Ayurveda is now emerging as one of the most important mind, body, and spirit medicines in today’s modern world. This ancient pre-Hindu science, said to be well over 5,000 years old, is considered to be the “Mother” of all holistic healing, relying on the balancing of the three doshas and the meaning of other Hindu symbols to achieve well-being.

Ayur or ayus translates from the Sanskrit term meaning “life." Veda is knowledge or science. Ayurveda comes from the same ancient tradition as Hatha Yoga and Vedic Astrology.

Ayurveda uses the building blocks of existence -- ether, air, fire, water and earth elements -- and studies their unique qualities. The five elements are manifest in the body as three basic principles known as the tridosha or Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Doshas are present in every living cell. When you are healthy, they are in balance; when disease manifests, there is imbalance. They affect you on a physical, mental and emotional level and influence all that you are and do.

Every one of us has a dosha that is more predominant or stronger than the other two; one secondary and a third, which is much less prominent. This combination, called prakruti, is determined when we are in the womb. What is your dosha combination? Find out more!

When the doshas are out of balance they cause disease, meaning dis (deprived of) and ease (comfort). Jennifer (Yogamaya) Beckman offers lifestyle adjustments that include diet and herbal formulas, gem therapy, yantras, Ayurvedic massage, yoga and meditation.

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