About Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an ancient and holistic system of medicine from India that’s over 5,000 years old. The word Ayurveda roughly translates to “the science of longevity” or “the sacred knowledge of life.” In this system, we look at the world, and the human body, through the lens of the 5 elements of ether, air, fire, water, and earth, and the combination of elements that make up the three doshas (constitutions) of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. According to Ayurveda, we are all born with a combination of these three doshas, but one or two may dominate. This is our unique constitution and is our perfect state of health. However, as we go through life, we often become imbalanced through diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors, which wreak havoc on the body. It usually means that one dosha is out of balance. So, discovering your primary dosha(s) and the imbalanced dosha is key to living a healthy life.
Vata
Vata is comprised of the elements of ether and air, and embodies the qualities of cold, dry, light and mobile. Vata means "wind", so it governs all movement including muscles, nerves and even thoughts. People with a predominance of Vata dosha are creative, artistic, vivacious, adaptable, and free-spirited. When out of balance, Vata people may experience dry skin, cracking joints, gas, bloating, constipation, weight loss, pain, arthritis, fatigue, restlessness, or a depletion of nutrients. They can also be fearful, worried, anxious, foggy-brained, and/or exhausted - classic signs of many autoimmune diseases. Vata is best soothed by routine, warmth, serenity, and nourishment. The Vata diet should consist of foods like root vegetables, whole grains, good quality oils, and animal products to ground their airy nature.
Our
Story
Pitta
Pitta is comprised of the elements of fire and water, but mostly fire. It embodies the qualities of hot, oily, sharp, light, sour, spreading and liquifying. Pitta governs all heat, digestion (of food and experiences), and transformation in the body. People with a predominance of Pitta dosha are intelligent, enthusiastic, determined, and charismatic. When out of balance, Pitta people are prone to "heat" imbalances, such as inflammation, heartburn, hyperacidity, fever, and liver disorders. Pitta people can be overly critical, argumentative, and addictive. To balance Pitta we encourage cooling foods and calming activities, such as meditation, yoga, or taking a walk in nature.
