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| What is Ayurveda? |
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| The Doshas... |
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 Ayurveda is a science of self-understanding. By understanding our own unique nature or constitution we can begin to understand how we interact with our environment and thus make choices that will lead us toward greater health. Ayurveda defines disease as the natural end result of living out of harmony with our original constitution. Therefore, the Ayurvedic approach is very individualized, since the path to optimal health is different for each person, depending upon their unique constitution or prakruti.
Ayurveda believes that the individual’s constitution (prakruti) is recorded at the time of conception as a genetic code that can be expressed physically and mentally as disease proneness and emotional response. This constitution is determined by Vata, Pitta and Kapha, which are the three doshas, or psycho-physiological functional principles in Ayurveda. They govern the individual’s response to changes and they promote the disease process when out of balance.
Many factors, both internal and external, can disturb this doshic
balance and bring about changes in the original constitution
that may lead to disorders and disease. Some of these factors
include emotional and physical stresses, improper food combinations
and choices, physical trauma, or seasonal and weather changes.
Once we understand how these factors affect us on a constitutional
level, we can take appropriate actions to nullify or minimise
their effects and eliminate the causes of imbalance.
Vata
 If
we are predominantly Vata, we tend to be thin, light and quick
in our thoughts and actions. Change is a constant part of our
lives. When the Vata dosha is balanced, we are creative, enthusiastic
and lively. But if Vata becomes excessive, we may develop anxiety,
insomnia or irregular digestion.
Pitta
 If the Pitta dosha is most lively in our nature, we tend to be muscular, smart and determined. If balanced, we are warm, intelligent and a good leader. If out of balance, Pitta can make us critical, irritable and aggressive.
Kapha
 If
we have mostly Kapha in our nature, we tend to have a heavier
frame, think and move more leisurely and are stable. When balanced,
it creates calmness, sweetness and loyalty. When excessive,
Kapha dosha can cause weight gain, congestion and resistance
to healthy change.
 Using the principles of Ayurveda, we can identify our mind/body nature and use this understanding to make the most nourishing choices in our lives. It is common for people to have a blend of characteristics and usually one will tend to be dominate.
Ayurveda also states that like increases like. For example, the summer has attributes similar to those of Pitta —hot, liquid, light, mobile, and penetrating. Therefore, in the summer Pitta in the body tends to be increased.
Vata dosha is light, subtle, dry, mobile, rough, and cold. So
in autumn, which also exhibits these attributes, Vata will tend
to be increased in the body. Kapha is liquid, heavy, cold, sticky,
and cloudy. In the winter, when these characteristics predominate
in the external environment, internal Kapha tends to be increased.
The constitution of an individual is a dynamic force, and Vata,
Pitta, and Kapha doshas are dynamic energies that will change
and be affected by the environment and other factors in various
ways. An Ayurvedic lifestyle will enable the individual to gain
more awareness and control over how those factors can be diminished
or nullified, so as to improve and maintain optimal health and
well being.
From the time of birth until death, the body is engaged in maintaining life. Vata, Pitta and Kapha play an important role in the maintenance of cellular health and longevity. Kapha maintains longevity on the cellular level. Pitta governs digestion and nutrition. Vata, which is closely related to the life energy (or prana), governs all life functions.
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| In a Nutshell |
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| Ayurvedic lifestyle and routines |
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| Ayurveda in the 21st Century |
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Opening hours : Monday – Friday 9.00am – 8.00pm | Saturday 9.00am – 6.00pm | Sunday 10.30am – 4.30pm.
32 Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1DX, England. Email: info@ayurveda-retreat.co.uk |
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