Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of natural and holistic medicine. Translated from Sanskrit, Ayurveda means “science of life” (in Sanskrit, the root ayur means “longevity” or “life” and veda means “science”).
While modern medicine, through pharmaceuticals, tends to focus on curing disease, Ayurveda provides us with knowledge on how to prevent illness and eliminate its root cause if it occurs.
The Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda
Ayurvedic knowledge was originally transmitted orally through the lineage of sages in India until it was compiled into texts more than five thousand years ago. The oldest known Ayurvedic texts are the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya. These texts describe in detail the influence of the five cosmic elements—earth, water, air, fire, and space—on the human system, and emphasize the importance of keeping these elements in balance for a healthy and happy life.
According to Ayurveda, each person is influenced by some elements more than others. This is due to their prakriti, or natural constitution. Ayurveda categorizes different constitutions into three doshas:
Vata dosha, dominated by the elements air and space
Pitta dosha, dominated by the element fire
Kapha dosha, dominated by the elements earth and water
A person’s dosha affects not only body type, but also physical tendencies (such as food preferences and digestion), as well as mental and emotional temperament. For example, in people with Kapha dosha, the element earth is reflected in their solid and strong body type, slower digestion, strong memory, and emotional stability.
Most people’s prakriti is a combination of two doshas. For instance, those with a “Pitta-Kapha” constitution will show tendencies of both Pitta and Kapha doshas, with Pitta being predominant.
By understanding the qualities of our natural constitution, we become more capable of doing what is necessary to maintain balance.
Ayurvedic Consultation
In Ayurveda, illness is understood as an imbalance of the doshas; restoring balance is the key to healing. A highly effective diagnostic method in Ayurveda is Nadi Pareeksha, or pulse diagnosis. By placing fingers on your wrist, an Ayurvedic doctor can detect imbalances in the body and prescribe effective treatments.
Treatment generally comes in two main forms:
Panchakarma – a comprehensive detoxification program involving five cleansing procedures
Herbal remedies – to restore balance in the body
Ayurveda supports health without interfering with the body’s natural intelligence. Ayurvedic treatments do not have negative side effects, which is why more and more people around the world are turning to this ancient science to regain and maintain optimal health.
Ayurveda can be used independently or as a complement to conventional medical treatment.
For the past six months, Ayurvedic doctor Dr. Avishek Mishra has been practicing in Bulgaria, successfully helping hundreds of people overcome persistent health problems for which they had long struggled to find lasting solutions.
Conditions such as migraines, sinusitis, allergies, hay fever, back pain, digestive issues, gynecological disorders, and even depression can often be effectively treated through pulse diagnosis and Dr. Mishra’s personalized Ayurvedic recommendations.
Lifestyle According to Ayurveda
Ayurveda places great importance on lifestyle—our daily routines and dietary habits. It also provides guidance on how to adapt our way of living according to the changing seasons.
Ayurvedic Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements are a vital element of Ayurvedic treatment. There are hundreds of Ayurvedic herbs, but the best-known and most widely used in Bulgaria include Ashwagandha, Triphala, and Amla:
Ashwagandha calms the mind, reduces stress and anxiety, and improves memory.
Triphala supports digestion and detoxifies the digestive system.
Amla regulates liver function and strengthens the immune system.
These and 18 other Ayurvedic herbs can be found at The Art of Living store. Some of the more specialized remedies require a prescription from an Ayurvedic doctor, based on an individual consultation.
