The Science of Life: Discovering Ayurveda

Sounds intriguing and kind of rolls off the (clean, of course 😊) tongue, right? “Ayurveda”- But what is it?

Developed 5,000 years ago in India, Ayurvedic Medicine (Ayurveda for short) is a system of holistic healing based on the beliefs that the balance of mind, body and spirit contribute to one’s overall health and wellness. Its goal is the promotion of good general health. The word itself is based upon its tenet:  Ayur = life, Veda = science or knowledge.

Basically, in Ayurveda, there are three types of energy known as the doshas. They encompass the five elements/life forces found in the universe that are found in everyone: fire, earth, space, water and air. When there is an imbalance in any of the doshas, we are not living our lives to their fullest wellness potential and we need to come back into balance through diet, mental acuity and physical exercise in order to regain our optimum health. The doshas are linked to distinct aspects of our bodily functions and, therefore, our habits can disrupt their maintenance and cause specific problems. The examples given below are just a summary of this vastly complex thought process:

3 Types of Energy in Ayurveda

1. Vata dosha: Space and air are combined in Vata, so this is considered by many to be the most important dosha since it controls blood flow, breathing, heart patterns and the elimination of waste through the digestive system.
   1. Disruption: Fear, grief, staying up too late, eating too close to bedtime
   2. Potential problems: anxiety, heart disease, asthma

2. Pitta dosha: Fire and water are combined in Pitta, and this force regulates how we break down food, our metabolism and hormone development.
   1. Disruption: Eating sour or spicy foods, spending too much time in the sun
   2. Potential problems: Crohn’s Disease, heartburn, heart disease

3. Kapha dosha: Water is again a part of this dosha, but this time combined with earth to control weight, body strength, muscle growth and your overall immune system.
   1. Disruption: Eating too many sweets or foods with too much salt or water; daytime sleeping.
   2. Potential problems: Obesity or diabetes.

So what does that all mean to us? The TUNG Brush and Gel team is always looking for ways to introduce you to a healthier lifestyle. By understanding the fundamentals of this ancient philosophy that has transcended the ages to modern science and practice, we hope that you will see how your wellbeing is a balance! Meditation, exercise and a healthy diet are critical elements of Ayurveda and most holistic practices. In today’s hectic and stress-filled lifestyles, it wouldn’t hurt us to look to the ancients for ways to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

After all, it’s all about balance – life and home, food intake and exercise, breathing in AND out! 😊