FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tell me a specific medicine for a particular disease state (e.g headache)?
Ayurvedic medicine is highly individualized. One medical condition has many treatment options. Unlike western medicine which provides the same medication to everyone with the same condition, Ayurveda, has many different treatment options for one condition. The regimen is chosen & tailored based on the individual’s unique birth constitution to more deeply address the underlying cause. In the example of a medicine for the headache, the Ayurvedic practitioner would determine the underlying cause of the headache and treat accordingly. This will vary from person to person.
What is a birth constitution?
Birth constitution (Prakruti) is the unique makeup of an individual and is fixed at birth. Many factors determine one’s Prakruti. Once the constitution is known, then the diet and lifestyle is adjusted to accommodate one’s nature. Understanding one’s birth constitution is key to living a healthier and happier life.
What is a Dosha?
There are three Doshas in Ayurveda, Vata, Pitta & Kapha and each is composed of two of the five great elements (the panchamahabhuta). Vata is composed of Ether & Air, Pitta is composed of Fire & Water, Kapha is composed of Water & Earth. One’s birth constitution or Prakruti is a unique combination of the Doshas. The Doshas and their corresponding elements influence all aspect of our beings from the personality & emotions to the physical body. By taking in certain foods, avoiding others, living in harmony with the natural cycles of the sun and the moon and also the seasons of the year and by implementing certain lifestyle practices, we balance the doshas within us. Balancing the Doshas and living in harmony with nature is key to cultivating health, happiness & longevity.
Ayurveda is thousands of years old, is it still useful today?
The principles of Ayurveda are based on the principles of nature and therefore timeless and unchanging. As the laws of mathematics are fixed and universal, so are the principles of Ayurveda. Now more than ever, we need the principles of Ayurveda to find balance within ourselves, for our relationships, and with nature.