Optimising your Health
Ayurveda is the ancient Indian philosophy of health and wellbeing. It means the ‘art of living wisely'. In simple terms, ayurveda is a holistic system which guides us so that we can live a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. It recognises that we are all unique and focuses on food, lifestyle, massage, yoga and herbal remedies to suit our individual make-up.
Ayurveda is timeless - it has existed for over 4000 years but yet it still applies to modern day life. The key to its longevity is because ayurveda is logical. An early description given in the Charaka Samhita (the earliest ayurvedic literature) written circa 150BCE-100CE says:
"It is called ayurveda because it tells us which substances, qualities and actions are life enhancing, and which are not."
In order to improve your health you usually need to change some of your habits. These changes usual involve a rebalancing; emotional, dietary or lifestyle adjustments. It can often involve including something extra in life whilst also removing something else. In China there is a saying; "crisis is an opportunity for change". Change can release beneficial growth.
Click here to see Pukka’s 7 Steps to health
Describing the Dosha
Also known as the body-mind types, ayurveda uses the dosha to advise and inform the best way to live your life wisely.
Typically, each dosha type is made up from the following characteristics:
Vata types tend to be visionary, imaginative & full of creative energy. They can also be forgetful, spaced out, anxious & uptight. Vata problems are erratic digestion, bloating, anxiety or joint disorders.
Pitta types are confident, passionate leaders, organised & perfectionists but excess pitta can make them fiery, snappy & irritable. Pitta people have a tendency to suffer from skin irritations, overheating, heartburn & ulcers.
Kapha types tend to be loyal, kind-hearted, calm and full of love, but a kapha overload can make them lethargic, lacking in energy and a little overindulgent. Kapha types are prone to congestion, excess weight and sluggish digestion.
The wisdom of ayurveda encourages us to take responsibility for our own health according to the different stages of our lives, the seasons, and the environment we live, work and play in. These factors all have a big impact on our health and it makes sense to adapt our lifestyle accordingly so we can continue to live in harmony with our body and stay in optimum health.
Ayurveda is all about living life to the full and keeping yourself on top form - whatever life throws at you!
Its not always easy, and I certainly trip-up all the time, but the value of understanding how to adjust your diet and daily life in accordance with how you feel and what you need is the priceless gift that Ayurveda offers us. I hope you enjoy your journey through these Ayurvedic Roots pages and that they help to empower your life.
With my best wishes,
