What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda (in Sanskrit, Ayur means life, and Veda - knowledge) is a Science of Life, an ancient folk medicine originated in India and the oldest form of healthcare in the world. It is said to be over 5000 years old, but we cannot exactly pinpoint the beginning of this system. It was passed orally through generations. The first records of Ayurveda were found in the Vedas - the most ancient Sanskrit texts (written 3000-1000 B.C.) offering guidelines for optimal well-being.
Ayurveda sees a human as a whole - the Mind, Body, and Spirit together. It focuses on achieving a state of optimal health, in which all aspects of our being are working together in a balanced way. Ayurvedic teachings encourage us to ask ourselves the fundamental question: „Who am I?”. Ayurveda is about living your life connected to the knowingness of who you are - physically, mentally, and spiritually. Each of us is different and has a unique constitution. Ayurveda understands that and offers specific recommendations for a specific person. What may be a medicine for someone, may actually be a „poison” for someone else.
Ayurveda focuses on daily routines, food and herbal remedies, exercise, meditation, and spiritual practices - but it is not a religion, nor a belief system! These guidelines vary for each person and change throughout the seasons, just like nature. In fact, an individual is seen as a microcosm, mirroring all that happens in the universal macrocosm. What does it mean? For example, the impact of chilly windy weather can be noticed in your body as dry and cracking skin on your hands. Inspired by Ayurvedic wisdom, we want to prevent any imbalances (or treat those already present in our systems) by introducing opposite qualities (i.e. cold-hot, dry-unctuous, etc.).
To sum up: Ayurveda is the art of living in harmony with Nature and the Self - who you really are. The goal of living an Ayurvedic lifestyle is to maintain health, radiance, and juiciness for as long as we can.
