What Is Ayurveda?
The name “Ayurveda” is derived from two words in Sanskrit, “ayuh” meaning “life” or “longevity” and “veda” meaning “science” or “sacred knowledge.” Ayurveda’s definition therefore roughly translates as “the science of longevity” or “the sacred knowledge of life.”
At its root, Ayurveda is a holistic tradition and way of living that can help each of us to claim and celebrate our capacity for wellness.
Ayurveda is more than just a popular form of alternative medicine. It is a system of holistic healing unlike any other. Thought to be over five thousand years old, Ayurvedic medicine teaches us to see the world as it relates to the elements—or doshas—of vata, pitta, and kapha.
DOSHAS
VATA
VATA is the energy of movement. It is the force that propels us forward in action. It is a useful and necessary force when we need to get moving. It has qualities that can be seen in our skin, temperature, weather and seasons, in our minds and throughout the body in our circulatory and nervous systems. These qualities are DRY, COLD, ROUGH, MOBILE, CLEAR and LIGHT.
The VATA energy within a person may appear like following attributes: frame is slender, creative, energetic, fast talkin', fast walkin', always go-go-go, may be predominantly susceptible to being cold, have dry skin and thin hair, can be flighty, may suffer from constipation, premature graying, osteoporosis, eczema or psoriasis.
SEASONS
Autumn and Early Winter can be viewed as VATA seasons as the autumn brings busty winds and chilly weather. So too the later season of one's life can be classified as the VATA stage, from age 55-60 until death. This time of life often brings greying hair or loss of hair, dry brittle bones and skin and yet the last change in our human design.
PITTA
PITTA is the energy of transformation. It is the force that converts one thing into another. It is a useful and necessary force when we need to get things done. It has qualities that can be seen in our skin, temperature, weather and seasons, in our minds and throughout the body in our cardiovascular, reproductive and lymphatic systems. These qualities are HOT, SHARP, LIQUID, LIGHT, SPREADING.
The PITTA energy within a person may have the following characteristics: frame is average, decisive, a perfectionist, fast thinking', sharp tongued, may be predominantly susceptible to overheating, have dry skin and oily hair, easily irritated, may suffer from diarrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers and acne.
SEASONS
Summer has PITTA written all over it as it brings warm, hot and humid weather. So too the mid-life season of one's life can be classified as the PITTA stage, from age 25-55. This time of life often brings the most energy and motivation for all things work and family related.
KAPHA
KAPHA is the energy of Stability and Structure. It is the force that is centered around structure. It is a useful and necessary force when we need to protect ourselves. It has qualities that can be seen in our skin, temperature, weather and seasons, in our minds and throughout the body in our skeletal, muscular and lympthatic systems. These qualities are DULL, HEAVY, SLOW, SMOOTH, CLOUDY, LIQUID, DENSE and GROSS.
A person with a majority of KAPHA energy within them may have the following attributes: frame is thick or overweight, methodical, loyal, slow to wake, always there for you, may be predominantly susceptible to being calm and collected but slow to answer, have oily skin and luxuriously wavy, dark hair, can be greedy and hold a grudge, may suffer from diabetes, edema, immune system disorders and lethargy.
SEASONS
Late winter and Spring can be viewed as KAPHA seasons according to Ayurveda as it is the time when our environment holds the coldest, heaviest, wettest qualities of the year. Kapha stage of life, lasts from birth until puberty - roughly the first sixteen years of life. This time of life is supported by and infused with an increase in the primary qualities of kapha.
THE MOKSHA LAB TREATMENTS
NAYSA
Warmed herbal oils applied to nose and ears reducing sinus congestion, tension and toxins with Marma Point Massage for face, neck & shoulder warm herbal oil massage.
KARNA PURANA
Ayurvedic technique of administering warm oil into the ear canals. Done in a more therapeutic sense to pacify certain imbalances often caused by excess vata accumulation and aggravation brought on by cold and windy weather, overstimulation and travel.
PODIKIZHI
Full body treatment, or on the affected body part, using kizhis (boluses) with a herbs both, fresh and dried or medicated powders. It is effective in treating neuro-muscular diseases, binging back the natural body balance.
PICHU
is a rejuvenating and healing procedure in which a cloth soaked in warm medicated oil is placed on the affected areas such as painful joints, muscle spasm or on the crown of the head (Shiro Pichu). Medicated ghee is used in certain conditions.
BASTI
Soothing therapy where a generous quantity of herbal oils are retained on the area to relieve pain, inflammation, and stiffness. The therapy additionally de-stress the entire body.
ABYHANGA MASSAGE
Massage using warm herbal oils and specific techniques based on your body’s needs. To calm Vata, cool down Pitta and invigorate Kapha