Ayurveda is the traditional system of medicine that originated in India more than 5,000
years ago. The term ‘Ayurveda’ is derived from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda
(science or knowledge), so it is quite literally the science of life.
This ancient wisdom states that health is defined as a state of balance, tranquility,
clarity, and contentment in the body, senses, mind, and spirit. Each person is unique,
and there is no single solution for all. One’s individual constitution, and environment
must be taken into consideration to assess for imbalances and create solutions to correct
them; a constant endeavor to sustain balance.
Ayurveda describes the Universe and everything contained within it as consisting of one
or more of the five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. These elements
combine to create the three doshas: Kapha (earth + water), Pitta (water + fire), and Vata
(Air + Ether). Each person is born with a certain amount of each dosha, but usually one
or two are more predominant. Over the course of our life we inevitably become
imbalanced in one or more of these doshas for a variety of reasons, and this can
manifest in numerous ways. Each dosha has attributes that are present when it is
balanced, and others when it becomes excessive. For example, balanced Kapha could be
a very sweet and nurturing person, but when excessive they may become possessive,
stubborn, or lazy. A person with balanced Pitta has strong digestion, is intelligent, and
an excellent leader. But when excessive, Pitta can tend toward anger or frustration,
inflammation, and can be quite hangry. Balanced Vata shows up as creativity, intuition,
and spontaneity, but when excessive we see insomnia, anxiety, fidgetiness, or lack of
focus.
When I first heard about Ayurveda, the name sounded so familiar to me, but I didn’t
know why, and I honestly never figured it out. I suspect it was from a previous life.
However, in this lifetime it was through yoga that I was introduced to Ayurveda, as they
are considered ‘sister sciences’ and have roots in the ancient Vedic texts. I wanted to
learn more, so in 2019 I embarked on a 120-hr training (having already completed the
200-hr prerequisite of being a Certified Yoga Teacher) through the Himalayan Institute
by Kathryn Tempelton to become an Ayurveda Yoga Specialist. During my training
everything just clicked. It all made so much sense to me, and my life was transformed
forever.
Ayurveda informs everything that I do, as well as all of the services I offer at The Soma
Haus, and the classes and workshops I teach at Yoga Six Naperville. In a massage
session, I’ll use specific oils and massage techniques to bring in opposite qualities where
you may be experiencing an imbalance. In a yoga class I’ll intentionally sequence my
class and introduce different posture variations based on the season or time of day. I
know how powerful this wisdom has been in my own life, and it is my joy and great
privilege to be able to share it with others.
If Ayurveda interests you, and you’d like to learn more about how it pertains to you,
reach out to schedule a consultation. Please understand, while I can absolutely provide
education, assessment, and recommendations, these sessions are educational and
informative in nature, as I am not an Ayurvedic Doctor and I cannot diagnose or
prescribe. You will receive personalized recommendations and will gain a new
understanding and perspective on the things you perhaps previously thought were
“wrong” with you. It is always my goal to make Ayurveda easy to understand, and to
provide recommendations that fit into your life.
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