Wellness Begins with Your Health

What Is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is more than just a popular form of alternative medicine. It is a system of holistic healing unlike any other. Thought to be over five thousand years old, Ayurvedic medicine teaches us to see the world as it relates to the elements—or doshas—of Vata, pitta, and Kapha.

According to Ayurveda, everyone is born with a mixture of these three doshas. Determining your primary dosha is the first step toward finding your optimal state of balanced, natural health.

Kitchen countertop with spice rack, herbs, fruits, avocados, and paper towel roll. Jars labeled cinnamon, oregano, and cloves are on the rack. Potted plants and a colorful spoon are also present.

The name “Ayurveda,” is derived from two words in Sanskrit, “ayuh” meaning “life” or “longevity” and “Veda” meaning “science” or “sacred knowledge.” Ayurveda’s definition therefore roughly translates as “the science of longevity” or “the sacred knowledge of life.”

Before continuing, take a moment to reflect on what you have learned so far and make a few notes on them as you will circle back to them for your integrative assignment.

Click here to take the free dosha assessment

 

"Ayurveda is a science of personalized medicine (translated from Sanskrit as ‘The Total Knowledge of Life’ that takes into consideration a person’s individual nature, or Prakriti, and their current imbalances, or Vikriti, to not only establish optimal mental and physiological health for the individual but neurophysiological refinement (enlightenment) as well." 

- Christian Parker Boles, STC MIU 2021

A plate with fried rice, avocado slices, orange wedges, and cherry tomato halves.

Śloka 26

Rid your body of its impurities, let your speech be true and sweet, feel friendship for the world, and with humility seek wealth and knowledge.


At its root, Ayurveda is a holistic tradition and way of living that can help each of us to rid our bodies of impurities and Pragya Aparadh. Ayurveda:

  • Aligns our inner consciousness

  • Prevent the cause of disease

  • Restore Balance and Harmony in one's biological processes

  • Liberate Pragya Aparadh

Ayurveda encourages you to be an active participant in your own journey toward healing. This involves learning about your relationship with the elements and the unique combinations they create called doshas, Vata, pitta, and Kapha, which we will explore throughout the duration of the course.

First, let’s quickly take a look at Ayurveda’s background.

Ayurveda: A Brief History

The practice of Ayurveda as medicine is believed to date back over five thousand years, during the Vedic period of ancient India. The earliest known references to Ayurveda and its sister science, Yoga, appeared in scholarly texts called “the Vedas," recorded by Vaidya's or Sages, spiritual seers, and teachers of traditional knowledge.

Ayurvedic Principles

Before you learn how Ayurveda can help you, you must first learn how to see yourself from an Ayurvedic perspective. The first step is to understand some key Ayurvedic principles, and lenses through which Ayurveda views the universe.

These Ayurveda basics are foundational tools for:

  • Interpreting the laws of nature

  • Identifying various states of health or imbalance

  • Charting a course toward improved well-being

Examining these core principles will also help illustrate what makes Ayurveda such a timeless art and science.

200 hour Yoga and Ayurveda Teacher Training

Want to learn more about how Ayurveda can prevent the onset of chronic illness, reverse aging, and improve your mental and overall well-being?

Email me here to learn more about my next 200-hour Yoga and Ayurveda Teacher Training.

 As we Self-identify, we enable an effortless flow in life, which results in a body and mind free from blockage and stagnation.  Maharishi Ayurveda utilizes scientifically validated techniques such as TM, yoga asanas, pulse diagnosis, and the individualized incorporation of herbs, spices, sleep, exercise, and dietary recommendations to promote clarity of consciousness (the absence of Pragya Aparadh) as the priority for the individual, followed by a secondary focus on the gut and digestion. - Christian Parker Boles, STC MIU


6 Health Benefits of Ayurveda

Before you learn how Ayurveda can help you, you must first learn how to see yourself from an Ayurvedic perspective. The first step is to understand some key Ayurvedic principles, and lenses through which Ayurveda views the universe.

Click Here to Read My BLOG: Diet According to Your Dosha Watch the IGLiVE Replay Here

Create your Daily Routines using this Worksheet:

Step 1. Print it out or get a journal and answer the questions in the Circadian Rhythm Worksheet at the link below.

Step 2. Take the Dosha Quiz and Assessment and write out what your constitution is. (Remember you have all of them, just in different amounts).

Step 3. What are your goals to create your new routine? Write these in your journal.

Step 4. Hold yourself accountable by making small changes weekly until you reach your goals.

Step 5. DO NOT GIVE UP!!! Change takes time. Be patient with yourself.


Additional Resources

Skip to Videos
  • Discovering Vata’s Sub Doshas Tutorial and Reflection

    Discovering Vata’s Sub Doshas Tutorial and Reflection

    In this tutorial, we go over Nadi Vigyan Deep and Surface level as well as Vata sub doshas, locations, functions, and how to read them. We discuss the various quarters of Vata dosha and explore our own experiences as we practice together. We discuss in detail the Sub-Doshas of Vata Dosha and the physiological locations of what they represent.

  • Ayurveda Dhatu Tissue, Agni, Ojas and the Relationship

    Ayurveda Dhatu Tissue, Agni, Ojas and the Relationship

    In this presentation, we go over the relationship between Ojas and Agni as well as the formation of Dhatus and how they are all connected. We will break down the 5 Bhuta Agnis as well as the 7 Dhatu Agnis with a high-level overview of the 13 Agnis as a whole along with the 4 Main Agnis. We discuss the Sapta Dhatus and the explanation of each of the Dhatus.

  • How to Read Ojas in the Pulse and What is Ojas

    How to Read Ojas in the Pulse and What is Ojas

    The Expression of Ojas in the Pulse is discovered through the Gunas of the pulse which supports the process of Agni, Ama, and Ojas in connection with Soma. Soma is the physical aspect of consciousness expressed as unity. Ojas is the final most refined substance of Ahar Ras (Food Nutrigen) that is a product of metabolism after all the food we ingest is processed through Agni (digestive fire). Ama is the waste product that the body no longer needs. (Sala, 2021)

  • How to Make Ayurvedic Sweet Lassi for Cooling Pitta | Tikshna Agni- Digestion

    How to Make Ayurvedic Sweet Lassi for Cooling Pitta | Tikshna Agni- Digestion

    Sweet Lassi (Increase Kapha. Decrease Vata, Pitta) Use organic ingredients without mixing organic with nonorganic for best results. Use the recipe provided as a guide. Always consult with your AHC or AP first. Each of these recipes is intended to encourage healthy diets and inspire your creativity to substitute foods that are nourishing to your respective dosha.

  • How to Read Nādi Vigyān Ayurveda Deep Pulse

    How to Read Nādi Vigyān Ayurveda Deep Pulse

    Taking the surface pulse to a deeper level. In this video, we dive into the deep pulse so we can understand the qualities of each dosha to experience the inner intelligence of our physiology. We explore the snake-like quality of Vata, the froggy qualities of Pitta, and the swan-like qualities of Kapha. Consider doing this a few times throughout the day, specifically before and after meals or before/ after an activity.

  • How to Read the 4 layers of the Pulse (Nadi Vigyan) | Ayurveda Pulse Reading

    How to Read the 4 layers of the Pulse (Nadi Vigyan) | Ayurveda Pulse Reading

    Vigyan is Knowledge and we utilize this practice to asses the level of imbalance and balance in human physiology reading the 3 inner intelligences, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Imbalances can transform into dis-ease and disease. Nadi Vigyan is a tool to prevent the onset of illness.

    The 4 levels of the Pulse are surface, sub, deep, and Dhatu levels.

  • Kapha Balancing Yoga Sequence 15 min

    Kapha Balancing Yoga Sequence 15 min

    Kapha Dosha Balancing Class. Kapha lends structure, solidity, and cohesiveness to all things, and is therefore associated primarily with the earth and water elements. Kapha also embodies the watery energies of love and compassion. This dosha hydrates all cells and systems lubricates the joints, moisturizes the skin, maintains immunity, and protects the tissues.

  • Pitta Dosha Balancing Yoga Sequence 30 mins

    Pitta Dosha Balancing Yoga Sequence 30 mins

    Pitta represents the energy of transformation and is therefore closely aligned with the fire element. But in living organisms, pitta is largely liquid, which is why water is its secondary element. Pitta is closely related to intelligence, understanding, and the digestion of foods, thoughts, emotions, and experiences; it governs nutrition and metabolism, body temperature, and the light of understanding.

  • Vata Dosha Class 20 mins for Inner Peace and Balance

    Vata Dosha Class 20 mins for Inner Peace and Balance

    Vata embodies the energy of movement and is therefore often associated with wind (and the air element). Vata is linked to creativity and flexibility; it governs all movement—the flow of the breath, the pulsation of the heart, all muscle contractions, tissue movements, cellular mobility—and communication throughout the mind and the nervous system.

  • 6 Yoga Poses To Restore Balance to the Doshas | Ayurveda Yoga 20 mins
    • 8/17/23

    6 Yoga Poses To Restore Balance to the Doshas | Ayurveda Yoga 20 mins

    These 6 poses are used to restore balance to any disturbed dosha. Poses are gentle and the use of props is encouraged. Use the dosha quiz to discover where you are imbalanced, and which poses you will focus on most using this video. Each video in the Ayurveda mini-course builds on the other. Perform each posture with compassion for yourself and your body.

  • Season 1 JBYF Podcast: Difference Between Ayurvedic Constitutions and Imbalances

    Season 1 JBYF Podcast: Difference Between Ayurvedic Constitutions and Imbalances

    Knowing both your Ayurvedic constitution and your current state of balance is incredibly helpful. This knowledge will allow you to adjust the most basic components of your day—like how you exercise or when you eat—to better support your overall well-being. However, there are key differences between the doshas that comprise your constitutional makeup and the doshas that can be imbalanced within you.

  • Kosha and Dosha Clinic and Yoga Flow 50mins

    Kosha and Dosha Clinic and Yoga Flow 50mins

    In this Clinic, we go over the Doshas and the Koshas and how they align with one another. Focus points are Koshas: What are they and how do they impact us, Doshas: What are they, and how they are part of our DNA. We put them into practice by a sweet short flow that integrates all the levels of the Koshas and highlights the doshas activated or pacified.

  • Maharishi Ayurveda Yoga Asana for Beginners 45min

    Maharishi Ayurveda Yoga Asana for Beginners 45min

    This class breaks down the Maharishi Yoga Asana Flow. If you have not begun integrating the Maharishi Yoga Asanas, here is a video to utilize for your personal practice. These asanas are created specifically for all three doshic constitutions and help to balance all 3, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, prior to meditation. We go through each asana in detail and provide you with key points about each one.

  • Season 1 Bonus Episode JBYF Podcast: Vata Pitta Kapha Doshas Constitutions Explained

    Season 1 Bonus Episode JBYF Podcast: Vata Pitta Kapha Doshas Constitutions Explained

    In this episode, we dive a bit deeper into the "bodies" of the constitutions and how they integrate within the physiology to serve as the manifestation of the unmanifest. Like the Koshas, the doshas work together through the various levels of our unique composition to express physically what is happening within. VPK, are the essential components of how we take in our surroundings and channel them for optimal quality of life.

  • Season 1 Bonus Episode  JBYF Podcast: 20 Gunas of Ayurveda

    Season 1 Bonus Episode JBYF Podcast: 20 Gunas of Ayurveda

    What are the 20 opposites that attract?

    Here we get into these polar opposites and explain why they attract each other. We discuss their connection to the doshas, physiology, and sustaining a balanced routine. Ever wonder why, you run hot and crave spicy foods, but love cold weather, or run cold all the time, and much prefer warm weather? Maybe you love the sun and the beach and your partner loves the mountains and glaciers....

  • Ayurvedic Overview Review of the Doshas | Gunas| Ojas| Circadian Rhythm | and Pancha Mahabhutas

    Ayurvedic Overview Review of the Doshas | Gunas| Ojas| Circadian Rhythm | and Pancha Mahabhutas

    Doshic constitutions are a combination of elements, gunas, and energies that come together through simple physics to construct the molecular structure of every aspect of our individual physiology. They govern how we react and respond to our surroundings and circumstances. They are what formulate our appearance ( Prakriti), our imbalances (Vrikriti), and what we like and don’t like.

  • How to Make Ayurvedic Orange Turmeric Immunity Booster

    How to Make Ayurvedic Orange Turmeric Immunity Booster

    The indigenous tribes of our ancestors globally had unique systems to integrate botany as a method of healing through various tribes, and depending on the season, so too would determine the quality of the plants, herbs, vegetables, fruits, and animals that would be honored and then consumed to enrich and nourish the human being. Today, these ancient practices are still practiced in the remaining indigenous tribes around the world.

  • Ayurveda Triphala Churna Kashayam Tea

    Ayurveda Triphala Churna Kashayam Tea

    Use Haritaki, Bibitaki, and Amalaki in equal parts with your choice of ANUPANA (what you use to mix it together with) to drink down before bed or to prepare the night before if taking it in the morning. Triphala is an Ayurvedic modality to address poor or weak digestion and is best to take in the evenings. This tea is great for all dosha types working to balance their digestion.