Magic of Ayurveda

No two individuals are alike. We are all made up of individual constitutions internally, externally, emotionally and spiritually. Ayurveda, a scientifically proven 5000-year old tradition that originated in India, recognizes this uniqueness and offers treatments that optimize this balance within the individual. Ayurveda means “science of life”. With the increasing popularity of Yoga in the West, the Ayurvedic lifestyle is a natural compliment to this healing science, embodying a progression towards complete balance in an individual.

Ayurveda treats the root cause of illnesses, not just the symptoms. Along with the use of special herb infused essentials oils, massage techniques, specific yoga postures and sound nutritional advice, Ayurveda enhances the physical and mental alertness of both distressed and healthy individuals.

All of us are born with a certain constitution or dosha which gets out of balance with poor dietary habits, inadequate exercise routines or less than optimal health habits from when we were first born. It is the determination of this ideal state of balance at birth or prakruti, that is the fundamental principal behind Ayurveda.

The Ayurvedic practitioner determines an individual’s prakruti to bring that individual to an optimal state of health. In Ayurveda, the doshas fall into three categories that are identified by five basic elements in nature: air, space (or ether), fire, water and earth. These elemental forces give rise to the three predominant doshas- Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water) and kapha (water and earth). Ayurveda recognizes that human life is part of nature, thus it’s these natural forces that guide the physiological processes within us.

For instance, the elemental force of fire or Agni is associated with the physical process of transforming substances such as paper or wood into ash. This is analogous to the physiological process of ingesting raw materials into our body, which then gets converted to nutrients through digestive enzymes and acids. Vata types are governed by air and space and tend to have the qualities of air; light, cold, dry, active and mobile. Vata types are usually linked to all that is ephemeral and quick changing. Pitta when translated means fire in Sanskrit, hence individuals with Pitta doshas relate to characteristics of fire; hot, spicy, sharp. Pitta types tend to be emotionally intense, giving easily to anger. Kaffa types are governed by elements of earth and water.

This is the dosha of slow change. Characteristics of Kaffa individuals are synonymous with the elemental forces of earth and water and hence they tend to be heavy, cool, thick and viscous. Kaffa types tend to be earthy and stable, patient and are good nurturers. At Shymala Ayurveda, an Ayuvedic health club in Holland Park, London, clients are first greeted to the “Raj room” (lounge) for Ayurvedic refreshments and introduced to the Ayurvedic lifestyle through various media such as guest lecturers, journals and books. The in-house Ayurvedic consultant, Dr Deepak Apte then determines a client’s dominant dosha and helps the client started on his/her path to balance in life. An individual’s dominant dosha is determined through a series of questions and health history as well as a method referred to as “pulse evaluations”. After determining a client’s dosha or constitution, a customized nutritional, exercise program and health habits are recommended to bring that individual into balance by reverting to their birth prakruti or ideal state of health.

Offering such treatments as Shirodhara (warm oil poured over forehead), Abhyanga (ayurvedic massage with oils) and various ayurvedic facials and detoxification programs, Shymala Ayurveda’s mission is in total retreat for total body karma. One of the most notable healing programs is Shymala’s Amazing Dosha Treat which combines a series of Shirodharas, Abhyangas, detoxification programs, specific yoga postures, customized dietary /lifestyle recommendations based on a client’s unique dosha. Ayurvedic treatments involve use of herbal oils and medicine that aid in the long-term benefits of such treatments. Shymala Ayurveda distinguishes itself from other spas and beauty centers in promoting Ayurveda as a lifestyle change. Unlike the temporal effects of regular massages or facials, Ayurveda’s tradition is rooted in the foundation that all treatments offer long term health and wellness benefits to individuals.

All products are organic and are made with the highest quality ingredients. Yoga classes are also offered at Shymala Ayurveda. Group classes as well as private instructions are available. The private classes are aimed at considering the individual’s unique dosha and tailoring the postures to optimize their balance in breathing, thus enhancing the flow of prana or life force. This exclusive club, aimed at promoting an Ayurvedic lifestyle, is open for appointments now. Additional services include waxing, threading, full manicure and pedicure services. Special introductory packages are also offered. Life does not need to be changed, only our intents and actions do. The biggest gift you can give yourself is yourself.

Shymala Ayurveda, http://www.shymalaayurveda.com (source: naturalhealthweb)

Back to Ayurveda