after digestion, we have good energy, enthusiasm, and a glow about us. This leads to Ojas, the finest and final product of digestion and metabolism, responsible for health and immunity. Optimum production and maintenance of Ojas supports balanced function throughout the body, including balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Ama, on the other hand, is the result of improper digestion which might show up as heaviness in the body, constipation, fatigue, indigestion, white coating on the tongue, and some other signs we consider when determining the current level of Ama.
According to AyurVeda, imbalanced digestion is at the root of many chronic disorders. A primary focus is to ensure Agni, or the digestive fire, is strong. One way we can do this is to sip on warm or hot water throughout the day to keep the warmth alive within us.
Hippocrates said, “Everyone has a doctor in him or her; we just have to help it in its work. The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.”
“AyurVeda also believes there is a natural healing force within each of us – an inner intelligence.”
We owe it to ourselves to awaken our inner intelligence, recognize what living in a balanced state means, and what steps we can take to bring ourselves there.
Interested in learning more? Attend an Intro to AyurVeda workshop with Sheri Craze (click here) or set up your AyurVeda Education session now (see below).
Sheri Craze is currently working toward a Master of Science degree in the Maharishi AyurVeda and Integrative Medicine program at Maharishi International University (miu.edu). The information provided is for education purposes only and is in no way intended as a substitute for medical advice from your health professional(s).
