What is Āyurveda?

Āyurveda is an ancient system of medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It is a holistic approach to wellness that takes into account all aspects of health – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. According to Āyurveda when the bio-energies (doshas) of the body work together harmoniously, the digestive fire (agni) works smoothly and elimination of waste (malas) functions well, a foundation of health and happiness in mind and spirit is created.

Āyurveda is based upon the five elements—Pancha Maha Bhutas:

• Ether (Ākash)

• Air (Vāyu)

• Fire (Tejas)

• Water (Āpas)

• Earth (Pruthvi)

Āyurveda has thousands of years of detailed knowledge about the nature and effect of foods, herbs and seasons. It also understands how the five elements combine in the body to govern physical and mental tendencies and how different dietary and lifestyle habits affect our mind, body and spirit.

In their energetic form, the five elements combine into bio-energies called the doshas.

• Vāta-Principle of Movement

• Pitta-Principle of Transformation

• Kapha-Principle of Nourishment

The doshas are the bodily representatives of the great powers (tattwas) of the universe—Vāyu, Sūrya and Soumya—and are responsible for all functions in the body.

Vāta governs the principle of movement, responsible for smooth function, physical motion and movement of all kinds.

Pitta governs the principle of transformation and governs digestion, conversion and regulation of bodily temperature as well as the ability of the intellect to comprehend.

Kapha governs the principle of assimilation and is responsible for building and protecting the body.

Health Benefits of Āyurveda

Āyurveda has many health benefits related to the mind, body, and spirit. According to a report published by the University of Maryland Medical Center, Āyurvedic’s approach to health with medicine and an appropriate Āyurvedic diet can successfully address inflammatory conditions, hormonal, digestive, and autoimmune problems, including the following:

• Anxiety or depression

• Asthma

• Diabetes

• Certain types of cancer

• Dementia and Alzheimer’s

• Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)

• Herpes

• High blood pressure or cholesterol

• Parkinson’s disease

• Peri-menopausal problems

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and cramps

Āyurvedic herbs, practices, and recommendations have also been shown to be helpful in:

• Treating acne

• Relieving chronic constipation or irritable bowel syndrome

• Relieves chronic fatigue syndrome

• Reduces pain

• Lowers the risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome

• Removes toxins accumulated in the Body

• You Learn how to clear up your energy

• Better health at a cellular level

• Stronger digestion

• Reduced stress and increased sense of well-being

• Better skin and sair

• Reduces inflammation

While the practice of Western medicine has its roots in ancient Greece and Rome, Āyurveda developed independently in India. The name comes from two Sanskrit words: āyus (life) and Veda (knowledge). So literally translated, it means “knowledge about life”.

In contrast to Western medicine, which focuses on treating symptoms with drugs and ignoring the underlying problems, this system aims to look at the root causes of diseases and how they are related to a person’s thoughts, beliefs, and lifestyle.

The word “individuality” is used because each person has a unique set of characteristics that make them different from other people. Āyurveda takes these individual characteristics into account when treating someone's health condition or illness.

We at Amogha Āyurveda believe that by balancing the body’s energies of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, can help people regain natural vitality and prevent the disease from occurring or recurring. The goal isn’t just to treat symptoms with drugs and ignore the underlying problems but rather to look at the root causes of diseases and how they’re related to a patient’s thoughts, beliefs, and lifestyle choices.