आयुर्वेद (Ayurveda) Is Translated from the written Sanskrit language to mean the science or knowledge of life

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Ever wanted to know about how you and your body work? Ayurveda believes that everything in the universe exists of a varying combination of the five great elements, which includes everything from the chair you are sitting on to the computer screen you are reading from now! Surely it is logical, if the earth began with nothing in it, everything must have been made from various quantities of nature; Space, wind, fire, water and earth. With the fascinating adoption of genes from both parents, we adopt a unique ratio of the five great elements. At conception, our unique pattern is known as Prakruti in Sanskrit, though after we are born, due to being exposed to the elements and various diet, sound, vision etc. Our Prakruti becomes disturbed; this is now known as Vikruti! From here on in, we have the ongoing goal of finding the correct diet and input to balance our unique individualities. Too much fire and we may become angry with all the heat, too much water and we may gain weight or become very upset, too much wind and we become very anxious, worried and often constipated as the wind dries out the colon. The seasons will affect our overall state of health, so it is important to adjust our daily living to suit the change of weather. It is quite common to see higher rates of depression and anxiety in autumn, heartburn and anger in summer and heaviness and neediness in winter months.

If we consult Ayurveda at the moment we become unbalanced, it is relatively easy to reverse our steps and feel well and content again. However, if things go unnoticed ‘dis-ease’ moves on to the next step and starts to become more complicated, it may now take twice as long to reverse the imbalance. Ayurveda entertains six stages of disease; the last stages are often irreversible and are known as things like diabetes mellitus or perhaps even rheumatoid arthritis. At this stage we may ease the symptoms, but are very unlikely to reverse the process of disease as organs, cells or bodily functions become damaged.

Consultation:  The consultation will initially start with many questions about behaviour and daily patterns. If necessary, common medical diagnostic tests may be applicable such as cardiovascular, respiratory or even muscular-skeletal tests. Urine and blood tests if needed will not be tested from this practice, though may be required from a local doctors or hospital.  We will endeavour to discover your unique combination of the elements; precise percentages may take a lifetime to discover, though a general ratio will initially be ascertained. From here you will be advised on an appropriate lifestyle including diet and exercise. Should disease need to be treated, then appropriate herbs and medicine can be ordered and prescribed.  N.B. Until such laws change (UK only) I am allowed to prescribe and diagnose. If the House of Lords change the proposed bill, then from 2012 or possibly 2015 I am required to hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Ayurveda in order to do this.

Summer May-28-2011

Namaste! Summer is now with us after a rather cool and prolonged spring! Summer is the time of year for the Pitta dosha which is the elements of fire and a little water. On humid days we may find this dosha on the increase and therefore must be aware of the alarm bells ringing. As fire is responsible for transformation it is particularly associated with all of our major organs that transform. These include the heart and the digestive fire. Pitta increases at the hottest part of the day, so 1 p.m. is not a good time to have a heated discussion as tempers may rise! Remember to drink eight glasses of water a day to avoid dehydration, as this may result in kidney stones which are rather painful and unpleasant.  Foods to favour during this time are all the cooling foods so coconut is a good choice as well as fresh lime juice. All other citrus fruits are heating and therefore a glass of fruit juice is not a favourable choice if you are complaining of insect bites or heat rash / sunburn, this will just irritate them even further. Take time to relax to avoid high blood pressure and try burning either flower oils such as rose or lavender or my personal favourite sandalwood which has an extremely cooling effect on the mind and body. High pitta symptoms may include irritable skin, indigestion, high blood pressure, anger and profuse sweating. If these should occur, take my advice and cool down in the shade, a cool shower may also be welcomed. Pranayama is a breathing exercise which is also useful for balance and cooling. Generally all of my treatments are suitable for this time of year to help you relax, reiki is especially calming or a soothing massage using calming and cooling oils is also well received. Enjoy your summer, and feel free to contact me for any advice! Scott x

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