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About Ayurveda

Ayush Veda: Science of Life, the connection between nature and man.

Ayurveda is believed to be the oldest form of medical system dating back over 5000 years. Over these thousands of years the basic principles of Ayurveda have remained unchanged as it follows the laws of nature which are always constant. This makes it a very different medical system from the west’s which is continuously changing and developing.

It uses a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment that has been passed down from generation to generation in traditional ayurvedic (Varrier) families within India. It is a science which evaluates the individual’s constitution and offers specific recommendations including exercise/yoga, herbal remedies and of course physical therapies to restore and maintain balance in mind, body and soul. Ayurveda can also boast that it is the only medical system that treats, prevents and diagnoses.

The two main principal objectives of ayurveda are:

‘Swasthyas swasthya rakshanam’ (To prolong life and promote perfect health).

‘Aturasya vikar prashamanamcha’ (To completely eradicate the disease and dysfunction of the body).

This can be achieved by controlling the ama (toxins) in an individual’s body. By analysing each person individually we can ascertain their pakriti or dosha (their genetic makeup) and even out areas of imbalance (vikruti). This will include the incorporation of, treatments and specific diet regimes into their daily and seasonal routines. There are many ‘Purvakarma’ (pre-action) treatments which prepare the body for the flushing of toxins. These loosen and gather the toxins into the digestive tract ready for extraction.

There are 3 doshas present within a person and these are called Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Vata: (Movement) is a force made up of elements ether and air. The proportions of ether and air determine how active Vata is. The amount of ether (space) affects the ability of the air to gain momentum. If unrestricted, air can gain momentum and become forceful such as a hurricane.

Vata means “wind, to move and flow.” Vata enables the other two doshas to be expressive. The actions of Vata are drying, cooling, light, agitating, and moving.

Vata governs breathing, blinking of the eyelids, movements in the muscles and tissues, the pulse and all expansion and contractions. Vata also rules such feelings and emotions as freshness, nervousness, fear, anxiety, pain, tremors, and spasms. The primary location of the Vata in the body is the colon. It also resides in the hips, thighs, ears, bones, large intestine, pelvic cavity, and skin. It is also related to the touch sensation. When the body develops an excess of vata, it will accumulate in these areas.

Pitta: (Transformation) is a force created by the dynamic interplay of water and fire. These forces represent transformation. They cannot change into each other, but they modulate or control each other and are vitally required for life processes to occur. For example, too much fire and too little water will result in the boiling away of the water. Too much water will result in the fire being put out.

Pitta governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism, body temperature, skin coloration, the lustre of the eyes, intelligence, and understanding. Psychologically, Pitta arouses anger, hate, and jealousy. The small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, fat, eyes, and skin are the main locations of Pitta.

Kapha: (Binding) is the combination of water and earth. Kapha is also structure and lubrication. One can visualize the Kapha force as the stirring force to keep the water and earth from separating. Kapha cements the elements in the body, providing the material for physical structure. This dosha maintains body resistance. Water is the main constituent of kapha, and this bodily water is responsible for strength in the body. Kapha lubricates the joints; provides moisture to the skin; helps to heal wounds; fills the spaces in the body; gives biological strength, vigour and stability; supports memory; gives energy to the heart and lungs and maintains immunity.

Kapha is present in the chest, throat, head, sinuses, nose, mouth, stomach, joints, cytoplasm (cellular material), plasma, and in the liquid secretions of the body such as mucus. Psychologically, kapha is responsible for the emotions of attachment, greed, and long-standing envy. It is also expressed in tendencies toward calmness, forgiveness, and love. The chest is the seat of kapha.

Each individual has one dosha more prominent than the rest within them. When this prominent dosha becomes out of balance then dosha specific diseases and dysfunctions can manifest themselves within the individual. This is where ayurvedic treatments come in to play. With the use of these specific treatments using dosha pacifying herbs and oils, the person will be brought back into balance. The treatments can also be used to prevent the imbalances happening in the first place through the science of rejuvenation: ‘Bringing one’s body back to its natural state by eradicating all toxins, disease and dysfunction from the body’.

At Rasayana, Ayurvedic Therapies and Wellness Jamie allows his clients to combine the harmonising of their doshas with the science of rejuvenation. The cleansing and alignment of their bodies and minds can be achieved with the use of Rasayana’s authentic and ancient ayurvedic ‘Beauty, Spa, Body and Health’ treatments. Jamie will also give comprehensive advice on lifestyle regimes, diet, weight management, daily and seasonal routines to empower his clients to take charge of their health and wellbeing with the use of ayurveda in the home environment.