What is Ayurveda?

The Sanskrit word Ayurveda translates to āyuh, life, and veda, knowledge or science. It is an ancient healing system rooted in India that has been practiced for thousands of years. Ayurveda’s scope encompasses all realms: physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual, and thus addresses the whole person, body, mind and consciousness.

The universe is composed of five elements: ether, air, fire, water, and earth. These five elements combine in varying proportions to create the three doshas: Vata, the principle of movement, Pitta, the principle of transformation, and Kapha, the principle of cohesion or building block material.These elements and doshas that comprise the macrocosm also make up our individual constitutions. The purpose of Ayurveda is to bring balance to these doshas and elements amidst the changing times of day, seasons, and phases of our lives, in order to promote and maintain quality and longevity of life.

One of the subtle healing practices that Ayurveda guides us into is Meditation and Breathwork (Pranayama).