Ayurveda - Balancing your energy internally with the energy externally

The sister science of yoga, Ayurveda, originated in India and has been practiced for well over 5,000 years! It combines the sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge), literally translating to “the science of life.” Ayurveda is a natural system of medicine and practitioners study for many, many years, similar to Western medical professionals. Like other sciences, Ayurveda can get pretty complex, so I personally I like to think of it in this simple way- our bodies are made of energy, as is our surrounding environment, and Ayurveda is the practice of balancing your energy internally with the energy externally.

In Ayurveda, it is believed all human beings are composed of five energy elements- air, earth, water, fire and ether. Every person has all five elements within, although usually one or two are most prominent. Combinations of prominent elements are grouped into three energy types called doshas. The three doshas are Vata (air and ether), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water).

Every person has all three doshas within, but one is usually prominent and is their personal dosha (internal energy.) Each dosha has different qualities and characteristics that influence a person’s physical, mental and emotional being. When balanced the most positive qualities of the dosha are present, but when out of balance non-favorable qualities arise.

Similarly, our surrounding environments (external energy) are also composed of the three doshas. Imagine yourself in a hot, arid desert. Now imagine yourself in a luscious forest. Can you feel the different energy vibes? Additionally, the different doshas are present throughout the seasons. Think about the Earth’s harvest in summer (watermelon) compared to the fall or winter (pumpkins and winter squash.) Same same, but different!

Ayurveda is all about balancing your energy internally with the energy externally, but how does one find that balance? Remember, Ayurveda is a form of medicine and therefore includes treatments, treatments like dosha balancing diets, herbal remedies, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation- all of my favorite things!

One of the best things about Ayurveda is how easy it is to incorporate practices and treatments into your life. From taking an herbal supplement each day to pampering yourself with a full-blown spa day with essential oils, dry brushing and abhyanga, you can choose what and when works best for you!

I will share more on the doshas, Ayurvedic practices and finding the balance between internal and external energy in the future, but if you are eager to learn more I suggest you start by taking an online quiz to discover your dosha. Here are some of my favorite Ayurvedic resources:

• Banyan Botanicals: I love this company! They have wonderful Ayurvedic products and provide great articles and resources. Their dosha quiz not only tells your constitution (internal energy) it also helps you to understand what is out of balance.

• Joyful Belly: I LOVE to cook, and one of my favorite ways to include Ayurveda in my life is through cooking! This website is the best for finding out what dosha is present in various foods, and also has wonderful recipes and a dosha quiz.

• Ayurveda Beginner's Guide, by Susan Weis-Bohlen: This was my very first Ayurvedic book and continues to be my go-to when I need to look something up. The author changed her life- physically, mentally and emotionally- when she started practicing Ayurveda and shares what she has learned over the years in a clear and comprehensible way.