centered AYURVEDA
living nature’s rhythms
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda, often referred to as Ayurvedic Medicine, has gained prominence as one of the fastest-growing healthcare systems globally. It stands as the world's most ancient holistic, preventative approach to healing, written about in the Vedas of India 5000 years ago.
Notably, Ayurveda served as the foundational influence for Greek and subsequently Western medicine, albeit diverging in their focus, with Ayurveda emphasizing holistic well-being and equilibrium among the body, mind, and spirit.
The essence of Ayurveda beautifully mirrors its name's origin, where "Ayur" means "Life," and "Veda" embodies "Knowledge". Ayurveda helps us understand ourselves and our individual constitution and how our unique nature interacts and responds to the nature around us — be that food, people, climate or career.
At the heart of Ayurveda lies the belief that one's well-being and longevity are intricately linked to the harmonious equilibrium maintained across not just physical dimensions but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual realms. Ayurveda directs us to live responsively with nature's wisdom and rhythms. This fundamental principle drives Ayurveda's primary mission, which is to foster robust health and a lasting life, prioritizing holistic whole health over the mere treatment of specific ailments.
Ayurvedic Signs of Health
Radiant, clear, supple skin
Bright, clear eyes
Smooth and regular elimination of waste, including feces, urine, sweat, and tears
Consistent energy levels throughout the day, free from highs and lows
Inner tranquility that contributes to a calm and harmonious demeanor and mental clarity
Sound and restful, uninterrupted sleep where you awaken feeling refreshed
A smooth and clear voice, free from crackling or roughness
A well-balanced appetite without cravings
A strong sense of self-assuredness
Ayurvedic Signs of Imbalances
Morning grogginess upon waking
Persistent fatigue
Digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhea
Experiencing symptoms of PMS
Feelings of fear or anxiety
Frequent susceptibility to colds and illnesses
Insomnia or sleep disturbances
Nocturnal urination
Occasional dizziness
Frequent burping and excessive gas
Post-meal bloating
A general sense of discomfort
Occasional heartburn and acid reflux
Recurrent headaches
Persistent bodily stiffness
Centered Ayurveda is an approach to whole health that centers and embraces traditional wisdom while emphasizing the practical application of this medicine in our modern lives.
It encourages individuals to engage with Ayurvedic principles in a way that is realistic, adaptable, and achievable, recognizing that the journey toward true health is a slow, incremental evolution rather than a destination.
Ayurveda posits that whole health extends beyond elaborate practices or expensive interventions. It emphasizes accessible and sustainable holistic approaches and challenges the notion of perfection, instead encouraging individuals to embrace their unique circumstances, acknowledging that it's okay not to have everything figured out and that small, sustainable changes can lead to significant improvements.
There is nothing right or wrong, good or bad in Ayurveda. Instead it is about noticing cause and effect as an ancient way to understand life.
Rather than rigid rules, it is a down-to-earth and compassionate approach that integrates Ayurvedic principles into the realities of modern life. However, this does not mean we force Ayurveda to fit into our lives (because many of the modern things we are doing are probably contributing to the root cause of our ailments). It means we pace ourselves as we shift patterns and habits at the center of our distress. Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on making gradual, sustainable changes and utilizing the free resources already at one's disposal.
Ayurvedic Tools
Living in harmony with nature's wisdom and rhythms is the foundational principle of Ayurveda. This involves aligning daily routines, dietary choices, and lifestyle practices with the natural cycles and rhythms of the environment in a reasonable, response-able way.
Diet: By carefully considering what, when, and how one consumes food - and life.
Lifestyle Habits and Daily Practices: Including establishing daily routines, regulating sleep and relationship patterns, managing electronic device usage, doing yoga, meditation, pranayama, being outside, and the use of a neti pot, for example.
Herbal Remedies: Harnessing the power of herbs to support well-being.
Therapeutic Treatments: Like oil self-massages and kitchari resets.
In this way, Ayurveda encourages individuals to take charge of their health to actualize balance and vitality.