Goals and roadmaps

A bit about Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a 5000 year old life and health science which has its roots in India. In Sanskrit “Ayur” means life and “Veda” means science. According to Ayurveda, the universe is made up of 5 elements. Earth, air, fire, water and ether (space). These 5 elements give rise to the 3 Doshas. Vata, made up of air and ether possesses qualities such as: dry, rough, cool, light and mobile. Pitta, made up of fire and water possesses qualities such as: hot, sharp, slightly oily. Kapha, made up of earth and water possesses qualities such as: cold, moist, heavy, smooth and stable. The doshas combine in unique amounts to make up our “Prakriti” or constitution. We all have a some amount of the 3 doshas in us, however most people are predominant in 2 doshas. There are 4 possible doshas combinations. Vata-Pitta. Pitta-Kapha , Kapha- Vata and the very rare case of the Tridoshic individual. In this case there is an equal split of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. This is why Ayurveda is so phenomenal at helping us determine what diet is right for you. since we are all different, we all have different needs, abilities, tendencies and weaknesses. Ayurveda quite literally gives you a blueprint to your health. It’s also important to note that your Prakriti is determined at birth and the subtleties of movement in the dosha over the lifespan represent the "balance" or "imbalance" of your dosha. Anyone can achieve excellent health regardless of their Prakriti, once it is balanced. The key in Ayurveda, is getting and keeping your Dosha in balance based on the principles of Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Ether (Space). For instance, a Vata imbalance, which is characterized by dry, cool, rough, light and mobile qualities may manifest as dry skin, hair, etc., anxiety or sleep disruption and constipation. By increasing Kapha qualities such as moist, heavy, smooth and stable you will “pacify” the imbalance of Vata. Some of the ways we do this is with our food choices and self-care. Ayurveda focuses heavily on the digestion. Food is always to be consumed with the “digestive fire” (Agni) as top priority. If we are not digesting or assimilating nutrients well, then it really doesn’t matter how “healthy’ we are eating. Truth bomb: salads, smoothies and raw veggies may actually be stopping you from losing weight. Mic drop.