Ayurveda, the science of life

By Rupinder Singh Sidhu

The traditional comprehensive philosophy of Ayurveda originated in India 7000 years ago. The etymology of the word Ayurveda reveals its meaning: the science of life and longevity.

According to Ayurveda, the state of natural good health is attributed to the perfect balance of the body"s three energy centers (doshas) and the corresponding harmony of the body, mind and soul. Physical dysfunction indicates that there is an imbalance in the human being. The aim of Ayurveda is to attain or restore the body to perfect harmony.

Thousands of years of accumulated knowledge about the physical body and the effects of certain plants and herbs on it, are central factors in the success of Ayurveda. Indian medical science has deep roots in Ayurveda, and modern medicine has been considerably influenced by it. Ayurveda uses holistic natural formulas for the prevention of disease, and it focuses on rebuilding cells and tissues to enhance good health and longevity. Hence, its tools for healing are herbs, yoga, healthy diet and lifestyle, Vedic massage, meditation, use of mantras, steam therapy and sauna, aromatherapy, and so on.

The philosophy of Ayurveda is to help people heal themselves. The unique quality of Ayurveda is that healing is promoted by balancing the different energy centers in the body. These are known as vata, pitta and kapha (the "doshas" or body humours). The doshas consist of three main combinations of the five elements. In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, the human body is a combination of the three primary essential energies (tri-doshas), and are responsible for maintaining the harmony of the human body. If the three doshas are imbalanced, the disharmony leads to symptoms, symptoms lead to sickness, and sickness leads to chronic disease. The five elements (ether, air, fire, water and earth) in the body are balanced through Ayurvedic herbs and diet that contains the essence of each element.

The role of the Ayurvedic practitioner is threefold. He must be a physician, a psychologist and a herbalist, in accordance with traditional Ayurvedic philosophy.

THE DOSHAS

Vata is the most important energy of the tri-doshas. It is the element that moves the energy and nutrients in the body and regulates the movement of the kapha and pitta doshas. Vata sustains the body, and contributes the energy which is responsible for breathing. All mental and physical movements are due to Vata activity in the body.

Pitta is fire energy. It governs the metabolism and digestion of nutrients and energy. It is suggested that all the biochemical activity and endocrine functions operating in an individual are ascribed to Pitta energy.

Kapha represents water and earth. The main function of this energy is to provide strength and tissue development throughout the body. Kapha, in its normal balance, represents a potential source of strength and immunity against disease. Therefore, kapha is a vital component of the body, as its energy forms body structure and is responsible for its biological strength.

The ChaMunda Ayurveda Clinic in Christchurch is a private health facility that treats each patient as a unique individual with particular needs. Ayurvedic practitioner Dr Rupinder Sidhu uses the ancient Indian tradition of pulse diagnosis to locate the cause of disharmony or illness in the body. Ayurvedic preparations to rebalance the body and restore harmony are then specifically designed for each person.

ChaMunda Ayurveda Clinic are New Zealand's leaders in Ayurvedic Medicine. We offer Ayurvedic Pulse diagnosis and Ayurvedic Treatment Products to patients throughout New Zealand from our Christchurch clinic. To contact us for an appointment or to learn more about how the science of Ayurveda can help you achieve perfect health please call us on 03 3486161, visit our health treatment clinic at 596 Ferry Rd, Christchurch or use our enquiry form.