What is Ayurveda?
A natural system of medicine originating more than 3,000 years ago.
"And he knew that food was Brahman.
From food all beings are born,
by food they live and into food they return."
Taiitiriya Upanishad 3.2
Ayurveda, a term meaning "knowledge of life," is an ancient medical science that has evolved through time, but it remains as relevant today as it was in past civilizations. According to the author of Yoga & Ayurveda, Self-Healing and Self-Realization, "Ayurveda is one of the most remarkable holistic medical systems in the world" (Frawley, 1998).
What are the doshas?
In Ayurvedic medicine, the doshas are the fundamental energies that govern the physiological and mental processes in the body. Ayurveda suggests that health is a state of balance among these doshas, and imbalance can lead to illness. There are three primary doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha is made up of two of the five elements: ether, air, fire water, earth.
- Vata: (ether and air) Characterized as cold, light, dry, and mobile. Prone to anxiety and digestive problems.
- Pitta: (fire and water) Associated with heat and transformation. Likely to experience issues with Inflammation.
- Kapha: (water and earth) Marked by qualities such as heaviness, steadiness, and coolness. Tendencies toward lethargy and weight gain.
Ayurvedic Tea for Cleansing and Weight Loss
Turmeric Detox Tea
Ingredients:
1 qt boiling water
2 tbsp ginger thinly sliced or 1/12 tsp ground
1 tbsp fresh turmeric thinly sliced or 1/2 tsp ground
2 tsp coriander seed
2 tsp cumin seed
2 tsp fennel seed
2 tea bags (green tea, mint tea, ginger tea, chamomile)
Fresh lemon (squeeze)
*OPTIONAL Dash of cinnamon, cardamom, clove, or anise for flavor
Directions: Boil water. Simmer all ingredients together for 5 minutes in a large pot. Strain, before drinking.
NUTRITION
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 4
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 9.8 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0.9 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
What is Pranayama?
Retention and control of breath
Pranayama is a practice that involves the regulation of breath to enhance the flow of prana, or life force, throughout the body. This ancient technique is believed to balance the body’s energies, aligning the three doshas—Vata (air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (earth)—which are essential for maintaining health and well-being.
The term ‘Pranayama’ is derived from Sanskrit, where ‘Prana’ signifies the vital breath or energy, and ‘Ayama’ means control or extension. Through various breathing exercises, Pranayama aims to control this vital energy, thereby influencing the body’s involuntary systems such as the autonomic nervous system, circulatory system, and endocrine system.
Practitioners of Ayurveda incorporate pranayama as a key component of holistic healing, using it to regulate the motion of the lungs, heart, and vagus nerve. The practice typically involves three stages: Purak (slow deep inhalation), Kumbhak (retention of the breath), and Rechak (near complete exhalation).
By modulating the sensitivity of chemoreceptors and calming the mind, pranayama exercises can have a multitude of health benefits, including stress reduction, improved organ function, and a heightened state of mental clarity. It is not only a vital aspect of yoga but also a therapeutic tool in Ayurveda, promoting a balanced state of being.
Rama, Ballentine, & Hymes. (1998). Science of Breath. Himalayan Institute Press.
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