A Word from Dr. Simon

The Ayurvedic sages declared, Ayurveda amritanam – “Ayurveda is for immortality.” Although we might have hoped for a formula for eternal youth, the essence of this statement is: the purpose of Ayurveda is to create a balanced physiology that can support enlightenment. In this state of consciousness, we awaken to the reality that our essential nature is unborn and undying . . . that we are an expression of the underlying field of infinite, timeless Being.

The prescription provided by these ancient doctors was simple: Make choices that support your ultimate state of balance so that turbulence in your body does not disturb the expansion of your mind. To achieve this physiological equilibrium, Ayurveda calls upon us to align our individuality with the elements and forces of nature.

The five major patterns observed in nature are called mahabhutas, which means the “great elemental forces.” These are Space, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. Space represents the field of pure potentiality. Air represents the principle of change. Fire is the principle of transformation expressed. Water is the attractive principle that holds the universe together. Earth represents the individual manifestations of the other four elements dancing together.

The Three Primary Doshas

Biological systems weave these five forces into three primary patterns known as doshas. They are most easily thought of as mindbody principles that govern our style of thinking and behaving. Vata dosha, woven from the elements of Space and Air, regulates movement and change in our minds and bodies. Pitta dosha, comprised of Fire and Water, governs digestion and metabolism. Kapha dosha, made from Earth and Water, maintains and protects the integrity and structure of our mind and body.

All three doshas are present in every cell, tissue, and organ – for movement, metabolism, and protection are essential components of life. What makes life interesting is that although everyone has all three doshas, each of us mixes them together in a unique way, which determines the distinctive qualities of our mind and body.

Vata: Movement and Change

If Vata dosha predominates, movement and change are characteristic of your nature. You will tend to always be on the go, with an energetic and creative mind. As long as Vata is in balance, you will be lively and enthusiastic, with a lean body.

If excessive stress in your life leads to your Vata force becoming imbalanced, your activity will start to feel out of control. Your mind may race, contributing to anxiety and insomnia. You may start skipping meals, resulting in unintended weight loss, and your digestion may become irregular. If you notice these early symptoms of a Vata imbalance, slow down, take time to meditate, don’t skip meals, and get to bed earlier. A regular lifestyle routine helps ground Vata so you are not carried away into the ethers.

Pitta: Transformation and Metabolism

A healthy Pitta constitution results in strong appetites and strong digestion of both information and experience. When Pitta becomes imbalanced, heat begins to rise in the body and mind. Heartburn, ulcers, hypertension, and inflammatory conditions reflect excessive accumulation of the Fire element.

Mentally, too much Pitta manifests as irritability and anger. These symptoms are signals to “chill.” Stop packing in too many things to do in too little time. Reduce your competitive activities, decrease your consumption of alcohol (fire water), and go for a walk in a natural setting where you can be surrounded with abundant blue (water) and green (plants).

Kapha: Structure and Fluidity

People with a predominance of Kapha in their nature are solid, reliable, contented souls. But when Kapha builds to excess, weight gain, fluid retention, and allergies manifest in the body. Excess Kapha in the mind manifests as resistance to change and stubbornness. People with an excess of Kapha tend to hold on to things, jobs, and relationships long after they are no longer nourishing or necessary.

To lighten the heaviness of Kapha, get yourself moving and start exercising today. Eat lighter, spicy foods, and give away things you have been accumulating that you know you’ll never use.

The principles of Ayurveda are ancient and timeless. As you look at yourself and the world through this window, unconscious patterns will enter into your awareness. As you become conscious of your basic tendencies, you can make better choices to support harmony in body and mind. From this platform, you can take the leap into your inner Self, where you can connect with the infinite field that resides in the core of your Being.

With love,
David