Ayurveda is considered to be the oldest healing science, having originated in India well over 5000 years ago with its roots in ancient Vedic culture. The language of Sanskrit is a science to itself, and from that comes the profound knowledge termed Ayurveda, meaning “The Science of life”. It is also regarded as the “Mother of all healing” and is doubtlessly the first true health care system in the world, and from it stem so many other well-known healing modalities, including homeopathy and more recently Functional Medicine, which holds the same principle of delving to the root cause of disease.
The energy patterns are the basic biology of the body, and in Ayurveda are termed doshas.
They are based upon the five great elements, Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth:
They are based upon the five great elements, Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth:
Vata
The subtlest and most pervasive energy associated with movement,
composed of Ether & Air
- It is a kinetic energy that causes movement through cells, across membranes, transport of nutrients, speed of thoughts and creative potential.
- Out of balance, it might cause anxiety, fear and can push the other doshas away from their balanced positions to cause disease in other parts of the body.
Pitta
The energy of metabolism and transformation made up of
Fire & Water
- The process of digestion, absorption, assimilation, intelligence and passion all require the fluidity of fire.
- When disturbed the fire burns in anger, hatred or jealousy.
Kapha
The stabilising force for structure and stability; the building blocks utilising
Earth & Water
- The glue that keep our cells and bodies together. It lubricates and expresses itself through calmness, compassion and love.
- Out of balance it promotes attachment, greed and laziness.
The doshas allow our body systems and organs to work in harmony and understanding how each organ/body system affects the next, and how the body eliminates waste and processes toxins gives a complete picture of physical health. Sensory perception, state of mind, and our spirit have an even greater impact on our physical health. These are key indicators of whole health in the Ayurvedic definition of “Health” as per Charaka – the Father of Ayurveda. The doshas and our perceptions help create our reciprocal relationship with the environment and the universe, and this includes our relationship with food and medicines, as well as with nature and the people around us.
Ayurveda as a complement to Western Medicine is a powerful combination, since the latter focuses on symptomatology and disease, while Ayurveda looks to the whole of life (the individual and beyond) and aims to discover the root cause and rebalance the entire system. It’s belief is that the physical problem should never be looked at in isolation from the whole person. Bringing the two sciences together has the capacity to prevent, heal and enhance the life we have with vitality and longevity.
Ayurveda as a complement to Western Medicine is a powerful combination, since the latter focuses on symptomatology and disease, while Ayurveda looks to the whole of life (the individual and beyond) and aims to discover the root cause and rebalance the entire system. It’s belief is that the physical problem should never be looked at in isolation from the whole person. Bringing the two sciences together has the capacity to prevent, heal and enhance the life we have with vitality and longevity.
The concept of Cancer in Ayurveda is the chronic long-standing imbalance of all doshas. The imbalance has been masked in some way so no early signs have been visible, or our awareness has not tuned into the subtler changes occurring within us. Restoring balance and cultivating conscious behavioural patterns is an essential part of the cancer journey and can work safely and effectively alongside radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Preparing the body and mind for surgery or other treatments can bring a certain equipoise to the often difficult process. This is where Yoga, the sister science of Ayurveda comes into play as well, since together they empower you with the tools for healing, integration and transformation on all levels of your being from body and mind to the more intangible landscape of spirit. The healing power of Ayurveda and the wisdom of Yoga can be used together to discover the bliss of our deeper Self-nature, giving access to our highest potential even when it feels like one has lost all grounding.
A good practitioner will guide the behavioural modifications best suited to your individual constitution and the disease in question, by recommending dietary and lifestyle changes, movement exercises, sound therapy to invigorate or soothe, breath work, deeper awareness, and where necessary and appropriate, the right herbs and supplements.