Ayurveda is a thousand-year-old science developed by the Rishis, the Sages of classical India. In Sanskrit, "ayur" means "life" and "veda", science or knowledge. Literally, Ayurveda is the knowledge of life or longevity.
Although Ayurveda has evolved over the centuries, its basic principles have never changed because they come from the universal laws of nature, considered eternally true. Ayurveda is a form of traditional medicine, which, more than just a health system, is like a complete art of living, encompassing all aspects of the human being, in order to understand its true nature, in depth . It is an intuitive medicine, which combines medicine and philosophy, with the only credo, the search for harmony and well-being. In the United States, Dr. Deepak Chopra is an icon of Ayurvedic medicine. His lectures are a success, as are his precepts, according to which meditation - among other things - would lead to good health.
The 3 main principles of Ayurveda
Ayurveda follows many basic principles. The first concerns the microcosm and the macrocosm: the infinitely small, the most minute of the molecules that compose it to the human being, would be the reflection of the infinitely large, the planets, the galaxies ... and would work according to the same principle .
The second great Ayurvedic principle takes into account the five elements. By observing nature and its functioning, the Sages identified them as: space (or ether), air, fire, water and earth. These 5 elements are called "Pancha maha Bhuta" in Sanskrit. According to this principle, what happens in nature also occurs in the body.
Finally, Ayurveda is based on the 3 Doshas, the states of matter, present in different combinations in all, therefore in the body. The combination of the 5 states of matter (or elements) gives the 3 doshas, or biological humors (Vatta, Pitta and Kapha). Each human being is determined by a unique synergy of the 3 doshas, which composes his native consitition, his Prakiti. It is this balance that Ayurveda tries to reach. If the 3 doshas are in balance, the man is in good health.
The importance of Ayurvedic dietetics
In addition to medicine, Ayurveda invites itself in all areas of life. Especially through the diet. The Ayurvedic diet tries to know the specific needs of the human body, for a suitable diet.
If each human being is different, the main principles of Ayurvedic dietetics are as follows: in Ayurveda, the science of 6 tastes (sweet, acid, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent) replaces the analysis of foods and their classification in term of vitamins. Thus, each food has a flavor, an energy (heating or refreshing) and a postdigestive action, which induces its effect on the body. Food is a vital tool. In general, Ayurveda favors organic foods, which are richer in vital energy, eliminating so-called "empty" foods, which have lost their nutrients (white flours, refined products, etc.). These foods, which drain minerals out of the body can lead to long-term deficiencies, according to Ayurvedic philosophy. Refined oils should also be avoided because the liver does not know how to transform them. Stimulant products, alcohol, tobacco, coffee, chocolate ... would cause chronic fatigue, after a first state of stimulation, aspartame is also to be banned, as, as far as possible, animal protein.
Ayurvedic massage as a way of life
Ayurvedic massage is a unique traditional massage technique, with multiple benefits on the physical, the body, but also the senses and the soul. For example, massages, two or four hands, will shine the skin toning, relaxing; they tone it up. By the massage, the circulation is improved, the waste better eliminated. The body will be more resistant to disease and the immune response will be strengthened. In addition, these massages allow a better concentration, a better conscience of the body and more of confidence in oneself. There are many techniques and most practitioners know about ten massages, adapted to each human being, according to its imbalances (Vikriti).
Ayurvedic medicine to correct imbalances
Ayurveda is a philosophical medicine that cares for the sick person and not the illness. By observing the patient's lifestyle habits and questioning them, the practitioner draws up a personalized Ayurvedic assessment. It defines the initial constitution of the person, his ideal balance ("Prakiti") and his state of imbalance ("Vikriti"), as well as a treatment to put in place to return to Prakiti. The practitioner then seeks to identify the reasons for the imbalance to correct it and return to harmony. The interview includes an examination of the pulse, the tongue, the skin, the eyes, the nails, the questions on the habits of life, the food, the sleep, the medical past ...
From these observations, a treatment is proposed. It can involve a new diet, massages, breathing exercises, new rules of healthy living, physical exercise, relaxation, meditation, yoga ... This program is fully personalized and accompanied. This Ayurvedic assessment allows you to better understand how it works, but it is by no means a medical consultation. Ayurvedic medicine relies heavily on the use of plants: 80% of ayurveda remedies come from it.
Ayurveda: a philosophy for young and old
Since Ayurveda is a universal health care system, the rules of well-being that it sets out can apply to all adults, children, the elderly, regardless of their lifestyle, culture or environment. Ayurveda seeks the fulfillment of the whole person, in all parts of his life, for a body-soul-spirit unity in perfect health. Thus, Ayurveda gives all the theoretical, practical and spiritual means to arrive at a state of general well-being. If Ayurveda is for everyone because each treatment is fully personalized, it involves the active participation of the person, who must take responsibility for his health and agree to make changes in his lifestyle.
How to find a good practitioner?
The Association of Professionals in Ayurveda brings together, on its website www.ayurveda-France.org, a directory of practitioners by region. To choose your practitioner, know that there are three main categories of practitioners of Ayurveda in France, determined by the length and content of their training, as well as experience. The first major category is Bilans et Conseils. You can find consultants who can define your constitution (Prakriti) and your imbalances (Vikriti), establish a complete Ayurvedic assessment, advise and guide you with regard to food, hygiene, care ... health, they define Prakriti, advise and guide on an Ayurvedic way of life. The Nutrition Consultants, they define your constitution and advise you to return to balance through the diet.
The second category brings together care practitioners. We find experts body therapist in Ayurvedic care, who can practice a dozen adapted treatments according to your Prakriti and Vikriti. The Ayurvedic therapist has, in addition to training as a body therapist, the knowledge of energy treatments according to Ayurveda and Yoga-Ashtanga. He works with and on the breath, the circulation of energies in the body. Finally, the body therapist has a good understanding of the constitutional diagnosis and adapts its care accordingly. He knows at least three massages among the many ayurvedic massages: abhyanga, udvartana, guyhan, pizjicjil, visheh, svedana, marmas, shirodhara, takradhara, pindasvedana and external basti. The body therapist may work under the direction of a consultant.
The last category of practitioners includes specialists: yoga teachers specialized in Ayurveda, who offer, in addition to a classic practice of yoga, specialized advice to restore a balance to Prakriti. Finally, Ayurveda cooks offer a cuisine designed to restore the constitutional balance of the human being.
