How does it work?

 

According to Ayurvedic beliefs, just as everyone has a unique fingerprint, each person has a distinct pattern of energy -- a specific combination of physical, mental, and emotional characteristics. Ayurvedic practitioners also believe there are three basic energy types called doshas, present in every person:

 

• Vata -- Energy that controls bodily functions associated with motion, including blood circulation, breathing, blinking, and heartbeat. When vata energy is balanced, there is creativity and vitality. Out of balance, vata produces fear and anxiety.
   

• Pitta -- Energy that controls the body's metabolic systems, including digestion, absorption, nutrition, and temperature. In balance, pitta leads to contentment and intelligence. Out of balance, pitta can cause ulcers and arouse anger.
   

• Kapha -- Energy that controls growth in the body. It supplies water to all body parts, moisturizes the skin, and maintains the immune system. In balance, kapha is expressed as love and forgiveness. Out of balance, kapha leads to insecurity and envy. 

 

Everyone has vata, pitta, and kapha. But usually 1 or 2 are dominant in a particular person. Many things can disturb the energy balance, such as stress, an unhealthy diet, the weather, and strained family relationships. The disturbance shows up as disease. Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe treatments to bring the doshas back into balance.

 

From a Western medical perspective, stress relief seems to be one of the ways Ayurveda works to help fight illness. 

 

What should I expect from an Ayurvedic treatment?

 

Ayurvedic treatment focuses on rebalancing the doshas. The practitioner will also ask you questions about your general health, paying special attention to your lifestyle, diet, habits, and surroundings. The practitioner will then recommend ways to restore your natural dosha balance, which almost always includes changes in lifestyle, especially diet. 

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What is Ayurveda good for?

 

The goal of Ayurvedic medicine is to prevent diseases. Studies have suggested that Ayurveda may be effective at reducing the risk of heart disease. 

 

Combining yoga with certain Ayurvedic herbal remedies may reduce pain and disability in people with chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.

 

As well as: 

• Alzheimer's disease

• Anxiety

• Asthma

• Cancer

• Dementia

• Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)

• Herpes

• High blood pressure

• Parkinson's disease

• Perimenopausal problems

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) 

 

Ayurvedic herbs combined with conventional medications may also be helpful for:

• Acne

• Chronic constipation

• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Obesity

• Uterine fibroids 

 

Are there any risks?

Most Ayurvedic therapies, such as pranayama and rasayana, are unlikely to have negative side effects in people who are psychologically healthy. People with serious mental health issues may benefit from these therapies.

 

AYURVEDIC CONSULTATION   Includes a thorough health intake and evaluation to determine your unique constitution (body type) according to traditional Ayurvedic principles. Specific lifestyle and dietary recommendations will be offered. 

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