Ayurveda

Question 1

Ayurveda is considered:

Answer 1

Science of life

Oldest system of medicine - used by Buddha – Believed to have originated over 5,000 years ago

Question 2

Theory of Ayurveda:

Answer 2

Body is viewed as a material expression of divine intelligence
Pure health is our natural state
Lifestyle is the most important thing

Question 3

Prana

Answer 3

(Qi) Is the Vital Force and is governed by the 5 elements which are combined in unique, individualized ratios of the five elements to form Doshas

Question 4

Nadis:

Answer 4

The channels through which the energies of the life force or Prana are said to flow.
Called meridians in TCM

Question 5

Chakras

Answer 5

7 major chakras, each associated with a major organ and endocrine system
Gateway thru which the universal life force enters
Vortexes of energy entering the body from the cosmos
Are points of energy in intensity and is where the Nadis connect.

Question 6

5 Elements of Ayurveda

Answer 6

The Ayurveda philosophy of creation
At the beginning of the world, consciousness was without form, existing only as the subtle vibration of the cosmos, there was no sound, only “AUM”.
All was undivided, all was one. From that state (“AUM”) the primordial sound was manifested into the five great elements or principles of: Space/Ether, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth

Question 7

Goal:

Answer 7

To establish harmony between the individual and the environment to produce a balanced physiology.

Question 8

Relationship of the 5 elements to the body:

Answer 8

SPACE: oral cavities, mouth
Space in motion is AIR: and AIR is movement, ie: muscles, respiration, and movement of nutrients, circulation, and nerve impulses
FIRE: is expressed as the metabolic processes, digestion, thyroid, intelligence, temperature and thought processes.
WATER: Water is 78% of body weight, cytoplasm of cells, saliva, lymph, digestive secretions.
EARTH: Earth is the physical structure, muscles, bones, tendons, skin, hair, nails and solid organs.

Question 9

Doshas or Prakriti:

Answer 9

The Five Elements combine randomly to form the 3 Doshas at conception.
The Doshas are genetically determined; the combination cannot be changed throughout your lifetime. They can however, respond to environmental behavioral and lifestyle changes.

Question 10

Vata (Dosha type)

Answer 10

Made up of Space (Ether) & Air
Season: Autumn and early winter (Nov-Feb)
Associated with or controls: movement, windy, dry skin
Physical Traits: thin or slender body, curly hair

Question 11

Pita (Dosha type)

Answer 11

Made up of Fire & Water
Season: summer ((July-Oct)
Associated with: color red, sun, heat
Physical traits: Red/blond hair, freckles

Question 12

Kapha (Dosha type)

Answer 12

Made up of Water & Earth
Season: Late Winter early spring (March-June)
Associated with: body structure, oily skin
Physical traits: problem with weight control, large frame

Question 13

Definition and Cause of Illness/Vikriti

Answer 13

Defined by balance or imbalance of the vital force or of the Doshas (see note below)
illness or imbalance

Question 14

proportion of each Dosha

Answer 14

Dosha in your constitutional makeup creates differences in appearance, behaviors, likes/dislikes, mental patterns and emotional tendencies. All this information is used in helping to determine a diagnosis and then the treatment method.

Question 15

Treatments

Answer 15

Cleansing and detoxification, palliation, rejuvenation, mental and spiritual healing
Herbs, diet & meditation

Question 16

Skin types and care:

Answer 16

Use essential oils that correspond to your Dosha type for skin care
Vata: dry skin
Pitta: combination
Kapha: oily