What Is Ayurveda Flashcards
1
Q
What is Ayurveda? What does it mean?
A
Science of life.
Ayu(s): life
Veda: science or wisdom
- personalized lifestyle medicine
- addresses body, mind and spirit, environment
a complete healing system focused on giving you tools and practices to create health on a daily basis by using your innate healing ability.
It is a personalized, preventative, and practical lifestyle medicine.
2
Q
How old of a system is Ayurveda?
A
5,000 years old
3
Q
What are doshas? How many are there?
A
The word dosha means energy. There are 3 energy types that define each person’s individual makeup. These three doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. They are derived from the natural elements of air, space (ether), water, fire, and earth.
— Everyone has all three doshas but how it appears + in what proportion % is personalized
4
Q
What are the five senses?
A
Sound, sight, touch, smell, taste
5
Q
What are the 5 master elements that flow through our physiology and through our mind?
A
Space, air, water, fire, earth
6
Q
What are the 3 doshas?
A
Vata, pitta, kapha
7
Q
What does PANCHA MAHABHUTAS mean?
A
It is a Sanskrit word meaning, 5 great elements in Ayurveda.
Ayurveda medical science also believes that the whole human body and its composition are also made up of these 5 basic elements of nature
8
Q
What are the elements of Vata? What does it represent?
A
Represents movement with the qualities of air and space
9
Q
What are the elements of Pitta? What does it represent?
A
Represents transformation with elements of Fire and water
10
Q
What are the elements of Kapha? And what does it represent?
A
Represents structure with qualities/elements of Earth and water
11
Q
What are the daily practices for each dosha type?
A
- Sound to soothe
- Self-massage (abyhanga)
- Colors that improve mood
- Incorporate tastes to feel satisfied
- Anchoring positive emotions with aroma (essential oils)
12
Q
What are the qualities of Space?
A
Potentiality. When you set the intention for health, you access the space where anything is possible
Space is light, cold, clear, vast. Night sky. Expansive
13
Q
What are the qualities of Air?
A
Air facilitates movement. Allows new thoughts and fresh possibilities to circulate within you.
Air is cold, light, drying, full of motion - like a rush of wind. Air is movement
14
Q
What are the qualities of fire?
A
Fuels transformation. Facilitates clearing out of old and creating something new.
Fire is hot, light, powerful - like the sun.
Fire is transformation
15
Q
What are the qualities of Water?
A
Water is cohesion. holds it all together. A means of cohesion and connection, protective and nourishing
Water is moist, flowing, cool, libration and holds our cells together.
16
Q
What are the qualities of Earth?
A
Earth is structure. Represents all material objects and the physical world around us including rocks, hills, buildings, bones, muscles, organs
Earth is heavy, cold, solid, stable, dense
17
Q
What do the doshas derive from?
A
5 elements and the physical, emotional, and mental characteristics inherent in every person.
According to Ayurveda, doshas are the energy patterns that flow around our bodies, governing our thinking and behavior. There are three primary doshas - vata, pitta and kapha – and we’re all born with all three of them. But it’s the dominance of one or two of these doshas that defines who we are
18
Q
What is the definition of Prakruti?
A
Pra: original
Kruti: creation
Dosha type.
Constitution determined at conception and does not change throughout someone’s life
19
Q
What is considered a toxin?
A
Anything that interferes with our own natural state, creating imbalances over time that lead to illness
20
Q
What is dis-ease?
A
A blockage in energy flow, toxic accumulations in the mind/body physiology
21
Q
What does health mean?
A
A state of wholeness (mind, body, spirit)
22
Q
What is considered a physical toxin?
A
Found in food, personal/household products, air, water and other elements of our environment
23
Q
What is considered an emotional toxin?
A
Negative thought patterns and beliefs, self criticism, chronic stress, unfelt painful experiences
24
Q
What are the qualities of Vata?
A
Air and space. Cool, dry day, winter
thin, light, like a hummingbird
nibblers, irregular, rough,
changeable b/c of no structure
25
What are the qualities of Pitta?
Fire and water. Hot, humid, summer, or the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest
hot, sharp minds, light, liquid
intentional, perfectionist, direct, precise
like an eagle, medium body build
pungent, moist, oily
26
What are the qualities of kapha?
Water and earth.
Springtime, when the fertile earth and moist rainfall combine to create a cool and safe environment to facilitate growth
27
What is a typical Vata body type?
Thin, light frame excellent agility, bursts of energy and sudden bouts of fatigue.
Dry skin and hair, cold hands and feet, light sleep.
Irregular habits
Sensitive digestion
28
What is a typical pitta body?
Body: medium frame and weight, athletic physique, moderate stamina, strength and warm body temp,
sound sleep for short periods
Excellent digestion
29
What is a typical kapha body?
Large frame, strong build, excellent stamina + strength
Smooth radiant skin, thick hair, sound sleep
Slow digestion
30
What is a Vata mind?
Quick, vivacious, imaginative, creative, open, flexible, energetic, enthusiastic,
quick to learn, quick to forget
Prone to worry
31
What is a pitta mind?
Precise and sharp witted, direct and often outspoken, decisive + focused, naturally joyful
Quick to learn, sharp memory
Prone to irritability and impatience
32
What is a kapha mind?
Loyal, patient, supportive, naturally calm, thoughtful and loving,
slow to grasp new info but good retentive memory
Tranquil relaxed
Slow to anger
33
What is Ayurveda based on?
It is based on individual’s unique dosha combination and lifestyles best suited for it.
34
What are the daily practices that can support balancing the doshas?
- hear: sounds to sooth
- touch: self massage (abyhanga)
- sight: colors that improved mood
- taste: incorporate tastes to feel satisfied
- smell: aromatherapy to invoke and anchor positive emotions
these practices release healing chemicals, calming nervous system, supporting normal tissue and organ functioning, regulating bodily functions
35
What does your prakruti share about you?
- personality trait
- complexion
- how you respond to stress
- how food is digested
- interaction in relationships
- predicts mind-body tendencies
- determines what keeps you in balance and shows you what creates imbalances
36
When is a vata balanced?
They are
- energetic
- creative
- adaptable
- spontaneous
37
When is a vata out of balance?
They have…
- overactive mind
- insomnia
- anxiety
- bloating
- indecisive
38
When pitta is balanced?
They are…
- bright and warm
- friendly
- strong digestion
- decisive/natural leaders
39
When pitta is out of balance?
They are
- impatient
- irritable
- judgmental
- indigestion/inflammation
40
When kapha is balanced?
They are
- steady, consistent
- loyal
- strong
- supportive
- good friends
- nurturers
41
When kapha is out of balance?
They are
- unmotivated
- discouraged
- withdrawn
- sometimes overweight
42
The ___ are the gateways through which we interact with the 5 elements and interpret the world
5 senses
- Space -> sound through ears
- air -> touch through skin
- fire -> sight through eyes
- water -> taste through tongue
- earth -> smell through nose
43
How do you soothe and restore balance to a fiery pitta?
- space, air
- cold clients
- Minty aromas
- sounds of winds
- Bitter foods
44
How do you soothe and restore balance vata?
fire, earth
```
Smooth
Oily
Heavy
Host
Stable
Warm, relaxing, slow and grounding sounds
```
45
What are the 3 P's in Ayurveda?
Personalized: Tailored treatments to your unique characteristics
Preventative: helps create healthy choices while preventing disease
Practical: Simple tools and practices are given to experience greater health
46
What are the six pillars of Ayurveda?
```
Nutrition
Movement
Sleep
Meditation
Emotions
Sel-care
```
47
What are the rhythms of nature?
```
Circadium
Lunar
Celestial
Tidal
Seasonal
```
48
What is circadian rhythm?
24-hour cycle of night/day
49
what is lunar rhythm?
29 day monthly cycle of the moon around the earth
50
what is tidal rhythm?
the gravitational influence of the moon on the water
51
what are seasonal rhythms?
12 month cycle of the earth around the sun
52
what are celestial rhythms?
rhythm of planetary movement
53
What times on the clock does Vata rule?
2-6 AM and PM
54
What times on the clock does Pitta rule?
10-2 AM and PM
55
What times on the clock does Kapha rule?
6-10 AM and PM
56
What are the dosha times on the clock?
Pitta 10 PM - 2 AM
Vata: 2-6 AM
Kapha: 6 - 10 AM
10 AM - 2 PM Pitta
2 - 6 PM : Vata
6 - 10 PM Kapha
57
What time is Kapha time at sunrise cycle and its traits?
6 AM - 10 AM
- Starting to rise/come alive
- Body is slow and relaxed
- Starting to warm up
58
What time is sunrise Pitta and its traits?
10 AM - 2 PM
- digestion is strong
- heat starts to rise. fire element
59
What time is Vata sunrise and its traits?
2 PM - 6 PM
- good for movement, best for physical activity
- mind is alert
- more creative energy
60
What time is sunset kapha and its traits?
6 PM - 10 PM
- body is getting ready to sleep
- nature is slowing down
61
What is sunset Pitta time and its traits?
10 PM - 2 AM
- digestion and detoxification is maximized
- cellular repair occurs
- body repairs muscles, organs, cells
62
What time is sunset Vata and its traits?
2 AM - 6 AM
- More time spent dreaming
- Processing memory
63
Describe the Season of Life: Kapha season ?
Season of growth, like spring
| Age: Birth to about 20 years old
64
Describe season of life: Pitta season?
Season of activity - like summer
| Begins in early adulthood, 20 yr to about 50-60 years old.
65
Describe the season of life: Vata season?
Begins around age 50 - Like fall, it's the season of expansion, reflection, and slowing down
66
Seasonal Rhythm
12-month annual cycles that you intuitively respond to by bundling up in winter or cooling down in summer.
- Earth revolving around the sun
67
What months does Pitta govern and what are the characteristics?
Hot, humid, moist
Half of May
june, july, august
Half of September
68
What months does Vata govern and what are the characteristics?
Cold, windy, dry
Part of Sept
October, November, December
Part of January
69
What months does Kapha govern and what are the characteristics?
Cool, wet
Part of January
February, March, April
Part of May
70
Lunar Rhythms
Moon cycles around the earth
29 day cycle
influences hormone regulation, conception, and ovulation rates, subtle changes in body fluids, and blood chemistry
71
Tidal rhythms
Governs ocean tides based on the gravitational effects of the moon n the earth, scientists can predict the high and low tides with precision
72
What does Dinacharya mean?
Dina (Deena): Day
Acharya: achar-ee-ya: activity
makes use of the rhythms of nature and emphasizes periods of activity and rest to create a daily schedule for all of the six pillar activities
73
Which five elements connect with which five senses?
```
Space - Sound through ears
Air - touch through skin
Fire - sight through eyes
Water - Taste through tongue
Earth - Smell through nose
```
we are constantly bringing info from outside to inside and back out again
74
What are the six tastes?
```
Sweet: water, earth
Sour: Fire, earth
Salty: Fire, water
Pungent: Air, fire
Bitter: Space, air
Astringent: Air, earth
```
75
What are the properties of the taste SWEET?
water and earth
heavy, moist, which gives grounding effects and helps the body build tissue
ex. carbs, proteins, fats, fruits, starches, animal meats, nuts, seeds
76
What are the properties of the taste Sour?
Fire and earth
Acidic, dense, oily. Aids in digestion and can also be grounding
ex. citrus fruits, cheese, yogurt, fermented foods, vinegar
77
What are the properties of the taste Salty?
Fire and water
Heavy and heating. Holds water in the body and provides digestive support.
ex. sea salt, ocean fish, sea vegetables, Tamari, soy sauce
78
What are the properties of the taste Pungent?
Air and fire.
hot, light, supports digestive and detoxifying roles of fire, usually contains fewer calories
ex. black pepper, hot peppers, garlic, onion, cinnamon, ginger
79
What are the properties of the taste Bitter?
space and air.
Bitter foods and herbs are cool and light. Often used for medicinal value
ex. dark leafy greens, eggplant, turmeric, dark chocolate, and coffee
80
What are the properties of the taste Astringent?
Air and earth
Cool and dry foods. Grounding and nutritive properties as well as some of the drain effects of air.
ex. beans, pomegranates, cranberries, green and black tea
81
What colors that balance VATA?
mild pastels, earth tones, blues, browns, earthy reds, greens.
benefits from large bodies of earth, mountains, deserts
82
What colors that balance PITTA?
Cool, soft colors
| light blues, whites, greens, seeing and hearing running water
83
What colors that balance KAPHA?
Bright, bold colors
| Reds, oranges, yellows invigorate the mind with bright colors connecting with the fire and sun.
84
What sounds balance VATA (air and space)?
warm, relaxing, slow and grounding
85
What sounds balance PITTA (fire and water)?
cool, sweet, and calming
86
What sounds balance KAPHA (earth and water)?
driving beat and melody
87
What touch (massage) is balancing for VATA?
warming massage 4-5x week with sesame/almond oil
light touch, slow
88
What touch (massage) is balancing for PITTA?
Nurturing, cooling massage 3-4x/week
strong touch, deep and penetrative
coconut, sunflower, or olive oil
89
What touch (massage) is balancing for KAPHA?
Invigorating touch stimulates and awakens a slow, tired kapha
light, warming oils 1-2x/week
safflower or mustard oil
90
What smells balance VATA?
floral, fruity, sweet, sour aromas
| Basil, orange, geranium, clove, lavender, vanilla, patchouli, lavender
91
What smells balance PITTA?
Cooling, soothing, and sweet aromas
| Sandalwood, mint, rose, jasmine, lavender
92
What smells balance KAPHA?
Stimulating, spicy and aromatic scents
| Eucalyptus, camphor, clove, juniper, majoram, rosemary
93
What are the six pillars of health?
1. nutrition
2. movement
3. sleep
4. meditation
5. emotions
6. self-care
94
What does Prakruti mean?
doshic nature. determined at conception. Doesn't change
defines physical structure, personality trait, complexion, stress response, how is food is digested, interaction with relationships
95
What does Vikruti mean?
divergence (imbalance) from doshic nature (prakruti).
96
Agni
Digestive fire. ability to break down food and other information taken in from the environment
97
AMA
Ah-MA. Toxic residue that accumulates in the body due to weak digestive fire
98
Prakriti
First elemental principle of Sankhya philosophy. Means primordial nature. Procreation
Consists of three qualities: Sattva: light, rajas: energy, and tamas: matter
99
Mahagunas
The three qualitative principles.
Universal energies that are present in every fabric of the universe and influence our psychological, emotional, and energetic attributes.
The three present in nature are: sattva, rajas and tamas
100
Sattva: Light
Guna (quality) of light. Guna of clarity
Generation. Potentiality.
Predominates in the manas (sensory mind) and five sense organs.
element of Space comes from sattva
balances rajas and tamas
101
Rajas (movement/maintenace)
The quality of energy.
Energetic quality of movement/change.
It is the movement of sattva (light) out of the darkness of tamas.
passion. drive. attachment
102
Tamas: quality of matter
Principle of dissolution.
Inertia. darkness. dullness. decay
103
Gunas
qualities that characterize the Doshas and how they influence our emotional and physical health.
104
Rasa
1 of the 7 dhatus. Plasma and lymph
105
Rakta
one of the dhatus. Red blood cells
106
Mamsa
Muscles
one of the dhatus.
107
What are the subdoshas of VATA?
1. Prana: brain, head, and chest; responsible for perception, inspiration, and thought
2. Udana: throat and lungs; responsible for speech
3. Samana: stomach and intestines; responsible for the rhythm of peristalsis
4. Apana: colon and lower abdomen; responsible for the elimination of wastes, menstruation, and reproductive function
5. Vyana: throughout the body; responsible for circulation
108
What are the subdoshas of Pitta?
6. Sadhaka: heart and brain; responsible for mind-heart connection, and processing and comprehending information
7. Alochaka: eyes; responsible for good visual perception
8. Pachaka: stomach and small intestine; responsible for initiating digestion of nutrients
9. Ranjaka: red blood cells, liver, spleen; responsible for balancing blood chemistry and nutrient levels, and producing bile and liver enzymes
10. Bhrajaka: skin ; responsible for healthy complexion
109
What are the subdoshas of Kapha?
11. arpaka: brain, sinuses, spinal fluid; responsible for memory and supporting brain and spinal cord
12. Bodhaka: tongue; responsible for perception of taste
13. Kledaka: stomach; responsible for lubricating the digestive tract
14. Avalambaka: heart, chest, low back; responsible for supporting and protecting the heart, lungs, and lower back
15. Sleshaka: joints; responsible for lubricating the joints
110
Medas
fat or adipose tissue
One of the dhatus
111
Asthi
Bone and cartilage.
One of the dhatus
112
Majja
Bone marrow and bone tissue
One of the dhatus
113
Shukra
Reproductive tissue
One of the dhatus
114
Dhatus
vital tissues that provide structure and nourishment to the entire body. Plays a vital role in maintaining the body's organs, systems and structure.
115
How are dhatus formed?
They are formed from the nutrients that are absorbed and assimilated through the digestive process
116
Malas
impurities
117
What are the 3 malas?
Purisha - stool
mutra - urine
Sveda - sweat
118
Srotas
a hollow Channels of circulation in the body that allows intelligence and energy to flow
Srota my purusha
119
Sankhya philosophy
philosophy of creation and how the universe came to be according to Ayurveda
120
What are the sense organs with pancha mahabhutas?
Sense organs | Organs in Action | Five Master Elements:
- ears | vocal chords | Space
- skin | hands | Air
- eyes | feet | Fire
- tongue | urogenital system | Water
- nose | Anus | Earth
121
Vishesha
opposite
122
What are the layers of life?
There are 3 layers.
1. ) Stula Sharira - physical body
2. ) Sukshma Sharira - subtle body
3. ) Karana Sharira - causal body (soul)
These layers correspond with the physical body, mind, and spirit
123
Stula Sharira
The outer layer of the body. The physical structure of organs, organ systems, bones, muscles, tissues, tendons, ligaments
Physical Body (Sthula Sharira)
- Environment – extended body (the elements surrounding us)
- Personal body – annamaya kosha (vital force: food)
- Energy body – pranamaya kosha (vital energy)
124
Sukshma Sharira
just under the Stula sharira, the subtle layer of the body, mind, and emotions and sensory organs and its faculties. it is how you experience life
Subtle Body (Sukshma Sharira)
- Mind – manomaya kosha (our thoughts and emotions )
- Intellect – buddhimaya kosha (our beliefs, judgments, concepts )
- Ego – ahankara (our personality and conventional "I" )
125
Karana Sharira
the innermost body that we constantly need to tap into. it is non-changing self, Atman. in this layer, the opposing qualities of the mind and body do not disturb us. when we commit to this non-changing self, we transcend the limitations of our physical body and mental/emotional body and tap into the field of pure potentiality
Causal Body (Karana Sharira)
- Personal soul – jiva (personal conditioned soul, individual memories and desires )
- Collective soul – atman (collective soul, archetypal soul) )
- Universal soul – Brahman (pure potential/spirit )
126
Purusha
In Sankhya, consciousness, the silent field of pure potentiality, also known as Avyakta
127
Yatha pinde tatha bramhinde
as is the microcosm, so is the macrocosm
| The relationship between human beings and the universe is intrinsic and cannot be separated.
128
What are the 5 elements in Sanskrit?
Air: Vayu - Change
Space: Akasha - Potential
Fire: Tejas - Transformation
Water: Jala - Cohesiveness
Earth: Prithivi - Form/Protection
129
How to pacify a Vikruti
Follow recommendations corresponding to the highest body and highest mind score to restore balance
Sense of sight, sound, and smell to balance the mind.
Sense of taste and touch to balance the body
130
How do you balance the mind vikruti?
Sense of sight, sound, and smell to balance the mind.
131
What sounds soothe Vata mind?
Grounding, earth sounds
132
What sounds sooth Pitta mind?
Calming, cooling, rain sounds
133
What sounds soothe Kapha mind?
Uplifting, cheerful sounds
134
How to balance body vikruti?
Sense of taste and touch to balance the body
135
What balances a Vata body?
Sesame oil abhyanga
| tastes:
136
Prana
Vital energy. Life force energy
