AYURVEDA

Ayurveda is an over 5,000 year old science of healing that originated in India. It has been constantly developing yet is still able to keep it's core principles intact throughout all of these centuries. It has truly withheld the test of time, and has had the capacity to heal every generation and phase of the human being since. Why is it not the most popular healing modality out there? Because it isn't a cut and paste formula. It expects regular commitment and consideration for its magic to work, and so often people can get slightly overwhelmed by the idea that they will have to reorganize their thinking and approach to their lifestyle for it to work. Yet small changes and shifts through time can have such a great impact on our well being that it is pretty miraculous to witness. And it's actually quite fun once you get into the swing of an Ayurvedic approach :) You just cannot find true inner balance and calm with any of these new age instructional diets and 'best' of listed tips. A truly sound and tested approach takes into consideration the complexities of our beings, our lives, and our minds. We are not always feeling quite the same person every morning as we wake up, and we can unravel in unexpected ways throughout the day. We are in a constant flux in regards to our constitution and we should be happily flowing through the creative or firey or mellow stage of our days as they present themselves as they are all true expressions of ourselves and have a purpose. When we consider where we are at, at this very moment, then we can make the best choice as to how we can invite the right practices in to serve us the best. If we are off balance, the knowledge of Ayurveda can help untie the knot we are getting bound into and release us back into a comfortable flow of growth and nurture.
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Ayurveda can compliment our yogic practices and guide us towards the right lifestyle and dietary choices to make us feel the best. Classes can be tailored to your Dosha, or just how you are feeling on that day, and so it will change the way you practice in quite a profound way. Allowing yourself to release from fixed notions of how your practice must look and feel everyday can be quite empowering. And when you listen to your body carefully and allow it to speak for itself, you will be able to make the right choices for yourself, and it will be quickly rewarded by the energy and joy you will feel after. Taking into consideration the Season, your Dosha, and your overall emotional and physical quality you carry on that day, you can make a better decision as to how you do your yoga practice, breathing techniques and meditation.
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DOSHA
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Ayurveda believes that at the time of our birth we are born into the world with a defined constitution / natural disposition called Prakriti. This is made up of the doshas; Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Below are some characteristics of these dosha's. If you would like to do a test quiz to find out what your dosha is then pls try this quiz by Dr Douillard. Ideally meeting up with an Ayurvedic doctor would be ideal, to get your pulse checked and get read by a professional. But these quizzes are quite good and pretty accurate so worth a try.
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Vata
Qualities :
Light, dry, cold, mobile, rough, subtle
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Activates when :
There is a need for something to move
Body Functions/Organs :
All movement in/of the body and mind
Heartbeat, circulation
Speech, breathing
Elimination, menstrual flow, child birth
Creativity, innovation, versatility
Innate healing intelligence of body and mind
Nervous system
Stomach, large intestine
Head, ear
Mental activity
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Pitta
Qualities :
Hot, sharp, intense, light, easily spreadable, slightly oily
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Activates when :
There is a need for something to transform
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Body functions / Organs :
Transformation of all chemical and metabolic processes
Digestion of food, including absorption and assimilation of nutrients
Digestion of life experiences
Body temperature
Visual and mental perception
Hunger, thirst
Hormonal balance
Skin, body luster
Stomach, duodenum, small intestines
Eyes, liver, spleen, pancreas
Intellect, courage, emotions
Kapha
Qualities :
Heavy, moist, smooth, stable, dense, cool, slow moving
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Activates when :
There is a need for something to grow, be lubricated or be 'cushioned' with protection
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Body functions / Organs :
Physical structure and support
Stamina, stability
The bulk of bodily tissues
All bodily fluids and lubrication
Nourishment of organs, tissues, and joints
Lungs, chest, Throat, head
Lymph, Fatty tissue
Connective tissue, Ligaments, tendons
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