Ayuveda Sydney

Ayurveda is a holistic medical system that has been used for over 5,000 years in India. It is a Sanskrit term consisting of two words: Ayu, which means life and Veda, which means knowledge or science. Hence the science of life or Ayurveda considers life as the combination body, mind, senses and soul, and treats every individual as unique by virtue of their body constitution and uses a constitutional model in its approach to diseases, health management, prevention and rejuvenation.

As per Ayurveda every person is uniquely made up of five primary elements - air, fire, water, earth and ether (space), the same five elements that make up the universe. These five elements have the ability to create various physiological functions, and when combined in different proportions make up the three major energetic forces: Vata, Pitta and Kapha under the category Tridoshas. Ayurveda stresses the need for individual-based treatments, given the different genetic make-up of every person. This can be compared to modern science, which holds genes responsible for the differences in individuals’ metabolism, digestive capacity, body structure, susceptibility to illnesses and response to medication.

The unique feature of Ayurveda is that it helps to maintain a misery-free life and not just symptom-free. It is applied as a preventive, curative, rejuvenator and as an agent in developing immunity and building resistance against diseases. It follows the principles of nature and activates the self-healing power of the body. This understanding, together with a compatible life style, is essential in preventing illnesses, adopting appropriate therapeutic measures to treat diseases and to build up immunity. Ayurvedic approach is not just limited to treating of diseases. It is also used as a preventive and rejuvenating therapy.

In the Ayurvedic context, diseases are caused by the imbalance of the Tridoshas. Accurate identification of the body constitution is the first step in the prevention and treatment process as diseases vary according to the body type. Next in the treatment process, appropriate diet, life style and changes necessary for restoration of Dosha-balance are prescribed.

Ayurveda being a vast science is taught as a 5.1/2 years bachelors degree course in leading universities in India followed by internship in hospitals, similar to MBBS.

As food and life style influence Tridoshic balance, some tips, specific to the body constitution and seasons are given below. It is important that an individual’s body constitution is correctly assessed by a qualified Ayurvedic physician before following the tips.

Diet and regimen to be followed as per the individual body type and season

Vata
For Vata predominant type of people digestive capacity varies. Small quantities of food, warm, cooked and easily digestible food (e.g. mung beans rather than chick peas) are beneficial. In addition, the diet should predominantly contain sweet, sour and salty tastes.

Pitta
Pitta predominant-people have a very good digestive capacity and a strong metabolism. Cool and heavy food and predominantly sweet and bitter tastes are preferable.

Kapha
The digestive capacity of Kapha type people is not very strong and they have low metabolic activity. Light, warm and pungent tasting food is recommended. Regular fasting aids digestion i.e. so that previous meals are properly digested.

Season
During winter the digestive capacity is strong and hence heavy food, sour and salty tastes, cow’s milk, warm water, meat from aquatic and marsh-dwelling animals can be included in the diet.

As the temperature warms up in spring, the digestive capacity weakens and as a result, heavy, unctuous, sour and sweet tasting food should be avoided. Inclusion of Barley and wheat is recommended.

In summer the digestive capacity is at its lowest as the need for heat production is reduced i.e. the ‘digestive fire’ is not as powerful as in winter. Heavy and hot food should be avoided while sweet, cold, and liquid food is preferred. Ghee and yoghurt with rice is recommended.

Pitta tends to get vitiated in autumn, and light food is recommended as well as sweet and bitter tastes.

The above regimen should be taken as a general guideline only. For an accurate assessment of individual body type and specific diet and lifestyle recommendations please consult your Ayurvedic physician and or visit Back on your feet in Sydney’s CBD.

Ayurveda Medicine Sydney
Ayurveda is one of the oldest medicines known to man and now here in Sydney