Ayurveda and Scope of Practice

Ayurveda is medicinal in nature. It can be tricky for a well-meaning practitioner to stay in their scope of practice. Listen to this thirty-minute video of an example of how to make sure you protect yourself, and your practitioners.

Please find these lessons referenced below, and posted later in the course.

Want to earn your Ayurvedic Health Coach certificate? Find out MORE.

Ayurveda                                                                              

•      Early Eastern medicine. The focus is on healthy living in alignment with one's dosha.  Doshas are a person’s constitution – Kapha (Earth), Vata (air) and Pitta (fire.) Most people are predominantly one or two.  Balance is believed to be achieved when all three operate equally.

•       http://www.yogajournal.com/article/ayurveda/intro-ayurveda/

What is Ayurveda?

(Ayur= Life, Veda= Knowledge/Science)

One of the world’s oldest medical systems, dating as far back as 5,000 years ago in India.  As with most ancient knowledge, Ayurvedic principles were passed down orally through the generations, until about 2,000 years ago when the Great Trilogy were written – Caraka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Astanga Hridaya.

At its core, Ayurveda is a holistic tradition and way of living that can help individuals attain and maintain wellness. Ayurveda provides guidelines on ideal daily and seasonal routines, diet, behavior and the proper use of the senses. It teaches us that ultimate health requires a balanced and dynamic integration of environment, body, mind, and spirit.

GREAT CARE needs to be taken when implementing Ayurvedic treatments, some products may be harmful if not used properly. ALWAYS seek out a trained practitioner. 

What are Doshas?

There are 3 fundamental energies that govern everything – Vata, Pitta & Kapha. Like one’s fingerprint, every individual has a unique proportion of these forces which shapes the characteristics of our mind and body. The combination of dosha an individual is born with is considered their Constitution, or prakriti. The current state of balance, or vikriti, shows us which dosha is elevated within the body at any given time. 

Vata – Wind, that which moves things. Active, creative, gifted with a natural ability to express and communicate. Imbalance generates anxiety and bodily disorders related to dryness and constipation. Physical locations in the body: colon, thighs, bones, joints, ears, skin, brain, and nerve tissues.

Pitta – Fire, that which cooks. Joyful, sharp intellect, tremendous courage and drive. Imbalance generates anger, rage, and ego. There is a saying that Pittas don't go to hell; they simply create is wherever they go. Physical locations in the body: small intestine, stomach, liver, spleen, pancreas, blood, eyes, and sweat.

Kapha – Earth and Water, that which sticks. Loving, patient and forgiving. Imbalance generates greed, lethargy, attachment, and depression. Physical locations in the body: chest, throat, lungs, head, lymph, fatty tissue, connective tissue, ligaments, and tendons.

What are some benefits of an Ayurvedic diet?

·     Overall and holistic approach to health and healing.

·     Promotes a nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich diet

·     Mood stabilization

·     Balance Hormones

·     Reduce toxins in the body

·     Stronger/improved digestion

·     Reduced stress

·     Weight loss or maintenance

·     Increased energy

·     Lowers inflammation

·     Reduce symptoms of illness and disease

Lecture: 30 Minutes