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An Introduction to Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the traditional medical life-style system from India. It is simply translated as ‘science of life’ and more comprehensively as ‘the knowledge that teaches us which substances, life-styles and activities are beneficial or harmful to life’. It is the knowledge of wholesome and righteous living according to our unique and individual constitutional make up. An early description given in the Charaka Samhita (the earliest Ayurvedic literature) written circa 150BCE-100CE says:

“It is called ayurveda because it tells us which substances, qualities and actions are life enhancing, and which are not.”

Sutrasthana 30.23

Ayurveda has developed in India over at least the last 4000 years. It has now spread all over the world. It is a blend of herbal medicine, massage, dietetics, spiritual insight, practical experience, scientific analysis and artistic creativity. It uses medicinal plants, foods, massage, meditation, surgery and judicious living as part of its ‘life-style’ and methodology.

The Ayurvedic principles can be applied to yoga as well. Although they developed in different backgrounds there are many similarities and crossover points between these two traditions. The diets, attitudes and attention to optimum health are all specific to both traditions. I will write more about special yogic practices for the different seasons and individual constitutions in due course.

There are three constitutions in Ayurveda (see below). They are combinations of the essential elements of nature- Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Comparing this idea to our modern world view and the Elemental Table, we could say that light molecules such as Hydrogen relate to the Ayurvedic concept of Space, denser molecules such as Oxygen for Air, reactive molecules such as Phosphorus or Magnesium for Fire, liquid elements such as Mercury represent fluid Water and dense molecules such as Carbon or Gold make up the solid building-blocks of Earth. These all combine to make up our natural world- outer and inner.

The Five Elements

AKASA -SPACE

Quality: Expansive, light, infinite and all-encompassing space.

Relates to the sense of sound and the ear. It is the arena within which ‘life’ takes place. Sound travels through space.

VAYU - AIR

Quality: Like the wind, light, mobile, rough, dry & erratic.

Relates to the sense of touch, the nerves and the skin. Sensation travels through the skin and nerves just as you can feel the wind on your skin

TEJAS - FIRE

Quality: Hot, sharp, penetrating, luminous, ascending & dispersing.

Relates to the sense of sight and the eyes. Light and perception travel through the eyes due to the metabolic activity of light sensitive photons in the eyes.

JALA - WATER

Quality: Fluid, heavy, wet, lubricating, cool, cohesive & subtle.

Relates to the sense of taste and the tongue. Flavours and tastes are only perceivable when the tongue is wet.

PRITHVI - EARTH

Quality: Thick, dense, solid, heavy &stable.

Relates to the sense of smell and the nose. Earthy and dense objects give off smells.

We will look at the elements in more detail over the next few weeks. From understanding the qualities of each you can understand the qualities of foods, herbs and emotions. Understanding these is the key to Ayurvedic living

The three constitutions: the dosha

There are three constitutional types mentioned in Ayurveda These are called the three dosha.

“ Vata, pitta and kapha move in the whole body producing good or ill effects upon the entire system according to their normal or provoked states. Their n