Ayurvedic medicine is founded on the belief that all diseases stem from the digestive system and are caused either by poor digestion of food, which is the body’s major source of nourishment, or by following an improper diet for your dosha – your nature.
The system, therefore, concentrates to a large extent upon nutrition. As well as emphasizing lifestyle advice tailored to living in the Western world.
What is Ayurveda? Three Doshas
There are three main humors (characteristics) or doshas.
- Vata (ether and air)
- Pitta (fire and water)
- Kapha (water and earth).
Dosha means “that which tends to go out of balance easily”. The elements, the seasons, your astrological chart, your genetic inheritance from your parents and environmental factors all contribute to the potential of imbalance within the doshas.
The Ayurvedic Practitioner
The goal of an Ayurvedic Practitioner is to help you develop some simple ways to keep yourself balanced in these days of increasing pressure, worry and stress. By discovering your dosha, or combination thereof, your Practitioner guides you on a path towards optimal health that is unique for you – Ayurveda is not a “one size fits most approach”, and for that reason each individual is able to experience success as they implement tools and practices tailor made for their individual journey.
Healthy cleansing is a cornerstone of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, and is a process of decreasing excess dosha. As we approach Fall and Winter we need to address the heat in the body that most of us have accumulated over the summer, if we ignore this heat it can turn to dryness in the Fall which can lead to irritated sinuses in the Winter. To avoid colds and flus, or other imbalances such as insomnia, stress, worry and constipation, a gentle detox or cleanse is very beneficial.
Fall cleanses emphasize the elimination of accumulated toxins in the blood, liver and lymph and can range from 4 to 21 days. Winter is the season for deep rejuvenation for the nervous system – something we all need due to our very stressful lifestyles.
Working with a qualified Ayurvedic Health Practitioner is important to learn the tools and practices that are unique for you as we approach Fall and Winter.
A full range of Ayurvedic and Pancha Karma Therapies are available. Consider a consultation to start your unique journey with Ayurveda. Gaby Van Houten has had a life-long interest in Ayurveda. She received her formal training through the California College of Ayurveda, the nation”s leader in Ayurvedic education. Gaby has also been in private practice as a Licensed Esthetician since 1987. As an Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist and Certified Pancha Karma Specialist, Gaby is qualified to design a treatment plan that is unique to you.