WHAT’S AYURVEDA?

Sometimes referred to as the umbrella science of yoga, Ayurveda is a discipline of holistic healing which originated in India around 6000 years ago (debatably, it may have even deeper roots within the African holistic medicine system).  In essence, it’s a scientific system of living and healing which uses the five elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether/space) in order to help us live balanced, long, healthy and contented lives. 

In Ayurveda, health is defined as having balanced ‘doshas’ (i.e. the ‘correct’ balance of the three doshas with which you were born and which make up your unique constitution), a balanced digestive fire (a metabolism that works at the right speed for you), balanced tissues, balanced excretion, functioning senses, a satisfied mind and a contented soul.  Sounds pretty good, right?!  One of the key components of Ayurveda is that health begins in the gut, and therefore what and how we eat is super important.

Not everything is suited to everyone, and thus Ayurveda provides us all with unique guidelines on the best diet, natural supplements/herbs, yoga asanas, meditation, breath-work, daily routine, seasonal routine and therapies to follow in order to stay vibrant, satisfied and healthy in our own special ways:- what’s right for me isn’t necessarily right for you.

Ayurveda has been known to help all sorts of issues such as IBS and other GI/ digestive complaints, skin problems, joint pain, back pain, various types of headaches and migraines, depression (including PND), anxiety, anger issues, poor circulation, recurrent coughs and colds, the after-effects of trauma, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, asthma and other respiratory complaints, impotency, reproductive and fertility issues in both men and women, weight management, excessive sweating, anemia, eating disorders, dry skin, brittle hair or nails, arthritis, cardiovascular problems, diabetes, problems during pregnancy or after giving birth (lactation, mastitis etc.), stress, earache and tinnitus, hormonal, endocrine and adrenal disorders, prostrate problems and much more!

I have a special interest in the ways in which Ayurveda and yoga can help the female-sexed body with issues such as irregular menstrual cycles, amenorrhea (missed periods), polycystic ovaries or PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, POI (premature ovarian insufficiency), anxiety and depression linked to your cycle or lack of, pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic girdle pain, fertility issues, peri-menopause and menopause symptoms such as aching oints, dryness, emotional fragility, changes in desire, insomnia, bladder control, anger etc.

Remember: Ayurveda treats the dosha(s) which are out of balance in an individual, rather than a single symptom.