Ayurveda

What is Ayurveda?  Ayurveda is an ancient system of healing that has more to do with preventative health then healing health.  Sanskrit for Science of Life  A system of traditional medicine native to India and practiced world over as a form of alternative medicine. 1

What is Ayurveda?  It is an intricate and complex system that involves lengthy study and practice.  To practice Ayurveda, one must be very disciplined and it is best done under the advisory of a certified Ayurvedic Doctor.  Ayurveda is a system of healing that examines physical constitution, emotional nature and spiritual outlooks. 2

What is Ayurveda?  Ayurveda is considered to be a form of complimentary and alternative medicine within the western world.  Several methods for treatment are use of herbs, massage, and yoga. 3

What is Ayurveda?  In ayurvedic medicine it is believed that the energy of the universe acts upon us through Doshas.  Dosha is sanskrit for energies  There are three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. 4

What is Ayurveda?  We all have qualities of each dosha, but typically, one is stronger then the others.  When the three doshas are in balanced, we are considered to be in our best health.  Ayurvedic medicine works at keeping the body balanced. 5

The Three Doshas Vata  Element is Air  When out of balance, we are flighty, worried or fearful.  When in balance, we are creative and lively.  Vata is prone to constipation, lower back pain, anxiety and joint problems. 6

The Three Doshas Pitta  Element is Fire  When out of balance, we are irritable and judgmental.  When in balance, we are motivated and purposeful.  Pitta is prone to acne and diarrhea. 7

The Three Doshas Kapha  The element is earth and water.  When out of balance, we are lethargic, stubborn and prone to overeating.  When in balance, we are stable, thoughtful, and compassionate.  Kapha is prone to sinus problems, respiratory diseases, and inflammation. 8

What’s your Dosha?  Do not copy this slide.  On the following slides, write down the letter that best answers the what you are typically like. If you are unsure of an answer, pick one anyway that seems the closest fit.  Important to note – this is a VERY small peek into a greater science. You will find similarities but not everything applies to you.

Discover Your Dosha Height A.Tall or very short B.Medium C.Usually short, but can be tall and large Frame A.Thin, bony, good muscles B.Moderate, developed C.Large, well-built Weight A.Low; hard to hold weight B.Moderate C.Heavy; hard to lose weight Skin Luster A.Dull or dusky B.Ruddy, lustrous C.White or pale Skin Texture A.Dry, rough, thin B.Warm, oily C.Cold, damp, thick

Discover Your Dosha Eyes –Small, nervous –Piercing, easily inflamed –Large, white Hair –Dry, thin –Thin, oily –Thick, oily, wavy, lustrous Teeth –Crooked, poorly formed –Moderate, bleeding gums –Large, well-formed Nails –Rough, brittle –Soft, pink –Soft, white Joints –Stiff, crack easily –Loose –Firm, large

Discover Your Dosha Circulation –Poor, variable –Good –Moderate Appetite –Variable, nervous –High, excessive –Moderate but constant Thirst –Low, scanty –High –Moderate Sweating –Scanty –Profuse but not enduring –Low to start but profuse Stool –Hard or dry –Soft, loose –Normal

Discover Your Dosha Urination –Scanty –Profuse, yellow –Moderate, clear Sensitivities –Cold, dryness, wind –Heat, sunlight, fire –Cold, damp Immune Function –Low, variable –Moderate, sensitive to heat –High Disease Tendency –Pain, inflammation –Fever, edema –Congestion Disease Type (when you get sick, typically which system is affected…) –Nervous –Blood, liver –Mucous, lungs

Discover Your Dosha Activity –High, restless –Moderate –Low, moves slowly Endurance –Poor, easily exhausted –Moderate but focused –High Sleep –Poor, disturbed –Variable –Excessive Dreams –Frequent, colorful –Moderate, romantic –Infrequent, disturbed Memory A.Quick but absent-minded B.Sharp, clear C.Slow but steady

Discover Your Dosha Speech –Fast, frequent –Sharp, cutting –Slow, melodious Temperament –Nervous, changeable –Motivated –Content, conservative Positive Emotions –Adaptability –Courage –Love Negative Emotions –Fear –Anger –Attachment Faith –Variable, erratic –Strong, determined –Steady but slow to change

Discover Your Dosha  When you are finished, calculate your results to discover your dominant constitution. Whichever letter you have the most of, that is your Dosha.  (A) responses correspond to vata,  (B) to pitta, and  (C) to kapha.

Discover Your Dosha  Now listen to what a brief description of that dosha means and see how it applies to you.