WHAT IS AYURVEDA AND HOW CAN AYURVEDA HELP YOU?
Ayurveda is derived from the two words Ayur and Veda, which can be understood to mean “the Science or Knowledge of Life.” Ayurveda will teach you how to heal yourself because of its unique understanding of symptoms and diseases. Ayurveda understands disease to be the natural, result of living out of harmony. An important point here is that disease is natural. When we live out of harmony our body wants to communicate that disharmony to us. And the message of the body is our symptoms.
Healing is the reverse. Healing occurs when we learn to live in harmony with our environment. And this is the science of Ayurveda. When we learn to live in harmony with our environment the body’s potential to heal is maximized.
Incorporating Ayurvedic practices on your own can certainly be beneficial, but working with an Ayurveda practitioner offers deeper, more personalized guidance to help restore balance and achieve optimal health. A practitioner starts by looking at your digestion—symptoms like gas, bloating, heaviness after eating, or burning indigestion are key indicators of imbalance. Ayurveda views digestion as the root of health, and when left unaddressed, digestive issues can spill over into more serious conditions like hormonal imbalances, arthritis, anxiety, sleep deprivation, or even chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. By working with a practitioner, you’ll gain insight into how to harmonize your body and mind, accelerating your path to long-term well-being.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU WORK WITH ME AS YOUR AYURVEDA PRACTITIONER?
An initial Ayurveda Consultation takes approximately 2 hours. This may seem long, but it takes time to discuss many aspects of your life and your well-being. The questions cover all aspects of who you are, some of which might be very personal. Some of what I need to know includes digestion, sleep patterns, diet, daily schedule, and relationships.
I will also take a physical assessment of you, part of which includes looking at your tongue, hair, skin, and bone structure. For the in person meetings, I also take your pulse.
This Initial Consultation allows me to determine your dosha. Dosha is defined as “aspects that can cause problems”. Your dosha is the balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. You may have heard of these terms, but they can be hard to understand. Below is more information to help clarify what Ayurveda can do for you, what your unique dosha is, and how you can make changes to bring yourself back to perfect (or near perfect) health.
Your natural constitution, or Prakriti, is your unique balance of the doshas. This was determined at conception and is not changeable. It represents you in your most balanced, healthy state. This is the balance that we will be working to restore. Every person has a different Prakrit, as each of us has a different fingerprint.
Your current state of the doshas is your Vikruti. The dosha or doshas which are out of balance have risen into excess, manifesting as disturbances in the body and/or mind. Ayurveda works to correct imbalances so that your body has an ideal environment in which to heal. Imbalances first begin to show up in your life as symptoms- i.e. gas, bloating, lethargy, intensity.
BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE 3 DOSHAS
Vata Dosha: Vata is created by the elements Ether and Air. Ether is the idea of space and connectedness. Air is the idea of motion. Together, Ether and Air are cold, light, dry, and mobile. If you are Vata in your nature or imbalance, these characteristics will dominate in your body and mind. Your body features will tend to be small, thin, and light. When in balance, you will likely be enthusiastic, light-hearted, and highly creative or innovative.
Pitta Dosha: Pitta is created from the elements of Fire and Water, but is mostly fire. Fire is the idea of heat, transformation and illumination. Water adds smoothness and flow. In combination, those of a Pitta nature tend to be warm and fiery. The Pitta body is moderate in size with moderate-sized features. Pitta brings focus, clarity, and logic to the mind.
Kapha Dosha: Kapha is created from the elements of Earth and Water. Earth is the idea of solidity and stability. Water is the idea of flow. Together, Earth and Water are heavy, moist, cool, and solid. Kapha brings stability to the body and sweet compassion to the mind.
Interested in Ayurveda Consultation with me? I’d love to work with you. Here is information and how to sign up to begin.
Or just send me an email: Marisa@ShelterinsSkys.com and ask me any questions you may have.
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