Something Old That’s Something New: Ayurveda
by Nancy A. Smith with Alice Whittelsey

It is a beloved healing science for millions of people in India, and now Ayurveda is bringing healing to Americans as well. The term is a compound of the words “ayur” meaning “life” and “veda” meaning “knowledge,” which translates roughly into “knowledge of how to live” or “the science of life.” Ayurveda is a traditional holistic medical system, originating in ancient times in India and practiced today world wide. It seeks to restore the natural balance of body, mind and spirit, which is essential in order to create and maintain health. Living in harmony with nature is emphasized.

Dr. Shekhar Annambhotla, a native Indian trained Ayurvedic doctor, visits our center often and interprets Ayurveda in terms that westerners can relate to.

The first of a series of Dr. Shekhar’s educational DVD’s ”The Weekend Cleanse” by Ayurvideo Productions, LLC and Dosha Botanicals, has been released in September 2008. (www.doshabotanicals.com)

Paradoxically, Americans who have heard of Ayurveda generally view it as a New Age phenomenon, even though it has been around for at least 5,000 years. The system was handed down orally until Ayurvedic texts were compiled around 1000 BCE. Ayurvedic medicine is older than Traditional Chinese Medicine, where 60% of the Chinese herbs are the same.

Ayurveda emphasizes the maintenance of good health via a balanced daily routine and seasonal regime, and a wholesome diet. Fresh, energizing foods, moderate exercise, and exposure to fresh air and sunlight are all recommended. It is recognized that each individual has his/her own unique constitution, and thus treatments are tailored to the individual. The central concept is that people can be classified by three constitutional types, or doshas; each person will show characteristics of a combination of doshas in unique proportions, and health exists when the three doshas are balanced within the individual. This is accomplished by use of dietary modifications, herbs, dosha-specific massages and various oil/herbal treatments. One happy result of achieving balance is that you will find that your body weight naturally tends to normalize.

The three doshas are called Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each has its own characteristics, and is responsible for particular bodily functions. Vata dosha consisting of the characteristics of air and space governs movement, and represents the body’s neurological activities; Pitta consisting of the characteristics of fire and water is responsible for intelligence, the digestion and metabolism of nutrients, as well as hormonal and enzyme activities; and Kapha consisting of the characteristics of earth and water governs all structural functions and immunological activities of the body. In our temperament and physical nature, the characteristics of our doshas will be evident. For example, someone in whom Vata predominates is likely to be very creative, move quickly and be athletic; excess Vata could show up as a nervous condition, such as anxiety.  A person with Pitta predominating is likely to be very educated and have good digestion; an excess of Pitta may result in conditions such as a hot-temper, acid reflux or heartburn.  Finally, the predominately Kapha person is likely to be caring, easy-going, relaxed and slow moving; excessive Kapha could manifest as overweight or other conditions related to inactivity.

A visit with an Ayurvedic practitioner consists of an exam beginning with a detailed questionnaire which you would fill out prior to coming, after a review of the questionnaire, He/she would analyze your unique constitution (prakriti), determine any imbalances in the three doshas, and use the ancient art of pulse analysis to detect the causes of any deeply-rooted imbalances. Then the practitioner would make individualized recommendations for restoring and maintaining health, including any of the following: dietary guidelines, herbal supplementation, yoga exercises, breathing exercises, meditation, dosha-specific massage, internal cleansing, and various herbal/oil treatments. These recommendations will vary depending on the season of the year; dosha imbalances can vary seasonally as well.

As Americans are falling in love with Ayurveda, there is growing interest in learning more, and there are now schools in this country training Ayurvedic practitioners. Nancy A. Smith became interested in Ayurveda through her love of yoga; philosophically and historically there is a long-standing connection between yoga and Ayurveda. Nancy enrolled at the Kripalu School of Ayurveda at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, MA. After finishing the required hours, including Ayurvedic massage and panchakarma training in Kerala, India, she has been certified as a practitioner by the National Ayurvedic Medical Association. Nancy is fully trained to conduct consultations and as a national certified massage therapist, she performs Ayurvedic therapeutic massage treatments.

The mayo clinic (www.mayoclinic.com) lists information about Ayurveda on their website under Complementary and Alterative Medicine.