What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is one of the world’s most powerful mind-body health systems, originating in India and now accessible in many parts of the world, including us right here in Melbourne.

It views individuals as unique in mental and physical composition and importantly, as an integral part of nature, made up of the key elements of the universe: space, air, fire, water and earth.

Using this approach, it assesses the elemental balance within us and how being out of balance with our own nature and the environments around us might impact our wellbeing.

In particular, this is done by looking at 3 specific combinations of elements that reveal a lot about our state of being – Vata, Pitta, Kapha.

Intro to Vata, Pitta, Kapha:

Vata follows the principle of movement and is a by-product of space and air. Similar to air, it is cold, light, dry, rough and mobile. It governs movement, respiration, the heart and nervous system.

Pitta is the by-product of fire and water. Similar to fire it is hot, light, dry, sharp and penetrating. Manages metabolism, our digestive system and emotions.

Kapha is the stabilising force and is a by-product of earth and water. Similar to earth it is heavy, wet, cold, soft and smooth. It manages our bodily immunity, vitality, hydration and strength.

Another element that is key is ‘ama’ or a toxic by-product of undigested physical and energetic matter.

Some key symptoms of imbalance:

Ama: this appears like a thick and opaque white layer on the tongue, most evident first thing in the morning before brushing the teeth. In the stool, ama appears as a sticky mucous.

It also includes:

• Feelings of heaviness and lethargy

• Feeling unclean

• Clogging of the channels: constipation, sinus/lymph congestion

• Indigestion

• Stagnation

• Abnormal or decreased ability to taste

• Confusion, forgetfulness

• Sexual debility

• Weight-gain

• Poor circulation

• Malabsorption of nutrients

• Oedema or swelling

• Bad breath

• Lack of energy/enthusiasm, low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression

Vata: external dryness (skin, hair, joints), internal dryness (bloating, gas, dehydration, constipation), erratic bowels, dizziness, restlessness, muscle pains, poor/interrupted sleep, difficulty gaining weight

Pitta: bodily inflammation, joint pain, stomach heat (heartburn, acid reflux, ulcers), impaired digestion, increased hunger and thirst, increased sweating and body odour, headaches with burning sensations, anger/irritation/frustration

Kapha: excess bodily fluids, thick, white coating on tongue, slow bowel movements, extra body weight, difficulty rising in the morning, feeling heavy, foggy, or lethargic, tendency towards emotional eating

Dietary Recommendations; some available in our store – please browse or ask at reception:

Vata: sweet, sour and salty foods, hot soups, ghee, avocados, coconut, whole milk, wheat, warm spices - turmeric, flaxseeds, cinnamon, ginger, ashwagandha, berries, red lentils, pistachios, dates, cooked oats, amaranth, rice, quinoa, soy products, tofu (served hot), butter, almonds, cashews, lean meats, chicken, beef, salmon, eggs, herbal tea with brahmi leaves, garlic

Balancing recommendation: sesame oil

Pitta: Bitter, astringent and sweet foods, apples, grapes, milk, ghee, leafy greens, cabbage, cucumber, bell pepper, cauliflour, oats, quinoa, rice, wheat, pasta, legumes (lentils, split peas, soy beans, black beans) almonds, pumpkin seeds, coconut, sunflower seeds, amla, guduchi, triphala

Balancing recommendation: ghee

Kapha: Bitter, pungent and astringent foods, warm foods, heating spices - chili, black or cayenne pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, most beans, mung dhal, well cooked tofu, or tempeh, warm soy milk, lots of warm cooked veggies, minimal amounts of corn, canola, sesame, or sunflower oil, triphala

Balancing recommendation: honey

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