Ayurveda is yoga’s sister science — the science of life, health, and longevity. Based in India and as ancient as yoga, Ayurveda has been a healing practice and lifestyle for many, its wisdom continuing to spread through the West. Ayurveda’s foundations are effective and timeless, built upon the universal laws of nature, and they allow for an adaptable and ever-fluid course to health and healing.

The basis of Ayurveda is to use diverse natural methods to bring equilibrium the body and mind. Recommended Ayurvedic protocols depend on the environment, physical challenges, and mental or emotional imbalances of the unique person. Therefore, two people with the same disease would not necessarily be treated the same way through Ayurvedic means. No two diseases are the same, just as no two people are the same.

Ayurveda does, however, operate within a specific framework to determine the best possible course of health for each person. Ayurveda always considers, for example, the health of the digestive tract as an important part of healing, as well as the ability to manage stress. Ayurveda takes into consideration the whole person’s patterns, including sleep, diet, stress, exercise, environment, and even something as simple as a morning routine.

Practitioners of Ayurveda have an abundance of natural tools at their disposal: oils, herbs, foods, teas, bodywork, movement, and the knowledge of the elements. The elements: water, fire, earth, air, and ether — all play a role in every organism on earth, including ourselves. For example, if we tend to carry more fire and are prone to overheating and anger, we may become more relaxed in a cool, watery environment. Ayurveda seeks to bring balance on many levels, including mind, body, and spirit.

When you are given special instructions by an Ayurvedic practitioner, the protocols are designed with your specific constitution in mind. Protocols may include a skin care regimen, an evening routine, a dietary shift, or a combination of herbs. Ayurvedic practices tend to heal on many levels. Healing the digestive tract, for example, also brings healing to the mind and emotions.

Though Ayurveda is borne from the ancients, it is re-emerging into the Western world. Many people are re-discovering its powerful methods and experiencing its benefits. Science has begun to study many of the long-known remedies within Ayurveda, and is now scientifically proving what practitioners of Ayurveda have known for thousands of years. As a result, Ayurveda is being integrated into more hospitals, treatment centers, and medical practices.

Yoga and Ayurveda together have brought remarkable healing to many people, and also act as preventative medicine. Both abiding by the laws of nature and universal truths, yoga and Ayurveda complement one another in the health and healing of the body, mind, and spirit. All can benefit from balancing the many facets of the same whole.

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