Dr Amy has an interest in Ayurveda and has completed the Certificate in Ayurvedic Healing (Nature Care College) in Sydney. She has also completed training in Hatha and Kundalini yoga.
When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need
Ayurvedic Proverb
Ayurveda is the traditional healing system from India that is at least 5000 years old and is still as relevant as today as it was all those years ago. Yoga is it’s more well known sister. “Ayur” generally translates to life and “veda” to knowledge or science, hence can be thought of as the “art and science of living”. It is a very comprehensive and complete holistic healthcare system focusing on diet, movement, sleep and detoxification. It involves looking at all aspects of ourselves- mind body and spirit and is deeply rooted in the laws and cycles of nature. Ayurveda looks at each person individually, honouring one’s uniqueness and looks at all aspects of our health- physical, emotional, mental and spiritual, our relationship with ourselves, others and the universe. Balance in all these areas is necessary for vibrant and optimal health.
It is based on a five element theory- earth, water, fire, air and ether (space). A combination of any two of these form what is known as dosha’s – constitution or a type of energy in living systems:
- Earth and Water = Kapha
- Fire and Water = Pitta
- Air with Ether = Vata.
We all have varying amounts of each of these dosha’s. When they become imbalanced, dis-ease results. An Ayurvedic approach requires us to look at the individual’s constitution and what is out of balance using history and examination (including general features, tongue and pulse analysis) and to correct the imbalance using ayurvedic dietary principles, exercise/movement – including personalised yoga /meditation practices , massage and other lifestyle factors. Ayurvedic herbs and other detoxification practices can also help.
Ayurveda encourages us to take responsibility of our own health and well-being and to recognise our innate healing intelligence.
As is the human body, so is the cosmic body. As is the human mind, so is the cosmic mind
As is the microcosm, so is the macrocosm. As is the atom, so is the universeThe Upanishads (ancient Sanskrit text)
