L7 Ayurveda I - Intro, Elements Flashcards
What is Ayurveda?
The traditional healing system of India
What does the term ‘Ayurveda’ mean?
Ayur = life + Veda = knowledge:
‘Knowledge of Life’
The ‘science / knowledge of life’
How long have records of Ayurveda been dated back?
Around 4,000 years
What type of tradition is Ayurveda considered to be?
A verbal tradition taught from teacher to pupil
What are the Vedas?
Sacred Indian scriptures that set out the central philosophies of Indian civilization
Which Veda focuses on health and is the basis of Ayurveda?
The Atharva Veda
What is the significance of the Atharva Veda in Ayurveda?
It contains procedures for everyday life and focuses on health
When was the Atharva Veda composed?
Around 1000 BC
Still followed today (3000 years)
What are the three ancient Ayurvedic texts mentioned?
Caraka Samhita, Sushurta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridayam
These texts are essential for students of Ayurveda.
True or False: Modern medicine has completely replaced Ayurveda in India.
False
While modern medicine has overtaken Ayurveda, it still remains prevalent among traditional populations.
What is Ayurveda recognized as in the context of global medicine?
One of the great unbroken medicine traditions of the planet
Ayurveda has a longstanding history and continues to be practiced today.
What therapeutic uses does Ayurveda encompass?
Ayurveda is not limited to herbal medicines but makes therapeutic use of:
* Foods
* Dietary practices
* Minerals
* Lifestyle practices
* Exercises
* Thoughts
* Environmental influences
Ayurveda utilizes various elements to enhance health.
True or False: Ayurveda is limited to herbal medicines.
False
Ayurveda encompasses a wide range of therapeutic practices.
Fill in the blank: Ayurveda seeks to enhance health and wellbeing by encouraging ___________
[physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual balance]
Ayurveda promotes a holistic approach to health.
What is a key similarity between Ayurveda and naturopathy?
Both are complete ways of life that enhance health and wellbeing
They focus on a holistic approach to health.
What are the five basic substances in Ayurveda?
Ether, Air, Fire, Water, Earth
These substances are known as Pancha Mahabhuta.
What does Ether represent in Ayurveda?
The space in which things exist.
Ether is considered the most subtle of the five elements.
What is the lightest state of matter according to Ayurveda?
Air
Air is associated with movement and is the second element in the hierarchy.
Which element in Ayurveda is known as the element of transformation?
Fire
Fire represents energy and change.
In Ayurveda, what does Water symbolize?
The element of fluidity, moisture, lubrication.
Water is essential for life and represents adaptability.
What is the role of Earth in Ayurveda?
The element of structure, form and solidity.
Earth provides stability and form to all matter.
Fill in the blank: According to Ayurveda, the universe is composed of five basic substances called _______.
Pancha Mahabhuta
This term translates to ‘five great elements’ in Sanskrit.
True or False: Each of the five elements in Ayurveda represents different forms and densities of energy and matter.
True
These elements combine to create all things in the universe.
What is ether?
Ether is the space in which everything exists
Ether cannot be seen or measured and has no substance.
Why is ether difficult to define?
Because it cannot be seen or measured and has no substance at all
Ether is essential for existence.
What is an example of pure ether?
The vacuum of outer space
Outer space has no atoms but contains galaxies, stars, planets, and life.
How does ether manifest in our existence?
In the most subtle mental and spiritual aspects
Ether influences aspects beyond the physical realm.
What do clear thoughts, deep sleep, and silence represent?
The ether element
Ether is associated with calmness and clarity
What is the lightest state of matter?
Air
Air is composed of _______.
atoms
What does air have little of?
material substance
In the world, air relates to which four concepts?
- wind
- gaseous substances
- rapid movements
- lightness
How does air manifest in our bodies?
- thoughts
- nerve impulses
- movements within the body
- capacity to move and adapt
What foods represent the air element?
- Light meals
- Dry foods
- Gas-forming legumes
- Cooling bitter herbs
What type of herbs are considered cooling and linked to the air element?
Bitter herbs
Cold, light, airy, detoxifying
What element is the principal of transformation?
Fire
Hot, energetic, emits light
List some elements that relate to fire.
- Sunshine
- Lightning
- Hot seasons
- Cooking of food
- Spices
How does fire manifest in the human body?
- Body heat
- Digestion
- Metabolism
- Enzymes
- Hormones
- Vital Force
- Mental creativity
- Passion
- Inspiration
What is the role of fire in digestion?
It transforms food into energy and nourishment
What foods are representative of fire?
- Cooked food
- Warm drinks
- Hot spices
- Sour and fermented foods
- Red meat
Water is the principle of _____
Cohesion
This principle emphasizes the unifying aspect of water in various forms.
Water relates to what kind of elements?
Anything that is fluid
* Rainfall
* Humidity
* Moisture
* Oceans, rivers
* Plant juices
List some examples of where water manifests in the human body.
- Lymph
- Plasma
- Synovial fluids
- Mucous membranes
- Hydrated tissues
These fluids are essential for various bodily functions including transport and lubrication.
What roles does water play in human health?
- Carrying nutrients
- Reproductive health
- Social cohesion
- Emotions such as love, compassion, kindness, understanding
Water is crucial for both physical and emotional well-being.
Fill in the blank: Soups, broths, juices, teas, fluids, and high water content _______ represent the water element.
[fruits and veg]
Bibliography
Lad, V. (2002). Textbook of Ayurveda. The Ayurvedic Press
Pole, S. (2006). Ayurvedic Medicine the Principles of
Traditional Practice. Churchill Livingstone
Singh, K. K. (2008). The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs. Lotus Press
Smith, A. (2012.) Dravyaguna for Westerners. EIVS
Smith, A. (2014). Pathology, Diagnosis and Treatment
Approaches in Ayurveda. EIVS
Vaghbata, (2007). Astanga Hrdayam. Chowkamba Krishnadas Academy
