Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient practice dating back at least 5000 years ago. Originating in India, Ayurveda aims to bring balance to one’s internal and external worlds through various techniques. (1) Ayurveda, meaning "knowledge of life," has been practiced and evolved over the years, but the core principles remain the same.
The heart of Ayurvedic medicine is that every person is unique and therefore their health requirements are unique. Each individual has their own special makeup that determines their mental and physical health, as well as the diseases that they are vulnerable to. (2)
“Just as everyone has a unique fingerprint, each person has a particular pattern of energy - an individual combination of physical, mental and emotional characteristics - which comprises their own constitution.” (3)
According to Ayurveda, there are three energies, or “doshas”, that can determine someone’s constitution. Everyone experiences these energies, however each individual is usually governed by one in particular. Just like our fingerprints are determined at birth, so are our doshas. There are also a variety of factors that can influence our energy, including stress, diet or the natural elements, and Ayurveda aims to address these issues for optimal health. (4)
The doshas are as follows:
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Pitta
The Pitta energy is governed by fire. Those with this quality tend to have warmer bodies, enjoy spicier food, and prefer cool weather or cold drinks. They also tend to experience more skin issues, inflammation, or other illnesses related to heat. Personality wise, Pitta types are bent towards leadership, intelligence, wealth, and aggression. (5) Recommended herbs for the Pitta dosha are peppermint, rose petals, and lemongrass as they assist with cooling, digestion, detoxification, blood pressure, and energy. (6) -
Vata
The Vata dosha is governed by air. Individuals governed by Vata are colder and benefit from warmer weather, as well as hearty food and hot drinks. Because the Vata energy is typically not grounded, people who fall under this energy tend to be anxious and overstimulated. They are also prone to suffer from dry skin, nerve disorders, mental confusion, and arthritis. Vata types are very energetic and active, but they are susceptible to fatigue. (7) Herbs that are most helpful for those with Vata energy are lemon balm, ginger, and chamomile because they promote relaxation, reduce inflammation, are grounding, and destressing. (8) -
Kapha
Finally, the Kapha energy is governed by the earth and water. Kapha types are predisposed to illnesses related to fluids, such as the flu, as well as obesity, headaches, and diabetes. The Kapha personality is calm, controlled, strong, and grounded. Greed, insecurity, and jealousy are a few of their weaknesses. (9) If you are governed by the Kapha dosha, herbs that would benefit you are sage, holy basil, and thyme. These herbs ease congestion, stimulate the body, controls bacteria, and relieve joint pain and inflammation. (10)
While Western and Ayurvedic medicine are quite different, neither is better than the other, and they can actually compliment each other. Western medicine focuses treatment of the disease and uses pharmaceuticals and surgery as its primary source of treatment. In contrast, Ayurveda focuses on the doshas and how these energies can influence someone towards health or disease. Instead of focusing on illnesses, Ayurveda aims to bring harmony within the body through diet, exercise, herbal medicine, and spirituality. Surgery and drugs are not frowned upon, but simply not the primary tactic for healing. Both Western and Ayurvedic healing modalities can be used in conjunction with one another and will bring a holistic approach to health if used correctly. (11)
At Living Alchemy, we have aligned ourselves with many Ayurvedic principles. We believe the key to health is taking into account an individual’s whole person, as well as their environment, as a means to unlock optimal wellness. We are passionate about bringing awareness and healing to all areas of life.
We have taken herbs used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine, such as Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, and Turmeric, and transformed them through the power of fermentation. We naturally ferment these herbs in a month-long process to activate the nutrients to a higher level of complexity to perform in perfect harmony for you. Diet and lifestyle changes are a given, but our fermented herbals are powerful tools to help bring your body back into balance.
Please visit our website to learn more about our fermented Ayurvedic herbs in our Alive Series and Signature Series’.
References:
1. Ayurveda Nama. “Learn About Ayurveda.” NATIONAL AYURVEDIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.
https://www.ayurvedanama.org/what-is-ayurveda Accessed 6, September 2019.
2. Lallanilla, Marc. 07, January 2015. “Ayurveda: Facts About Ayurvedic Medicine”. Live Science.
https://www.livescience.com/42153-ayurveda.html Accessed 6, September 2019.
3. Lad, Vasant. 2006. AYURVEDA: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION AND GUIDE. Ayurvedic Institute.
https://www.ayurveda.com/resources/articles/ayurveda-a-brief-introduction-and-guide Accessed 6, September 2019.
4. Lallanilla, Marc. 07, January 2015. “Ayurveda: Facts About Ayurvedic Medicine”. Live Science.
https://www.livescience.com/42153-ayurveda.html Accessed 6, September 2019.
5. Lad, Vasant. 2006. AYURVEDA: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION AND GUIDE. Ayurvedic Institute.
https://www.ayurveda.com/resources/articles/ayurveda-a-brief-introduction-and-guide Accessed 6, September 2019.
6. Karras, Tula. 6 June, 2017. The Best Herbs for Your Dosha. Yoga Journal. https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/best-herbs-dosha#gid=ci020756a1600d2620&pid=thyme Accessed 2 October, 2019.
7. Lad, Vasant. 2006. AYURVEDA: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION AND GUIDE. Ayurvedic Institute.
https://www.ayurveda.com/resources/articles/ayurveda-a-brief-introduction-and-guide Accessed 6, September 2019.
8. Karras, Tula. 6 June, 2017. The Best Herbs for Your Dosha. Yoga Journal. https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/best-herbs-dosha#gid=ci020756a1600d2620&pid=thyme Accessed 2 October, 2019.
9. Lad, Vasant. 2006. AYURVEDA: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION AND GUIDE. Ayurvedic Institute.
https://www.ayurveda.com/resources/articles/ayurveda-a-brief-introduction-and-guide Accessed 6, September 2019.
10. Karras, Tula. 6 June, 2017. The Best Herbs for Your Dosha. Yoga Journal. https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/best-herbs-dosha#gid=ci020756a1600d2620&pid=thyme Accessed 2 October, 2019.
11. Lad, Vasant. 2006. AYURVEDA: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION AND GUIDE. Ayurvedic Institute.
https://www.ayurveda.com/resources/articles/ayurveda-a-brief-introduction-and-guide Accessed 6, September 2019.