The Ayurvedic Approach to Wellness

Ayurveda is an ancient life-science of healing. Ayurveda, the 5000 year old east Indian healing tradition, is based on prevention of imbalance. It is described in the texts as “The Science of Life” because its fundamental starting point is not on prevention of illness nor treatment of disease but sustaining wellness. The teachings delineate a system of daily practices that support and restore balance, harmony, healing, and longevity in the individual.

We are, each of us, a unique constitution (dosha) with inherent tendencies (prakriti). Life then presents us with events, emotions, situations that impact on our being to create a state of imbalance (vikruti). The fundamental tenet of Ayurveda is that the nourishment we give our body, in food and behavior, and the self care we give our mind and soul, in yoga and meditation for example, determines our health. Nutrition (food, herbs, and oils) and lifestyle are the starting points of healing. The teachings support the idea that all life must be supported by energy in balance, primarily through diet, meditation, and bodywork.

Our philosophy is that optimal health is attained by incorporating what both conventional and Ayurvedic medicine offer, in a partnership for sustainable wellness. Shared Access to healing is also foundational to the ethos of Ayurveda — shared access to the teachings as well as the healings are open to all. Ayurveda refutes the idea that it is a privilege to be healthy and well. Access to the places of healing, the temples and ashrams, as well as the clinics, are not limited to the privileged: Instead they must be open to all.