What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda, meaning "the science of life," is the sister science/medical side of Yoga and is considered the most complete system of natural healthcare in the world today. This 5,000 year old model of medicine provides us with a unique opportunity to understand ourselves as a part of nature. Ayurveda encourages the concept that we each possess our own individual constitution based on 3 doshas. This allows us to take our well-being into our own hands using our unique traits. This holistic approach to maintaining and regaining optimal health depends on carefully constructing plans according to our Ether/Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth elemental configuration. Ayurveda gives us the practical tools to re-establishing ourselves and taking charge of not only our health but also our lives. It focuses on an individually based diet and lifestyle protocol to help achieve a level of balance. Herbs and other supplements, spirituality, psychology, rejuvenation and revitalization, breathing exercises (Pranayama), meditation, physical exercises (such as yoga asana's, gym exercises, and other physical forms of activity) are some of the various tools recommended as part of this system to gain harmony and manage imbalances.