Ayurveda (Sanskrit, m., आयुर्वेद āyurveda, made of two Sanskrit words: “Ayu”, which means “life” or “to live life”, and “Veda”, which means “knowledge of the Science of Life”), is a complete medical system in India that was born more than 5000 years ago.
National Healt Portal – IndiaModern medicine is based on physics, chemistry, botany, and zoology. Ayurveda is based on Indian Philosophy – the theory of macrocosm and microcosm. The human being is the epitome of the greater universe.
In the Ayurvedic medicine all the existing things in the universe are made of five elements, also called Mahabhutas – Mahabhuta (Sanskrit: महाभूत mahābhūta m.): Prthvi (earth), Ap or Soma (water), Agni (fire), Vayu (air) and Akasha (space). The human body holds in itself the same elements as the universe does.
The 5 elements are in every thing and in humans, too, but in different percentages. The prevalence of some elements is determining your constitution.
Your original constitution at your birth is called Prakrti, Prakriti or Prakruti (Sanskrit: प्रकृति: prakṛti). It is “the original or natural form or condition of anything, original or primary substance” (Monier-Williams, 1899). Your actual one is called Vikruti, and it is shaped by your diet, habits, imbalances, diseases, traumas, emotional factors and processes that modified your original constitution during the years.
The 3 main Doshas are in your body as substances and are located in some part of your system. The prevalence of a certain Dosha is determining your body’s constitution: Vata, Pitta or Kapha. There are also mixed constitution as Vata-Pitta, Pitta-Kapha, Vata-Kapha and Tridosha (Vata-Pitta-Kapha). The 3 Doshas are anyway present in your body because each of them is regulating physical, emotional and mental functions.
Ayurvedic Counseling
Counseling sessions observe Ayurvedic principles to bring harmony back to the mind-body-spirit system. Through Dosha’s analysis it is possible to understand the cause of imbalances and to know more deeply what your persona needs to reestablish the balance in your system. We will look into your diet, daily routines, start to use herbs and spices and to do breathing and movement exercises combined with meditations and Ayurvedic massages. We can help your whole self to be deeply nourished and to produce and master the energy you need to be strong and healthy.
These sessions are not intended to replace any medical support and should not be considered as such.
Ayurvedic massage and traditional treatments
In the Ayurvedic tradition the total body massage called Abhyanga is used to clean and soothe the body before the Panchakarma. It is performed for seven consecutive days in order to prepare the body to enter the deep phase of the healing process. Nevertheless it is often offered not only as medical support but, in the Indian tradition, this moment of care is often shared within the family members, too. The massage is a ritual, a point of connection and of maintenance of the health.
In case of specific issues, we can decide to repeat the massage for a few days or to concentrate only on specific body parts. Abhyanga is given with medicated Ayurvedic oils that are chosen in relation to your constitution and needs. Localized massages can be given to head-neck-face, feet-hands-arms and to the back.
Traditional Ayurvedic Treatments
Kati Vasti is beneficial in case of lower backache and lumbosacral region’s disorders, including slip disc, lumbar spondylosis, sciatica, spinal or knee problems. A soft composed flour dough will be placed on the area, to create a small “pool”, which will be filled with warm medicated ayurvedic oil.
Navara Kizhi nourishes tissues, softens the skin, enhances the complexion, strengthens body muscles, cures joints stiffness and improves digestion. Massaging your body with cotton bags filled with Navara rice and soaked in hot milk will give not only a rejuvenation effect on your skin, but also it’s helpful in case of lack of lubrification in joints and bones. After this massage it is recommended to take a warm shower and dedicate the rest of the day to yourself.