What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of natural healing that has its origins in the Vedic culture of India. Although suppressed during years of foreign occupation, Ayurveda has been enjoying a major resurgence in both its native land and throughout the world. Tibetan medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine both have their roots in Ayurveda. Early Greek medicine also embraced many concepts originally described in the classical ayurvedic medical texts dating back thousands of years.
More than a mere system of treating illness, Ayurveda is a science of life (Ayur?= life,Veda?= science or knowledge). It offers a body of wisdom designed to help people stay vital while realizing their full human potential. Ayurvedic philosophy is in alignment with nature’s innate rhythms and reminds us that health is the balanced and dynamic integration between our environment, body, mind, and spirit.
Recognizing that human beings are part of nature, Ayurveda describes three fundamental energies that govern our inner and outer environments: movement, transformation, and structure. Known in Sanskrit as Vata (Wind), Pitta (Fire), and Kapha (Earth), these primary forces are responsible for the characteristics of our mind and body. Each of us has a unique proportion of these three forces that shapes our nature. In addition, Ayurveda examines psychological wellness through an assessment of one’s manas prakriti (mental state).
The analysis of individual physiology, digestive fire, and energy reserves are all examined and considered vital to one’s well being.
What are examples of issues that Ayurveda can be helpful for?
- Sustainable Weight Loss & Maintenance
- Detoxification & Nutrition Support
- Fatigue & Low Energy
- Psychological Conditions such as Anxiety & Depression
- Environmental & Chronic Stress
- Lifestyle Imbalances
- Insomnia/ Sleep Irregularities
- Seasonal Allergies & Cleanses
- Regaining a sense of self & meaning in one’s life
What should I expect during my Ayurvedic treatment sessions?
An important goal of Ayurveda is to identify a person?s ideal state of balance and determine where they are out of balance. Your provider will have you fill out assessment forms in order to ascertain your unique physiological constitution, current imbalances, clinical goals, and baseline level of wellness. Interventions might be offered that involve diet/nutrition, spices, aromatherapy, lifestyle & routine adjustment, self-care practices, detoxification rituals, and physical fitness/exercise.
Will Ayurveda interfere with my health conditions/medication(s)?
Ayurveda takes into consideration all western medical and psychiatric conditions and medications and works synergistically with them. If any recommendations are offered that might interfere with your current health condition or prescription(s), we ask that you consult with your primary care physician or specialist. If any condition or clinical presentation falls outside of our scope of practice, we will support you with making a referral to an alternative medical or Ayurvedic practitioner who specializes in this area.
Is Ayurveda an evidence/ research based science?
Yes. There are countless articles citing Ayurveda as an effective treatment modality for numerous disease states, conditions, and clinical ailments. Ayurveda and Ayurvedic professionals are regulated in the United States by the National Ayurvedic Medical Association. Your provider at Prima Wellness will be at minimum a Certified Ayurveda Yoga Specialist who is credentialed through the Himalayan Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy.
