Ayurveda

Ann Roden

Ayurveda means the knowledge of life. It promotes all that is conducive to a full and harmonious existence, in tune with the Cosmic Rhythm. Physical, mental and emotional health are inter-related; man's individual existence is indivisible from the total Cosmic Manifestation. Ayurveda is believed to have been handed down in meditation to the Great Seers some 3500 years ago.

Ayurveda defines health as the soundness and harmony of the body, mind and self(soul). Each must be nurtured to create good health. The aim of Ayurveda is as much to do with the prevention of illness and the preservation of life as to do with the treatment of disease.

Ayurveda is based on the five great elements of Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth, which are aspects of Universal energy. These combine to form three physical constitutions or Doshas, which are called Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

• Vata, a combination of Ether and Air, finds its expression in movement of every description.

• Pitta, a combination of Fire and Water, is concerned with all aspects of transformation.

• Kapha, a combination of Water and Earth, is the basis of structure.

So, in the living organism, Vata relates in particular to the brain and nervous system and the skin but also to all bodily movements; Pitta to the digestive and endocrine systems and all metabolic and chemical transformations in the body, body temperature, intellect and skin colouration. Kapha is responsible for growth, support, lubrication and makes up the bulk of the body. It relates to the lungs, lymphatic and fluids in the general body and joints.

The constitution or Prakruti is uniquely individual, determined at conception depending on the balance of the Doshas in the sperm and the egg. The influence of time and the seasons, sensory impressions - the overuse, under use or misuse of the senses, and errors in perception cause deviations from the basic constitution - Vikruti, and give rise to dis-ease.

Our physical health is a state in which the Doshas are as near to the balance at conception as possible.

The three Gunas or psychic forces, Sattva, Rajas and Tamas determine our mental and spiritual health.

• Sattva is the medium in which a thing manifests itself into intelligence. It is the principle of lightness and light. It has the quality of truth, virtue, beauty and equilibrium.

• Rajas is the principle of activity or turbulence. It has the quality of force and impetus.

• Tamas is the principle of stability, inertia and heaviness. It supports, restrains, obstructs and resists motion.

Sattva is the natural quality of the mind in its pure state. Rajas is the natural quality of the creative activity of the Life Force expressing itself and Tamas is the natural quality of the body supporting the mind and the individual. When Rajas finds negative expression in the mind, it can typically give rise to distraction and desire. When Tamas finds negative expression in the mind, it will typically be expressed as ignorance and dullness. Yoga aims to bring the powers of Rajas and Tamas into a harmonious balance allowing the pure Sattva of the mind to enjoy its natural state of Pure Being, All Knowing and Bliss - to realise the identity of the individual self with the Cosmic Reality. pp

As well as paying attention to diet and lifestyle, Ayurveda uses yoga, meditation, prayers, mantras and herbs.
Ayurveda is a holistic system of healthcare which aims to balance energies so as to achieve optimal physical, mental and spiritual health and well-being, and to preserve life.

Dr Ann Roden is a retired Community Paediatrician. Practices in cranio sacral therapy, polarity therapy, ayurveda. Lectures in complementary therapies. Publications: 'Preschool Gifted Child' - Public Health (1989).

Key texts

***Lad, Dr. Vasant(1985). Ayurveda The Science of Self-Healing. Lotus Press, New Mexico. ISBN 0-914955-00-4.
The principles and practical applications of Ayurveda including the history and philosophy, basic principles, diet, medicinal use of herbs and spices, and first aid.

***Svoboda, Dr. Robert (1989). Prakruti: Your Ayurvedic Constitution. Geocom, New Mexico. ISBN 0-945669-00-3.
Every individual has a unique constitution, which is indivisible from the cosmos. Understanding one's constitution is essential to finding a good diet and life style for oneself.

***Svoboda, Dr. Robert (1999). Ayurveda for Women. David and Charles. ISBN1-899-43414-3.
This provides women with an understanding of how Ayurveda can work to heal and empower the female body, mind and spirit in the modern age and the importance of women to the health of the nation.

***Frawley, Dr. David (1997). Ayurveda and the Mind - the Healing of Consciousness. Lotus Press:USA. ISBN 0-914955-36-5.
This book explores the psychological aspects of the Ayurveda, ways of healing our minds on all levels from the subconscious to the superconscious along with the role of diet, impressions, Mantra, Meditation, Yoga and other methods of creating wholeness.

**Frawley, Dr. David (1989). Ayurvedic Healing. Passage Press, Salt Lake City. ISBN 1-878-423-00-2.
This book looks at balancing the constitution and treating common diseases. General knowledge is accessible to the layman and specific knowledge to those wishing for more detail.

**Svoboda, Dr. Robert (1992). Ayurveda Life, Health and Longevity. Arkana Penguin Books. ISBN 0-14-019322-7.
This text covers the history and basic principles of Ayurveda, daily routine, diet, pathology, diagnosis, treatment, medicinal substances, pharmacology, diseases, rejuvenation and virilisation.

**Lad, Dr. Vasant (1998). The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies. London:Piaktus. ISBN 0-7499-1945-0.
A comprehensive guide which offers safe, natural alternatives to conventional medicines and treatments. Having determined your basic mind/body type or Dosha, it helps you to begin your journey to ultimate health and wellbeing.

*Morrison, Judith (1994). The Book of Ayurveda - a guide to personal wellbeing. London:Gaia Books. ISBN 1-85675-007-8
A book for the lay person which aims to restore balance in life by looking at the qualities you experience through diet, work, leisure activities and relationships and how these interact with your unique constitution.

'To Everything there is a Season' - colour wall chart on diet and nutrition according to Ayurvedic principles together with quotations from the texts is available from Practical Ayurveda, price £5 + £2 p&p, cheques payable to Practical Ayurveda.

Practical Ayurveda runs courses throughout the year and a residential weekend at Hawkwood College each summer. Details can be obtained from Dr. Ann Roden, tel. 0208 866 5944