This star outlines the main points of Ayurveda
Raise your hand if you’ve heard of Ayurveda.
Keep it up if you know how to pronounce it.
Ayurveda (Aye-er-vayda) by definition is the traditional Hindu system of medicine, which is based on the idea of balance in bodily systems and uses diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing.
Leigh Shand is a local promoter and educator of Ayurveda, and says the core of the practice branches off of the three dosha’s.
“The three doshas are pitta, kapha, and vata. Pitta relates to the fire element, and a pitta centered person tends to be a medium build, a warm body temperature, and can eat anything. They’re usually leaders because they communicate well.”
The other two characteristics, Kapha and Vata shine the light on other personality types.
“Kaphas are normally calm. The qualities of Kapha are cold, soft..slow and heavy. They’re fun loving people and enjoy routine. When it comes to Vata centered people they have tons of energy and just go go go. They love to exercise and create.”
Ayurveda has been practiced for over 5000 years, and it teaches balance in life, From digestion tips to figuring out what dosha you land on.
Ayurveda has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a holistic practice.
Some people do not believe in holistic practices or medicines however, and opt to traditional ways of healing and caring. Others have found a balance between the two.
One patient who has Celiac’s disease as well as Chronic Migraines, says if it weren’t for a holistic doctor, they might never have been diagnosed with Celiac’s disease.
“I was too young for more of the major pills the doctors give to help migraines. So I went to an osteopathic doctor and he was the one who recognized I also had Celiac’s disease and I need to stop eating gluten.”
Leigh Shand calls Ayurveda the “sister science of yoga” because of the similarities but mostly the differences. Ayurveda doesn’t require posing on a mat, rather a lifestyle change. Eating your biggest meal of the day at lunch rather than dinner for one, and to eliminate micro snacks between meals is a good way to help your digestive system.