Chances are you’ve heard the term “ayurvedic” during a visit to your spa or in an advertisement, but you may not know what it means. Ayurvedic medicine began in India and combines the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge), which literally means “the science of life.” Many Ayurvedic therapies predate written records and were handed down by word of mouth. Practiced throughout Asia for thousands of years, Ayurveda has recently become more popular in Western culture.

The basic principle of Ayurvedic medicine is to prevent and treat illness—rather than respond to indicators of disease—by maintaining balance in and harmony between your body, mind and environment. This is done through a personally tailored combination of healthy nutrition, daily movement, aromatherapy and herbal remedies.

Ayurveda supports the revitalizing and empowering idea that we have the ability to heal ourselves. Once you realize your own potential imbalances, you can take control of your own health and start incorporating Ayurvedic therapies to feel healthier, improve your fitness and become happier and rejuvenated. “Ayurveda honors lifestyle from morning to night and throughout our years,” says Param Dedhia, a physician.

Today, integrative medicine is evolving as practitioners of the many healing approaches around the world are seeking to collaborate. There are growing opportunities to blend and complement more mainstream health approaches with Ayurveda and other healing therapies. You can integrate Ayurveda into your wellness routine by seeing a doctor who practices its techniques or by visiting a spa that offers such services.
UNDERSTANDING THE DOSHAS

Ayurvedic treatment is tailored to each person’s unique constitution (prakriti) and life forces (dosha), so your experience may not be the same as that of a friend.

In Ayurvedic terms, every person is made up of one predominant life force, or dosha, and consists of a unique combination of all three forces: vata, pitta and kapha. Determining your dosha is a complex process that explores your personal imbalances and takes many things into consideration to help you achieve optimum health. The mission of the practice over a lifetime is to balance all three:
VATA (ETHER AND AIR)

Frame: thin and lanky

Skin: dry, cool, maybe rough

Sleep: has a hard time falling and/or staying asleep

Temperament: enthusiastic, nervous and/or jumpy
PITTA (FIRE AND WATER)

Frame: average build, apple shape

Skin: warm, smooth and/or oily

Sleep: prefers coolness; is a deep sleeper

Temperament: assertive, outgoing and/or bossy
KAPHA (WATER AND EARTH)

Frame: stocky; is either very tall or very short

Skin: pale, moist and/or cold

Sleep: pleasant, but has difficulty waking up

Temperament: accommodating, pleasant but cautious
WHAT HAPPENS IN AN AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

When you begin your appointment, your practitioner will assess your dosha and your imbalances. To do this, he or she may:

• Ask about your cravings, eating behaviors and recent illnesses (including reasons, if known, and symptoms)
• Question your personal resilience (your ability to recover quickly from illness or setbacks)
• Observe your physical characteristics, such as your teeth and tongue, skin, eyes, weight and overall appearance
• Check your urine, stool, speech/voice and pulse (each dosha is associated with a specific and unique kind of pulse)

Based on this, a personal prescription will be recommended.
COMMON AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS

Your practitioner may prescribe one of these Ayurvedic treatments or techniques after your evaluation.

• Essential oils and other aromatherapies
• Yoga
• Daily meditation practice
• Self-massage, regular professional massage or reflexology
• Breathwork (“pranayama”) and chanting to reduce stress
• Specific fruits, vegetables, spices and teas as part of your daily diet
• Therapeutic Chinese herbs

Ayurveda doesn’t simply look at symptoms, but peels the layers like an onion to reach the core of what makes each of us a vital human being. Everyone has a different balance and everyone is unique. Practitioners expect patients to be active participants in their care, as health prescriptions often require conscious changes in sleep and other healthy habits as well. “As with any approach to health and healing, the individual must honor her or his experience and cultivate a relationship with an expert who will serve as a guide,” Dr. Dedhia says.