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Ayurveda fundamentals !You, and the world around you
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!What is Ayurveda?
!“The entire vedic tradition is composed of highly spiritual wisdom and pure knowledge revealed through
the hears hears of enlightened rishis. It is not a creation made by the minds of man but rather a revelation from the hearts of meditative sages.” !
- - Textbook of Ayurveda, Dr. Vasant Lad
!True health does not come from the mind or from the
knowledge of disease, but rather from what is felt in the body. !
Speak, hear and feel the words to truly understand the teachings.
!“The sanskrit word sutra means to suture with a thread. The small phrase of the sutra is analogous to a thread passing through the eye of a needle. The eye of the needle is small but the trail of the thread leads to great hidden wisdom waiting for interpretation. A seed is a tree in minute form. A sutra is analogous to the seed. The seed can have many meanings and can describe a variety of forms: a small sapling, a mature tree, flowers fruits, acorns or nuts. It is clear that the seed embraces the totality. It is the microcosm within
the macrocosm. The same is true of the sutra.” !- Textbook of Ayurveda, Dr. Vasant Lad
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“Because of its broad scope, Ayurveda embraces all health care disciplines and weaves them into an integrated treatment plan for each individual. If a person needs surgery, surgical procedures are available.
If a person needs needs psychological or spiritual counselling, or rejuvenation of the body, mind, and spirit, there are procedures for those as well. Ayurveda encompasses all these treatments and coordinates them
appropriately. It is called a “living” science since it incorporates modern developments and techniques along with ancient wisdom…Most other medical disciplines are too specialized to design a plan that includes
elimination of the cause(s), treatment of the condition, rebuilding of the body and the continuing support of a rejuvenation program. In Ayurveda, all these elements are of paramount importance in the treatment
process…There is no concept of specialization in Ayurveda as there is in western medicine. Ayurveda treats the whole person, not just he organ or system involved.” !
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Dr. Vasant Lad
!Ayur = Life Veda = Science/Study Ayurveda = The Science of Life !
“The Natural Healing System” !!Ayurveda is likely the oldest health care system in the
world, with roots going back over 5000 years. It is known as “The Mother Of All Healing”, as it utilizes
equal focus on all aspects of human health, including; !
Mind Body & Spirit !
It not only considers the physical aspects of the body but also the psychology and spirituality of the individual.
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Ayurveda is perhaps the worlds oldest, and most complete form of naturopathic medicine.
It emphasizes equal care towards ones; !
Diet Lifestyle
Supplementation Self care practicesMental wellbeing
Spiritual/Inner connectivity !
Ayurveda is not affiliated with any religious teacher, group or tradition. It does however, stress the importance of
yoga and meditation. !
——————————————— !
Feel how much it matters how much you show up. !
Ask yourself - if not now, then when? !!
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The Elements !
“The rishis perceived that in the beginning the world existed in an unmanifested state of consciousness. From that state of the subtle vibrations of the cosmic, the soundless sound of Aum
manifested. From the subtle vibration of Aum came Ether (space). This ethereal element then began to move and through its subtle movements created the Air element, which is Ether in action. The movement of air produced friction and through friction heat was generated. Particles of heat combined to form intense light and from this light the fire element emerged. Thus, Ether produced
Air and it was Air that further manifested into Fire. The heat of Fire dissolved and liquefied certain ethereal elements, forming Water. that then solidified to form the molecules of Earth. In this
way, Ether manifested in to the four elements of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth.” !- Textbook of Ayurveda, Dr. Vasant Lad !!
Earth Air Fire
Water Ether !
Elements combine to form Doshas !
Doshas are predictable patterns of mental, emotional and physical traits & characteristics that show up in our bodies and in
our eco system. !!
The elements in the Doshas affect the Quality in which we experience things… (more into this next week)
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Your Constitution The Physical Body
!Dosha = Biological type, Physical constitution
!“The doshas - vata, pitta, and kapha - bind the five elements into living flesh. The concept of support is a natural function of these principles of physiology we call vata, pitta, kapha. They are the agents of DNA which form the blueprint for the physiology. They are energy complexes; these complexes are known by their
attributes.” !- Textbook of Ayurveda, Dr. Vasant Lad
!We are all born innately different.
Different genes, circumstances of birth, historical origin, hereditary disease, etc.
!The paths of our ancestors and parents affect us on a
deep and cellular level. !
These variables show up in a number of ways, in combination of 3 different forces;
!Vata Pitta
Kapha
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Vata - “The wind” !!Elements: Air + Ether Qualities: dry, light, cold, mobile, rough, clear Season: fall - mid winter Nature: wind Location: colon, nerves, mind !
Vata sets the rhythm of the whole body. !
It is the force responsible for every movement within and without of the body and mind.
!It is the driving force behind the other 2 doshas. They, nor anything else in the universe could function without vata.
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Vata qualities in people show up in the following ways; !
Body Characteristics: Narrow, thin frame
Long neck and bones Weight fluctuates easily
!Personality:
Fast paced in thought, speech, and physical movement Energetic
Creative/Artistic !
Challenges: Often experiences constipation, immune weakness,
circulatory and nervous system imbalances !
Often worries and becomes overwhelmed Focusing is challenging
!Gifts:
Creative, enthusiastic, inspiring !!
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Pitta - “Transformation” !Elements: Fire + Water Qualities: sharp, hot, oily, smooth, mobile Season: late spring - summer Nature: sun Location: small intestine, skin, liver, eyes !
Pitta is the energy of friction which creates heat. !
Heat is responsible for creation and transformation within the body. It literally burns up the old, and creates the new.
!People with pitta crave intensity and change. They move
with full force towards vision into action. !!!!!!
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Pitta qualities in people show up in the following ways; !
Body Characteristics: Moderate, reasonable and steady with weight
Medium frame/build, Strong muscle tone !
Personality: Focused, driven, intense, dependable
Well collected in thought !
Challenges: Prone to loose stool, heartburn, headaches/migraines
Weakness present in liver/gallbladder Prone to skin rashes and acne
!Holds anger/resentment
Irritable and jealous - sometimes cynical !
Gifts: Performs well under stress
Natural teachers and leaders
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Kapha - “Nourishment” !Elements: Water + Earth Qualities: wet, cold, heavy, soft, moist, oily, static Season: spring Nature: moon Locations: stomach, lung, sinuses, joints !
Kapha is composed of heavier elements, which has a cohesive, binding quality in its nature.
!Kapha quality is one of safety and offers a sense of
grounding. !
In Sanskrit, the word Kapha is interchangeable with the word Slesha, which literally translates as; “To hug”.
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Kapha qualities in people show up in the following ways; !
Body Characteristics: Stocky, shorter, heavier natural disposition
Good muscular development Large bone structure
!Personality:
Slow in speech, thought and movement Consistent, dedicated
!Challenges:
Potential for water retention, weight gain & diabetes Prone to mucous related illness
!Lethargy, depression and over attachment
!Gifts:
Unconditionally loving, nurturing, giving & devoted Great parents and care givers of all kinds
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Prakruti The way you have been from before the start.
!Prakriti = natural state/constitution “That which aligns us with our natural state.”
!3 Types
1. Janma Prakruti Genetic and Karmic
Determined at conception - does not change
!2. Deha Prakruti
Current state/condition - changes throughout life
eg. Pregnancy, birth, menopause, etc
!3. Manas Prakruti
Current mental constitution
Fluctuates with Deha prakruti - changes throughout life
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Its not important to remember the names of these states.
It is only important to understand that they exist.
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Vikruti !
Vikriti = Disease state, deviation from nature “That which is not aligned with our natural state.”
!Shows up as disease or symptoms in the body
(physical, mental and emotional) !
Diseases of movement // nervousness, digestion, elimination, absorption
!Diseases of deficiencies // nutritional, energetic
!Diseases of subtlety // ears, mind
!Diseases of heat // digestion, inflammation
!Diseases of excess // obesity, diabetes
!Dual doshic imbalances // fatigue + obesity
!Tridoshic imbalances // cancer, autoimmune disease
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The closer we try to align our current condition (Vikriti) with our unchanging state (Prakruti) the closer we come to finding
our individual needs for optimal health. !!
Next we will move deeper into the understanding of the overall qualities each dosha offers us, and then from there we
can more easily tune into the shifts that need to happen to create true and lasting balance.
!!
“Like = Like, Opposites Create Balance.”
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The Gunas !
Guna = Attributes, Qualities of nature !
According to Ayurveda, there are approximately 20 qualities of nature that we experience on all three levels
(physical, mental, spiritual) or, one could begin to think of them in 10 pairs of
opposites. !
Below is a list of the traditional 10, but this list is by no means limiting. The list of gunas to most, is considered to be endless.
!Cold Hot
Oily Dry
Heavy Light
Gross Subtle
Dense Liquid
Soft Hard
Static Mobile
Sticky Clear
Slimy Rough
Slow Sharp
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!Gunas and the Doshas
!“Charaka, the great Ayurvedic physician of ancient times, found that all organic and inorganic substances,
as well as thoughts and actions, have definite attributes…Charaka categorized these attributes into 10 opposite pairs… These opposite forces function together. Basically, the universe is the manifestation of the two opposites, male and female energy…These pairs of opposites must be understood as having relative relationships - relative to subject, relative to individual, and also relative to the standard of normality.
Nothing is absolute.” - Textbook of Ayurveda, Dr. Vasant Lad !!
Within each food type you will find a series of gunas. Within each organism you will find a series of gunas.
!therefore;
!Within each dosha you will find a series of gunas.
!The qualities of VATA include;
light, cool, dry, mobile, astringent
!The qualities of PITTA include;
light, hot, oily, unstable, spicy
!The qualities of KAPHA include;
heavy, cool, moist, soft, stable, sweet
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The Gunas of Vata !
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Dr. Vasant Lad
!General guidelines for balancing vata !
keep warm keep calm
avoid raw foods avoid cold foods
avoid extreme cold temperatures eat warm foods and spices
keep a regular routine
Attributes Manifestations in the body
Dry dry skin, hair, lips, tongue, colon, tending towards constipation, hoarse voice
Light light muscles, bones, thin body frame, light scanty sleep, underweight
Cold cold hands, feet, poor circulation, hates cold - loves hot, stiffness in muscles
Rough rough, cracked skin, nails, hair, teeth, hands and feet, cracking in the joints
Subtle subtle fears, anxiety, insecurities, delicate body
Mobile fast walking, talking and doing many things at a time; restless eyebrows, eyes, hands and feet; unstable joints; many dreams; loves traveling; swinging moods, shaky faith
Clear clairvoyant, understands and forgets immediately, clear, open mind, experiences void and loneliness
Astringent dryness problems such as hiccups and burping
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- Textbook of Ayurveda, Dr. Vasant Lad !General guidelines for balancing pitta
!avoid excessive heat avoid excessive oil
avoid excessive steam limit salt intake
eat cooling, non spicy foods drink cool (but not iced) drinks
exercise during the cooler parts of the day
The Gunas of Kapha
Sharp distinct features, eyes, pointed nose, tapering chin, heart shaped face, good absorption and digestion, sharp memory and understandable, irritable
Light light/medium body frame, bright eyes
Oily soft oily skin, hair and feces, excess oil intake causes headaches
Liquid loose, liquid stools, soft delicate muscles, excess urine, sweat and thirst
Spreading pitta spreads as rashes, acne, inflammation; pitta people want to spread their name and fame
Sour sour acid in the stomach, acidic PH, sensitive teeth, excessive salvation
Bitter bitter taste in mouth, nausea, vomiting, cynical
Pungent heartburn, burning sensations in general, strong feelings of anger and hate
Smelly armpits, mouth, feet
Manifestations in the bodyAttributes
Attributes Manifestations in the body
Heavy heavy bones, muscles, large body frame, tends towards overweight, grounded, deep heavy voice
Attributes
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- Textbook of Ayurveda, Dr. Vasant Lad !General guidelines for balancing kapha
!plenty of exercise/keep active
avoid heavy, cold, oily & fatty foods eat light and dry foods
variance in routine
The Gunas and Prakruti/Vikriti !
Slow slow walk, talk, digestion, metabolism, sluggish gestures
Cool cold, clammy skin, steady appetite and thirst with slow metabolism and digestion, congestion and cough, cravings for sweets
Oily oily skin, hair and feces; lubricated joints and other organs
Damp congestion in the sinuses, throat and head
Smooth smooth skin, gentle and calm nature
Dense dense with fat, muscle, thick skin, hair, nails and feces
Soft soft pleasing look, caring, loving, compassionate and kind
Static loves sitting, sleeping, or doing nothing
Viscous viscous, sticky, cohesive quality, loves to hug, deeply attached in love and relationships
Cloudy cloudy mind especially in the morning, usually needs coffee as a stimulant to start the day
Sweet **anabolic action of sweet is to stimulate sperm formation - often asa strong desire for sex and is fertile
Salty helps digestion and growth, gives energy, maintains osmotic condition, water retention if function is abnormal
Manifestations in the bodyAttributes
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Through the world of the gunas we can better begin to understand the philosophy of prakruti and vikriti
(our innate, unchanging selves and our shifting, changing selves) !!
There are 3 main Gunas to be made aware of; !
Sattva Rajas
Tamas !
These main gunas are composed of many of the qualitative gunas mentioned above.
!They represent both an aspect of our prakriti (unchanging self)
as well as our virkuti (changing self) !
We are all Sattvic by nature, but are highly influenced by the gunas Rajas and Tamas
!(More on this to follow)
!Prakruti
“Each person’s combination and proportions of vata, pitta, and kapha are determined by the genetics, diet, lifestyle and emotions of the parents, among other factors, at the time of conception. The combination of
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the three doshas, which forms the person’s constitution and is set at conception, is called prakruti. Prakruti is simply the unique psychophysical makeup and functional habits of a person.”
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Dr. Vasant Lad
!Prakriti = natural state/constitution “That which aligns us with our natural state.”
!3 Types
1. Janma Prakruti Genetic and Karmic
Determined at conception - does not change
!2. Deha Prakruti
Current state/condition - changes throughout life
eg. Pregnancy, birth, menopause, etc
!3. Manas Prakruti
Current mental constitution
Fluctuates with Deha prakruti - changes throughout life
!!
Its not important to remember the names of these states.
It is only important to understand that they exist.
Vikruti !
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“…(Virkuti) reveals the present state of the three doshas. If the present state of the dosha is the same as the prakruti, that person is balanced and healthy…But more than likely there will be a difference, for
vikruti reflects any aspects of the diet, lifestyle, emotions, age, environment, etc., that are not in harmony with ones prakruti…No matter the constitution, it is possible to achieve optimal health through proper diet,
cooking methods, lifestyle, and an attitude toward life that specifically suits each individual.” - Textbook of Ayurveda, Dr. Vasant Lad
Vikriti = Disease state, deviation from nature “That which is not aligned with our natural state.”
!Shows up as disease or symptoms in the body
(physical, mental and emotional) !
Diseases of movement // nervousness, digestion, elimination, absorption
!Diseases of deficiencies // nutritional, energetic
!Diseases of subtlety // ears, mind
!Diseases of heat // digestion, inflammation
!Diseases of excess // obesity, diabetes
!Dual doshic imbalances // fatigue + obesity
!Tridoshic imbalances // cancer, autoimmune disease
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The closer we try to align our current condition (Vikriti) with our unchanging state (Prakruti) the closer we come to finding
our individual needs for optimal health. !!
Next we will move deeper into the understanding of the overall qualities each dosha offers us, and then from there we
can more easily tune into the shifts that need to happen to create true and lasting balance.
!!
“Like = Like, Opposites Create Balance.”
!!!!!!!!!!
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Gunas, Elements & Doshas !Attributes Elements Examples
Hot: +P -V -K
Fire + Water Physical heat, circulation, digestion, absorption, assimilation, intense emotions, irritable, angry
Cold: +K +V -P
Air + Ether Numbness, unconsciousness, contraction, stagnation, fear, insensitivity. Creates mucous, lowers immunity (immunity requires heat)
Oily: +P +K -V
Fire + Water Smoothness, moisture, lubrication, relaxation. Creates nourishing emotions such as compassion and love
Dry: +V -P -K
Air + Ether Dehydrates the body, Creates fear, nervousness, loneliness. Stimulates fire (fire is dry)
Heavy: +K -P -V
Water + Earth Promotes growth in the physical tissues. Creates a sense of groundedness, centeredness and stability. Sleep is heavy.
Light: +V +P -K
Fire + Water Makes the body alert and attentive. Can create spaciness, ungroundedness, and instability. Can feed insecurity, fear, and anxiety
Subtle: +V +P -K
Air + Ether Drugs, herbs, stimulants. Creates more space, movement and transformation in the body, heating
Gross: +K -V -P
Water + Earth Causes obstruction and obesity (excessive storage and growth)
Dense: +K -V -P
Water + Earth Increases compactness in the body, grounds. Promotes solidity, density, strength and firms the muscle tissue
Liquid: +P +K -V
Water + Earth Literally translates to less dense, or diluted. Promotes fluidity and cohesiveness
Soft: +P +K -V
Water + Earth Creates softness, delicacy, relaxation, tenderness, love, and care
Hard: +V (sometimes +K) -P
Water + Earth Promotes strength, rigidity, selfishness, callousness, and insensitivity
Attributes
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- Textbook of Ayurveda, Dr. Vasant Lad
Static: +K -V -P
Water + Earth Promotes stability and support. Sitting quietly brings stability and healing
Mobile: +V +P -K
Air + Ether Promotes motion but can lead to shakiness and restlesness. Emotions are mobile (changing)
Sticky: +K -V -P
Water + Earth Creates cohesiveness in the mind and body. Also called “cloudiness” this can cause a lack of clarity and perception
Clear: +V -P -K
Air + Ether Creates isolation and diversion. Normally manifests from too much cleansing
Slimy/Smooth: +P +K -V
Water + Earth Present in fats and oils it lubricates and creates flexibility
Rough: +V -P -K
Air + Ether Increases dryness, absorption and constipation. Raw vegetables are rough as well as dried beans. Often leads to gas.
Slow/Dull: +K -V -P
Water + Earth Creates sluggishness, slow action, relaxation, calmness, and quietness.
Sharp: +V +P -K
Fire + Water Fire is hot and sharp. Sharpness improves learning, concentration, understanding, appreciation, and comprehension
Elements Examples Attributes
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Homework !
Take the dosha quiz one time. Generalize your answers to not only the present moment, but how you have been
throughout your life. !
Its a good idea to take the quiz with someone who has known you for a long time - we often give answers based
on how we would like to perceive ourselves (for better or worse) rather that how we truly are.
!The test can be taken a second time, with your answers based on this present moment. This gives you an idea
of your Prakriti and your Vikriti. !
Consider the Gunas present in your body. Relate the gunas to the elements, and the elements to
the doshas. !
Consider how you would use the philosophy “like equals like, and opposites create balance”
to find tools within your diet, lifestyle and self care practices to create a state of balance.
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