As we are a part of a timeless, living, breathing Universe, so Ayurveda is a part of a timeless, living, breathing knowledge that took its first breath over 5,000 years ago. This knowledge, known as The Vedas, provides everything we need to know from managing day-to-day life experiences, how to understand those day-to-day life experiences, and also how we can transcend these experiences to reveal the greatest experience of all; complete awareness of self leading to complete balance with the Universe.
Complete balance with the Universe may not be achieved in this lifetime (!), however, we can achieve optimum health in this life time. Ayurveda teaches us how to consistently maintain optimum levels of health. The process is so simple, so complete and so specific for each individual that it may seem miraculous.
We are reflections of the Universe; the universe that is made up of Air, Space, Fire, Water and Earth. These elemental combinations present themselves differently in each of us to create our basic constitution. That foundation of who we are can become strengthened or brought out of balance depending upon environment and experience.
Once it is understood what your constitution consists of, then recommendations are made to keep your constitution in balance with steps that you can work with. These steps are in accordance with your specific nature, and therefore are easily integrated into your present lifestyle, no matter how extreme you are out of balance or how subtle a change in your life is needed.
This balancing process is achieved with food, daily habits, enjoyable activities and herbs. They all work to enhance your lifestyle, strengthen your immune system and boost your emotional capacity to be stable in yourself and your environment – no matter what the situation is.
The sister sciences of Ayurveda can also be called upon to help with this balance. Some of us may feel more akin to other tools to help keep our lifestyle balanced. Some of these other tools, or sister sciences are Yoga Asana, Meditation and Jyotish.
And, really, the truth to a healthy balanced life is Love. The result of working with Ayurveda, nurtures and strengthens that innate ability we have to love ourselves. Love = Health; Health for the Mind, Body and Spirit.