A Wholistic approach to Health and Well-being. Unlocking the wisdom of Ayurveda!
In Sanskrit, Ayurveda means “The Science of Life”. Ayur (life) and Veda (science or knowledge). Thus, Ayurveda translates to knowledge of life.
Discovering the Ancient Science of Life. This ancient wisdom still stands as a beacon of holistic health and well-being in modern life. Ayurveda originated in India over 5,000 years ago, "The Science of Life," is a comprehensive system that seeks to balance the body, mind, and spirit.
The foundations of Ayurveda are “The Three Doshas”. Ayurveda divides the year into three seasons, so rather than Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall, we have the seasons of the Doshas and the Ayurvedic Clock which direct us the time for Eating, Sleeping, Working, Thinking/Introspecting and it’s linked to how hormones and genes work and operate and show us a strong link between our body and the energy and quality of the doshas. (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
The Doshas are the three constitutions, humors, or categories of fundamental regulatory principles of the body, mind, and behavior. These three categories, called doshas, are named Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Supported by “The Elements” (Earth, water, fire, air, and space). These doshas represent the fundamental energies that govern various physiological and psychological functions in the body. Each person is believed to have a unique combination of these doshas, influencing their constitution and characteristics.
Vata is associated with air and space. Vata governs movement and is linked to creativity, flexibility, and enthusiasm. Vata season governs late fall and early winter. The time of day is 2:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. From 2:00 to 6:00 P.M. Food and exercise should be light, perfect time to create, brainstorm, and read. From 2:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M. Dream, awake before sunrise, elimination-bowel movement, and Meditation. Ayurveda recommends waking before the sun in the Vata time of day, it can help feeling calm, open, and conducive which leads to the production of Melatonin (sleep-regulating hormone) this is definitely the best time to reinvigorate yourself for the day ahead.
Pitta is composed of fire and water. Pitta governs transformation and is associated with intelligence, ambition, and determination. Pitta season governs the hottest time of the year, composed of fire and water rules from late spring into hot summer and early fall. The time of day is 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. and 10:00 P.M to 2:00 A.M. From 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. is when you should do your most challenging work of the day, this is the most productive part of your day as Pitta dosha is comprised by Fire (Agni) and this when the fire is the most present in the day). This is also the time to have your biggest meal of the day (lunch) as is when food can be best digested and transformed by the digestive fire (Agni). From 10:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M. is “The second wind” which is why it is recommended to be in bed by 10:00 P.M. Eliminate screens and high lighting at least 30 minutes before bed to start the winding process, this is the time to digest food, thoughts and the result of your day. If you happen to be up past 10:00 P.M. try to avoid any snacking as this will interrupt your digestive process causing Pitta to get fired up, and keep in mind that you get the best sleep and rest (REM-sleep) in between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 2:00 A.M.
Our third dosha is Kapha. Kapha is rooted in earth and water. Kapha governs structure and stability. It is linked to qualities like endurance, patience, and compassion. Kapha season governs the darkest part of the winter into the moist Spring. The time of day is 6:00 A.M to 10:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M to 10:00 P.M. Kapha dosha is dominant during the early morning and late evening, during this time you usually feel sleepy and relaxed, sometimes leading to dullness which is why Ayurveda recommends rising with the sun to avoid heaviness and enhance lightness during the day. From 6:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. is the best time to get your morning exercise; have a light breakfast, look at the tasks for the day, and get ready for your morning. From 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. is the time to have a light dinner, connect with family, and relax. Going to bed during the Kapha time of day (before 10:00 P.M.) helps you enter a more restful state as your body is usually more relaxed and grounded.
Ayurveda views health as a state of balance among the doshas; and it is based on the idea that disease and imbalances are caused by factors like diet, stress, and environmental changes, any imbalance or stress in a person's consciousness can lead to ailments.
Ayurveda aims to harmonize the doshas through individualized practices, integrating dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and lifestyle choices.
Ayurveda’s key principles and pillars are diet and nutrition; lifestyle and routines, habits and practices, sleep, and energy/stress management.
Ayurveda focuses on, and emphasizes the importance of mindful eating, recommending foods that align with one's doshic constitution. It encourages fresh, seasonal, and whole foods to nourish the body, mind, and tissues.
Some other principles are the use of herbal remedies and spices. The use of spices and herbs is integral to Ayurvedic medicine. Various herbs and spices are believed to have specific effects on the doshas, promoting balance and addressing specific health concerns.
Along with it and something that is important and pairs with the diet is the lifestyle, integrating Yoga and Exercise. Yoga, tailored to individual needs, is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic practices. It promotes physical strength, flexibility, and mental well-being, added to this are Meditation and Mindfulness, as Ayurveda recognizes the mind-body connection. Practices like meditation and mindfulness are recommended to cultivate mental clarity, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.
Last but not least it is the catalyst of change. Daily Routine (Dinacharya) Ayurveda places importance on daily routines that align with natural circadian rhythms, including practices such as oil pulling, tongue scraping, and self-massage, these practices cannot only help the individual to start and end the day with a regular waking/sleeping time but also regular elimination, bathing, cleansing, massaging, meals, study and practice, work and relaxation enhancing a better way to approach the day. Added to this is Ritucharya which consists of an Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle routine to manage the impact of seasonal changes in the body and mind. Ritucharya can help restore balance to the Doshas by setting the ground for enhanced digestion and gut health—as well as elimination and overall balance of mind-body-spirit throughout the year. This practice helps individuals to have a symbiotic relationship, connection, and understanding of their unique characteristics, changes—challenges, and their relationship with the natural world around them according to the season.
In a world where the pace of life often leads to imbalance overuse of the senses, and feeling disconnected, Ayurveda offers a timeless guide to fostering innate harmony and well-being. While Ayurvedic principles have stood the test of time, it is crucial to approach them with an open mind and curiosity.
I invite you to seek guidance for personalized insights into your unique constitution.
I am here to support you in embarking on a journey with Ayurveda—as you unlock the secrets of the microcosm that you are within the macrocosm and discover a life filled with balance, vitality, and well-being.
Viktoria Sugar.
-Urban Yogi