Ayurveda, the Science of Life

I first encountered Ayurveda at the Atma Yoga Studio, in Curitiba, Brazil, where I had been practicing yoga asanas for about a year. They hosted a brief workshop on Ayurveda and the Tridosha Theory, which completely changed my life. I felt so accurately described, with a newfound understanding of my own needs and characteristics, as the teacher explained the Pitta dosha, followed by the Kapha dosha, like never before.

At that time, I was 23 and identified with many of the imbalances of the Pitta dosha, which manifest as excess heat, also known as inflammation, in the body. Issues like dermatitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, painful periods, and being overweight were frequent challenges I faced. Some of these required medications such as antibiotics, corticosteroids, and anti-inflammatories. I was in my final year of medical school, feeling stressed, fatigued, sleep-deprived, and relying on more sugar and alcohol than my body could handle. Deep within, I felt anxious and hopeless.

That talk offered me a mirror, allowing me to see myself beyond the limited perspective I had before. It empowered me to take my health into my own hands, knowing there was a path back to balance. I realized I wasn’t doomed by poor health; instead, I understood that I had been offering my body poor conditions in which to thrive. Only I could make that change.

As we dive deeper into the vast wisdom of Ayurveda, my wish is that you, too, find the same sense of hope I did — that there is indeed a way to achieve wellbeing and vitality.

What is Ayurveda?

“Life (Ayu) is the combination (samyoga) of body, senses, mind, and soul. Ayurveda is the most sacred science of life, beneficial to humans both in this world and the beyond.”

Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana, I.42-34

Ayurveda is a natural healing system that dates back over 5,000 years and originated in Vedic culture in India. It is considered the Mother of all medicines, the oldest form of medicine and has stood the test of time. Although it has many meanings in Sanskrit, the word Ayurveda can be translated as: longevity through knowledge, or also as the “science of life.”
The main objective of Ayurvedic medicine is to promote longevity, health, and balance without the need for synthetic drugs, complex surgeries, or painful conditions that cause suffering.
One of the fundamental pillars of this science, and what differentiates it from conventional Western medicine, is that it takes into account bio-individuality and the mind-body-spirit connection of each patient.

“The three – body, mind, and spirit – are like a tripod. The world is supported by their combination; in them lies totality. This combination exists for the benefit of Purusha, or, the great Consciousness. This is the subject of Ayurveda through which its teachings were revealed.”
Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana I. 46-47

Instead of merely treating symptoms with drugs and ignoring the root causes of problems, this traditional medicine aims to identify the true source of illnesses and how they are related to a person’s thoughts, beliefs, and lifestyle, influencing their vital energy.
Today, the number of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes is increasing worldwide, despite the rapid advancement of technology. Unfortunately, modern medicine operates only on the molecular level, that is, the material level, without referencing the sentient human being, the complex and unique person who feels sick.

Life is the totality of experiences, not merely a collection of physical parts, and the human experience fundamentally happens through the filter of the mind and senses at the level of consciousness. How we see the world and how we feel about things affects our experience, and that experience changes our body. If this weren’t true, there would be no happy smiles, tears of sadness, flushed cheeks of embarrassment, wrinkles of worry, or looks of anger.
When modern medicine asks where the body is sick but not why the patient is sick, it ignores the basic truth of our existence. 

Most diseases result from an imbalance in the immune system, which results from accumulated stress, which, in turn, results from an individual’s perception. And perception happens in consciousness, the true essence of being.
This is why Ayurveda is so effective in restoring balance, as it takes into account the entire network of intelligence in the body – the consciousness factor – which is, in fact, the level of life where disease and healing truly happen.

“Ayurvedic healing is based on our connection with the soul, the true source of life, and the energizing force behind all abilities. Ayurveda operates through the strength of the soul, so we can master the physical body and integrate our capabilities to achieve harmony and balance. True healing emerges from the soul, from the inner consciousness which, when awakened, becomes a channel for divine grace.”
David Frawley

I’d love to hear about your experiences with Ayurveda and whether this ancient wisdom resonates with you. Have you found Ayurvedic practices to be a supportive tool in your journey towards health and balance? Your stories and insights are invaluable, and sharing them can create a deeper understanding and appreciation of this holistic approach. 

Let’s continue the conversation and explore how Ayurveda can enrich our lives together. Feel free to leave a comment or reach out—I look forward to connecting with you!