Ayurveda is a health science that has been traditionally practiced in India for thousands of years. It is considered a sister science to yoga – and literally means “the science of life.” The World Health Organization recognizes Ayurveda as an effective, health science.
Ayurveda acknowledges the uniqueness of each individual, and empowers each person to take an active role in his or her health and well-being. Ayurveda teaches that making small changes in diet, exercise and lifestyle habits can effect significant changes to health and well-being.
In Ayurvedic philosophy, there are three energy forces at work in the body at all times. These forces are known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Vata is associated with movement. Its element is air – it brings movement and creativity; the nervous system is governed by the vata dosha.
Pitta is associated with transformation. Its element is fire – it brings drive and determination; internal fire, like bile, body heat, digestive enzymes, and metabolism are governed by the pitta dosha.
Kapha is associated with structure. Its element is earth – it brings stability and steadiness; physical strength and stamina are governed by the kapha dosha.
These three energies, or doshas, together govern all of the functions of the body and mind. Each person has some of each of these doshas, but everyone is born with a differing amount of each dosha. Most people have one or two that are dominant. This is known as your prakruti – or the balance of doshas you received at birth.
Each of the choices we make in life – what to eat, what job to have, our habits and lifestyle – have impacts on the doshas. We can make choices that balance our doshas, or we can make choices that imbalance our doshas. Ayurveda gives us a tool to understand how the choices we make affect our doshas, which in turn drives our health and well-being.
Classes
At Yoga Community, we have a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner on staff and we periodically offer classes on a variety of Ayurveda techniques, theories and practices. Check our schedule for upcoming workshops.
Ayuvedic Coaching Session $65*
- Heather Anastos, Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, graduated from Kerala Ayurveda in 2008. Photo Credit: Molly Van Wagner Photography
This session includes up to 2 hours of consultation including detailed health and wellness survey, goals, and dosha evaluation. A coaching plan will be created during the session which will include 3-5 suggested improvement focus areas. Ayurvedic coaching may include: health history, pulse and tongue evalution, eye reading, inspection of hands and nails, and detailed interview. A coaching session is perfect for those wanting to learn how to start applying Ayurvedic principles to their life.
Written Coaching Plan $20*
This can be added to your coaching session for an additional fee. A written plan will be e-mailed 7-10 days following your coaching session.
Follow-up Coaching Session $35*
These 30-minute follow-up sessions are designed to fine-tune and adjust your coaching plans over time, as needed. As you make positive changes in your life, you will need to adjust your approach. In addition, ayurveda makes changes based on seasons, time of life and stress levels – so periodic reviews and adjustments are necessary.
* Brief e-mail follow-ups are included; however, if your question or issue is too complex for e-mail, you may be requested to schedule a Follow-up Session at the CAP’s discretion.