Ayurveda is India’s 5,000-year-old traditional system of medicine. Ayur means “life” and veda means “knowledge or wisdom.” It is often referred to as the Science of Life.

“One who is established in Self, who has balanced doshas (constitutions), balanced agni (digestion), properly formed dhatus (tissues), proper elimination of malas (waste), well-functioning bodily processes, and whose mind, soul and senses are full of bliss is called a healthy person.”

Sushruta Samhita 15/44

Ayurveda’s Philosophy focuses on the Five Great Elements (Pancha Mahabhutas).

• Ether/Space (Akasha): It is the most subtle of all the elements. Sound is formed and exists within space. In the body, it’s located in the space in the ears, mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and the respiratory system. It’s nuclear energy, and it moves out. It qualities are clear, dry, light, cold, subtle and soft.

• Air (Vayu): It is the only element with movement that generates and prompts all body movement. It controls the nervous system, ambulatory movements, food through the digestive tract, elimination, menstruation, and movement through the senses, including thoughts in the mind. It’s electrical energy, and it moves up. Its qualities are mobile, dry, light, cold, rough and subtle.

• Fire (Agni): It is responsible for all bodily transformation and digestion. It controls metabolic processes, digestion, absorption, and assimilation of all food. It regulates body temperature and the transformation of all experiences and inputs through the senses. It’s radiant energy, and it spreads. Its qualities are hot, sharp, light, dry, subtle and spreading.

• Water (Apas): This element contains the fire element. It protects and nourishes body systems through the plasma, blood, lymph, and mucus. It’s in the joints, spinal cord, and provides immunity. It’s chemical energy, and it sinks. Its qualities are heavy, cool, liquid, dull, soft, oily and slimy.

• Earth (Prithvi): This element contains the water element. It provides for solidity and denseness. It comprises the bones, muscles, organs, cartilage, nails, hair, teeth, and skin. It’s mechanical energy, and it moves down. Its qualities are heavy, dull, static, dense, and hard.

The Three Doshas: VATA, PITTA and KAPHA

Vata = Ether/Space + Air. In balance, the individual is enthusiastic, creative, innovative, adaptable, empathetic, and social. Off balance, an individual may experience insomnia, anxiety, inability to focus, feeling restless or ungrounded, fearful, isolated, or an inability to slow down.

Pitta = Water + Fire. In balance, the individual is strong-minded, organized, goal-oriented, courageous, passionate, disciplined and focused. Off balance, an individual may experience anger, frustration, impatience, be overly competitive, controlling, or hypercritical.

Kapha = Water + Earth. In balance, the individual is generous, loyal, loving, grounded, calm, steady, and contemplative. Off balance, an individual may experience excessive sleepiness, lethargy, depression, attachment, greed, stubbornness, unmotivation, or feeling stuck or in a rut.

Each dosha is affected by the 20 Gunas. Click to learn more https://sattvastrong.com/20-gunas/

Work with Deborah to identify your primary and secondary doshas. Many people exhibit a combination of the two doshas as vata/pitta, pitta/kapha, or vata/kapha. One dosha may dominate the mind and the other the body. Partner with Deborah to find the yoga practices that best suit your dosha and the lifestyle practices of Ayurveda that support, cultivate, and empower YOU.