Ayurveda means, 'life-wisdom'. It is believed to be the oldest healing system extant, originating in India 5,000 to 10,000 years ago. The value of this ancient Ayurvedic system is twofold:
To harmonize your health and life, and realize inner peace in a stress-filled world.
To better envision and integrate your life purpose to help, in some small way, to bring more peace and joy into the world.
Generally, those who are coming to Ayurveda for the first time, are only looking for a resolution of health issues (eg, arthritis, PMS, digestion, menopause, stress, colds, cancer). Ayurvedic all-natural therapies include herbs, balanced food suggestions, soothing, healing oils; and simple lifestyle adjustments that quickly restore health. This is particularly true of acute conditions, although even clients with chronic and hereditary conditions report noticing improvements within two days of beginning their therapies. Clients often report, 'I used to think I was healthy, but now I have a new definition of health."
The Basics: I'm leery of anything I cannot pronounce; What is Ayurveda?
When Ayurvedic consultations first became offered in the United Sates in the 1980's, virtually no one had ever heard the word. In fact, if you said, "Ayurveda", you would be likely to get the reply, "No, I'm not Veda".
One of the first questions people ask is, "How do you pronounce IT?" Ayurveda is pronounced, 'aa-yer-vay-da' ('aa' as in ma; 'yer' as in purr; 'vay' as in hay; and 'da' as in ma).
With the ice broken, the next question asked is, "What does it mean?" Ayurveda is a word from the ancient Sanskrit language of India. 'Ayur' means life, and 'Veda' means wisdom. So then Ayurveda reveals the wisdom of life - the whole of life - by unveiling the laws of nature that help keep a person healthy and in harmony with their Soul, their life purpose, families, community, planet, and universe.
What Can Ayurveda Do For Me?
The goal of Ayurveda is to bring health, peace and harmony to all areas of one's life so you can grow in inner peace and live your highest spiritual life visions. Many people think of 'Ayurvedic medicine', ie, merely an alternative medical system, but, as you can see, it is so much more than that.
Ayurveda cares for the person in a 'holistic' manner. Holistic means that all areas of your life are examined to see if they are in harmony. For example, if a person is having acid reflux, there are numerous possible causes; it may be due to the food you ate - or overate, or job stress, or not exercising enough for digestion to work properly. The Ayurvedic practitioner discusses all areas of your life with you, family, career, life-purpose (dharma), diet, exercise, spiritual life (as you define it) etc. In this way, you receive an integrated and well rounded life assessment.
What Makes Ayurveda Unique?
Ayurveda addresses:
the root cause of a person's illness, stress, and lack of mental peace and inner joy
healing, prevention, and longevity (age reversal)
individual needs of each person, offering them personal, tailor-made therapies
only natural therapies are offered, reducing the possibility of harmful side effects
therapies are safe, inexpensive, effective, and fast-working
Why is Ayurveda So Effective?
Ayurveda removes the veil that hides the universal laws of natural health. By following nature's path, one lives in harmony, much like a surfer understanding the rules of the ocean, enjoys riding the waves. If you stray off the country path into the sticker bushes, you will receive discomfort. Similarly, if you stray off nature's path, you will find life becomes more difficult because you are fighting against the natural order of the universe.
Further, by addressing the root cause of a situation and resolving the issue, it remains resolved. Merely treating symptoms does not effectuate true healing.
Finally, Ayurvedic spirituality notes that your spiritual life (as you define it), life purpose (dharma), and your lifestyle and foods, are the most powerful healing tools, and they are free as well. When a person aligns themselves with their highest divine life goals, we say they are walking fully in tune with nature's laws.
Is Ayurveda Safe?
Yes. Ayurvedic therapies are all-natural, and organic products are more readily available. Therapies are nurturing because they resupply the body and mind with what is missing, rather than cutting or suppressing symptoms. Ayurvedic healing means balance, so nurturing what is missing, balances the system. Nurturing is a form of love, and love has no untoward side effects.
Further, herbs, oils, and other therapies are salutary. Their effects, and possible side effects, are said to have been 'realized' by the ancient rishis (seers) in their deep and extensive meditations. So there is virtually no 'guessing' about what may happen.
What is the Cause of Illness; Why do I Get Sick?
Ayurveda says the majority of physical illnesses are due to poor digestion and immunity. Improve these with a personal food plan, digestive cooking spices, and lifestyle (eg, sleep, exercise, socializing), and the digestion is improved.
Spiritual Ayurveda then says, the cause of most digestive disorders is stress. Stress is reduced, along with the above suggestions, by addressing your life-purpose (dharma), spiritual life, and inner visions.
While initially the spiritual therapies may seem a stretch for the person new to Ayurveda, practitioners report that when clients follows their therapy suggestions, even for a few days, the transformation, be it healing or simply a greater sense of well-being, is so dramatic that people come back with much more open, eager ready to discuss their life purpose and spiritual focus.
What Are the Main Ayurvedic Therapies?
It has been found in life that different people learn better through different senses, so there are Ayurvedic therapies to nurture each of the 5 senses:
herbs/foods (sense of taste)
massage/exercise (touch)
color therapy (sight)
aromatherapy (smell)
music/mantras (hearing)
Additionally, Spiritual-Ayurvedic counseling, addressing your life-purpose (dharma) and spiritual lifestyle and focus, as per your definition of spirituality.
Summary
Ayurveda is a safe, natural, inexpensive, and highly efficacious way to restore yourself to health and inner happiness, reduce stress, develop greater inner peace, and live the best life you envision.
Michelle Burg
