In Sanskrit, “ayus” means life and “veda” translates as knowledge, or wisdom.  Therefore, Ayurveda (pronounced eye-yer-vay-duh) literally means “Knowledge of Life.”   Yoga’s sister science, Ayurveda is the ancient Vedic art of self-healing whose principles are still applicable today.  Inherent in these principles are simplicity and self-empowerment: you alone are capable of taking charge of your own life and healing.  Ayurvedic living occurs when you recognize your basic nature and honor it accordingly. 

Ayurveda in practice begins by getting to know oneself better.  One does this by listening to and addressing the unique needs of body, mind and heart.  Then one observes how these inner dimensions relate to the external environment and relationships.  In this way, Ayurveda becomes a mirror that reflects our true natures, mapping the path home to a life of happiness, connection, and vitality.  This system of healing believes in treatment of not just the part of us affected by disease or imbalance but on the individual as a whole. We focus on prevention and the attainment of greater ease, rather than on cure.

There is not one food, herb, or activity that is Ayurvedic. In fact, you already have the basic tools necessary for creating balance in your life.  These tools include: the foods you eat and how you eat them; daily forms of exercise; sleeping and resting patterns; and five-sense therapies utilizing color, aroma, taste, touch, and sounds.  Each of these things varies according to the person, season, and even the time of day.  Living in this way requires mindfulness and self-inquiry, accentuating the need for each of us to evolve uniquely and organically.