The Art of Ayurveda by Leo Bear
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Mention the word ‘Ayurveda’ in the changing room of any trendy gym and you’ll discover someone who swears by it. Supermodels such as Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell are firm followers while spa aficionados have been flocking to India, a place where Ayurveda comes hand in hand with a five-star hotel experience, for decades.
Indeed, increasing numbers of Malaised Westerners are turning to Eastern practitioners for advice on body-mind relationships and sticking to nutritional and exercise plans as a result of their enlightenment. Plus, according to reports in Southeast Asia; Ayurveda contributes more than £40million to the world herbal market. Certainly nothing to be sniffed at. But what exactly is this ancient Indian wisdom found on spa menus worldwide?
The Art of Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an intricate system of holistic medicine that originated in India more than five thousand years ago. It is immensely sophisticated and one hundred per cent natural. It aims to restore the body to its earliest natural state of equilibrium; in Ayurveda, health is defined as the dynamic state of balance between mind, body and environment.
Within the realms of Ayurveda, a person is seen as a unique individual made up of five primary elements. These elements are: ether (space), air, fire, water and earth. Just as in nature, Ayurvedic practitioners believe that we each have these five elements existing within us and, when any of these elements are imbalanced; this will have an influence on us. It was these five great elements that were responsible for forming the universe in the first place; and that includes the human body.
Central to Ayurveda are the three Doshas: Vata (wind/spirit/air), Pitta (bile) and Kapha (phlegm), and it is these that hold the key to good health. There are reams of literature on each of the doshas but broken down very simply: Vata governs the principle of movement and affects nerve impulses, circulation and respiration; Pitta is responsible for metabolism; Kapha is responsible for growth. All three doshas are essential to life and, by working together; they either promote health or produce disease.
It’s All About Balance
Today, the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and taking regular exercise is well understood and practiced. Yet there are hundreds of modern-day ailments such as stress-related illnesses, depression, anxiety and sleep disorders that plague us. Many suffer from low energy levels and are looking for answers.
Dr Robert Svoboda, author of The Hidden Secret of Ayurveda, is a leading authority on Ayurvedic medicine. He explains, “Modern lives are increasingly compartmentalised. They seem smooth on the surface but all parts of the organism are pulling in different directions. Ayurveda is about paying attention to how individuals interact with their environment. We are extraordinarily dependent on those relationships to be healthy. Ayurveda gives an enhanced appreciation of this fact.”
So at its fundamental level, Ayurveda is about reconnecting with the natural world and becoming aware of the state of harmony (or disharmony) between our doshas. When all three doshas are harmonised, this will lead to overall well being. When there is imbalance or disharmony within or between the doshas, various ailments will present themselves.
Top-end spas across the globe are bringing in Ayurvedic doctors and therapists to carry out treatments and to devise lifestyle and nutritional plans to help balance spa-goers. Often, when you have a consultation, herbal medicines will be recommended, as well as massage, exercise and yoga.
People with all kinds of complaints from sinus problems to arthritis, cardiovascular disease, gastric disorders, cellulite, asthma, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s have been drawn to Ayurvedic medicine.
The Three Doshas
According to Ayurveda, each of us has three doshas in our physiology: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. We have them in different proportions so your own dosha is unique and personal; just like your fingerprint. One dosha is likely to dominate and after having a consultation with an Ayurverdic doctor, treatments and dietary plans can be drawn up which will be individually tailored to you.
Vata
What is it? Vata, the air element, controls blood flow, elimination of wastes, breathing and nerve impulses in the brain. It also governs the nervous system, hearing and speech. Vata plays a vitally important role in Ayurveda because it controls the other two doshas – Pitta and Kapha – and is therefore usually the first cause of disease.
Vata types are generally thin and find it hard to gain weight. They tire easily and it’s important for them to get lots of rest, stay warm and stick to regular routines. Typically, Vata types are prone to constipation and restlessness and will often suffer from dry skin, brittle hair, split nails and cracking joints.
As mentioned, balancing Vata is fundamentally important because when Vata is in balance, Pitta and Kapha are generally in balance as well. If Vata is not flowing well then Pitta and Kapha are unable to function properly. Therefore, most health problems have some form of Vata imbalance at their core. Too much Vata leads to fearfulness, anxiety, insomnia, cramps and constipation.
Balance it: There are plenty of ways that you can nourish Vata at home. Firstly, it’s important to have a diet rich in unrefined wholegrain, pulses and dairy products, as well as plenty of oils and fats. Taking hot baths and saunas is also recommended to release tension. Plus, there are benefits in having regular massages with warm, sweet-smelling oils infused with scents such as cinnamon, frankincense and lotus flower. On the herbal medicine side, liquorice is a soothing nourishing and a powerful rejuvenator for Vata types. Ideally chew on the plant’s roots or infuse them in a cup of hot water mixed with honey.
When it comes to the spa, Abhyanga is one treatment often used for balancing Vata. It involves warm herbal oil being gently rubbed into the body. The type of oil will depend on your level of Vata and will be tailored to your individual needs. The aim is to expel toxins, alleviate fatigue, delay ageing, improve blood circulation, enhance the immune system and rejuvenate the body.
Try it: Spa Village at Pangkor Laut in Malaysia has an extensive Ayurvedic treatment list and boasts several healing huts where you can watch therapists expertly prepping your herbs and oils in front of you. Physicians will recommend a range of individual treatments as well as specialist healing programmes which can be anything from seven to 28 days.
Pitta
What is it? Pitta is the fire element that governs all the metabolic and chemical functions within the body and mind. Not only does it control how we digest food via enzymes and amino acids, but it also has a large hand in how we process sensory perceptions. This includes the way we come up with ideas and even how we understand the difference between right and wrong. Pitta is thereby responsible for intellectual capacity, creativity and leadership skills.
Pitta types are generally medium-sized and well proportioned. They have a medium amount of physical energy and stamina and tend to be intelligent, sharp witted and can concentrate for long periods of time. Pitta types are often described as having a ‘fiery’ temperament. They are hot tempered and can be insensitive to others but career-wise they are often high flyers.
A Pitta imbalance might manifest itself in the form of stomach upsets, ulcers, rashes and thinning hair. Any toxins, such as alcohol or tobacco show up as Pitta imbalances, as do ‘toxic’ emotions such as jealousy, intolerance and hatred. These should all be avoided to keep Pitta in balance.
Balance it: To cool Pitta down, a diet rich in grains, fruit, asparagus and lettuce is recommended. Hot, spicy foods should be avoided, and alcohol should be drunk in moderation. Exercise should be taken in moderation too. Sweet smelling, cooling perfumes such as sandalwood, lavender and rose are recommended. For a herbal remedy, try Aloe Vera juice which can ease heartburn, migraines and period pains; all complaints which can arise from high levels of Pitta.
At spas; Panchakarma (purification) is one of Ayurveda’s best-known treatments used for balancing Pitta. It is used to expel all the toxic imbalances from the body and to regain resistance and good health. One particular type of Panchakarma recommended for Pitta imbalance is Virechananam; a form of induced, controlled diarrhoea which removes toxins accumulated in the liver and gallbladder. This kind of intense detox is beneficial for people with digestion problems, such as constipation, as well as those with skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis.
Try it: The Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz on the tiny, unspoilt island of Gozo (off the coast of Malta) has an Ayurveda centre run by doctors and therapists from Kerala, India. Now in its sixth year, the spa has established itself as one of the best Ayurvedic centres in Europe, where experienced staff carry out authentic treatments including oil therapy, rejuvenation, body slimming, aphrodisiacs, skin care and treatments for mental well-being.
Kapha
What is it? Kapha, the earth and water element, maintains our body’s resistance, lubricates the joints and is responsible for the senses of taste and smell. It provides moisture to the skin, helps heal wounds, gives strength and stability, supports memory, gives energy to the heart and lungs and boosts immunity. Its primary role is growth and nourishment of the mind and body; therefore Kapha types tend to have sturdy, heavy frames, strong immune systems and plenty of stamina as well as a positive outlook on life. Too much Kapha, on the other hand, can lead to lethargy, weight gain and allergies. Imbalances of Kapha are the root cause of all mucus-related conditions such as lung complaints, coughs and colds and coronary heart disease. Diabetes and obesity are also diseases that affect Kapha types.
Balance it: Kapha types ought to follow a diet of freshly cooked, easy-to-digest meals containing vegetables such as spinach and squash. Bread, pasta, beer and, although Kapha types are likely to have a sweet tooth, sugary foods should be avoided. Honey is recommended as a beneficial replacement for sugar; it aids digestion and can help speed up a sluggish metabolism. Occasional fasting is also suggested as a way to boost metabolism and help rid the body of any long-standing unprocessed foods and toxins.
Other ways to keep Kapha balanced includes doing high-impact exercise on a regular basis and making sure sleep is kept to a maximum of seven hours a night. Sleeping during the day should be avoided at all costs.
For a herbal remedy, the leaves and root bark of the Arjuna tree are often used to treat Kapha related problems. It is used to increase blood pressure and to treat coughs.
Like with the other two doshas, when it comes to spa treatments, there is a vast number to choose from. One, Ubtan, is particularly good and involves the gentle rubbing of herbal powder into the body which acts as a cleanser, astringent, stimulant and skin tonic. It is recommended to help reduce fat, improve complexion and to relieve skin problems such as acne. Pizhychil also helps balance Kapha and involves warm herbal oil continuously flowing over the entire body, combined with a soothing massage.
Try it: Check in to the acclaimed COMO Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos in the Caribbean, which has recently added an Ayurvedic doctor (Dr Swati) to its list of health and wellbeing experts. Dr Swati is an expert in putting together bespoke Ayurvedic programmes for detoxing and rejuvenation.
The Home of Ayurveda
Traditional Ayurvedic medicine is widely considered to be the oldest form of health care in the world and it all began in India. Ayurvedic knowledge was passed down through generations via word of mouth, until eventually, practices were written down in Sanskrit within sacred Indian texts known as Vedas; these are believed to be the oldest writings in the world (from around 2500BC). In Sanskrit, the very word Ayurveda comprises the words ‘ayus’ meaning ‘life’ and ‘veda’ meaning ‘science.’
Over the centuries, Ayurveda has evolved and spread out influencing healthcare systems across the globe including Chinese medicine, and today, it still maintains its original philosophy of healing the mind, body and spirit as one.
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