AYURVEDA
the mind body medicine of India
In Sanskrit, the word ayur means life and veda means knowledge. Originating in India over 3,000 years ago, Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest healing systems and the sister science to yoga. It promotes daily self-care as a means to balance mind and body- supporting wellbeing through prevention rather than waiting for imbalance to occur.
Ayurveda is a vast topic — nothing in this world exists as an isolated entity. Like increases like. Our physical conditions are a reflection of our mental, and vice versa. Everything is connected, and whenever there is imbalance, we only need to look within to find the answers.
Rather than replacing Western medicine, Ayurveda offers a more preventative approach to health, while Western medicine often focuses on treating disease after it appears, Ayurveda is rooted in understanding patterns, addressing the source of imbalance, and restoring harmony.
AYURVEDIC
CONSTITUTION
According to Ayurveda, the five elements — earth, water, fire, air, and ether — combine in the body to form the three doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha, which influence body, mind, and emotions.
Ayurveda is rooted in the idea that each of us is born with a unique blueprint for health. Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, it views every person as an individual expression of the elements. The more in tune we are with nature, the more we support balance.
Vikruti (dis-ease state) is the current state of imbalance in body, mind, or emotions.
Prakruti is your original constitution — the natural balance of doshas you are born with.
Imbalances are signals inviting change. By understanding your prakruti, Ayurveda can guide lifestyle choices, daily routines, and preventative care that support wellbeing.
THE DOSHA’S
We are all made up of the three doshas — vata, pitta, and kapha — which are combinations of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space. Usually, one or two doshas are more predominant.
Ayurveda recognizes that we are part of nature, and nature is part of us. By understanding how these energies express themselves in our bodies and lives, we become better equipped to make conscious choices that support balance and wellbeing.
Air + Ether/Space
Vata represents motion. Dry, cold, light, and mobile, like a fall day. It is balanced by warmth and grounding qualities. Vata governs movement in the mind, body, and the nervous system.
Fire + Water
Pitta represents transformation. Hot, sharp, and fiery, like the summer sun. It is balanced by cool and calming qualities. Pitta governs metabolism, digestion, and absorption.
Earth + Water
Kapha represents structure. Cool, moist, steady, and stable. It is balanced by light and uplifting qualities. Kapha governs the body’s structure- fat, muscle, and the skeletal system. It is the most stable of the doshas, reflected in nature through rocks and mountains.
THE AYURVEDIC PATH
Cultivates a deep awareness of how we live and relate to ourselves. It is a practice of self-empowerment and self-compassion. Through greater awareness, one can move through life with more ease and awareness. Nature is our guide and teacher. Ayurveda teaches us to look to nature’s rhythms as a path to living in harmony and balance.