“The important thing is this: to be able, at any moment, to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.”
The science of Ayurveda works with each individual person’s physical and energetic or emotional constitution to help guide them in lifestyle decisions to truly thrive. It is not a system to replace traditional Western medicine, but rather, complement it, and possibly avoid unnecessary procedures or medications.
Ayurveda is a science of life that originated from the Vedic culture in India 5,000 years ago.
Our health is directly affected by:
These three categories make up the pillars of health in Ayurvedic medicine. While our health is important for obvious reasons, it is ultimately the main requirement to achieve the 4 aims of human existence according to Ayurveda.
Ayurveda has two key purposes:
1) Preservation of health.
2) Alleviation of sufferings or illness.
Ayurveda teaches that our health is directly affected by:
1) Dharma – our life’s purpose
2) Artha – the means necessary to accomplish our dharma
3) Kama – sensual pleasure (art, food, music, friendship, family, beauty, human connection and intimacy)
4) Moksha – freedom and liberation As humans, we are privileged with choice. Our choices in thought, in words, in actions directly determine our destiny.
Charles du Bos, the French essayist, eloquently taught us that “The important thing is this: to be able, at any moment, to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.”
The wisdom, insight and vibrancy of Ayurveda is a spectacular complement to any yoga, physiotherapy, or wellness program. Below are some wonderful resources that are easy to navigate and will wow your mind and body. It just makes sense.
RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOGA THERAPY & AYURVEDA
Yoga International is one of the not only most comprehensive, but technically savvy resources for all things yoga and Ayurveda, including articles, videos, workshops and even sanskrit pronunciation. Teachers on this site include Gary Kraftsow, Luke Ketterhagen, Rolf Stovik PsyD, Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Phd, Rod Stryker, Kathryn Templeton and more.
IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapy) is a professional organization whose mission is to establish yoga therapy as a recognized and evidenced based professsion. Outstanding, high level research is available here and you can find certified yoga therapists.