Ayurveda: The Science of Life, Prevention and Longevity

My first introduction to natural healing wellness methods was the study of Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda pronounced “eye-oor-vay-dah” is considered by many in the East as the mother of all healing arts; it is known as the science of life, prevention and longevity.

Ayurveda has its roots in India, where two-thousand-year old Ayurvedic writings have been found. This knowledge is also recorded in two of the Vedic texts: the Atharva and the Rig, which are more than five thousand years old. Ayurveda was studied in other ancient cultures. China, Egypt, Tibet, and West Africa all adapted it into their own natural healing systems. The early Greeks brought Ayurveda to Europe from Egypt.

I studied Ayurvedic medicine under Dr. Alex Guervaz at the New York Ayurvedic Center. Dr Guervaz is a medical doctor specializing in pathology and allopathic medicine. Dr. Guervaz studied under the well-known Seami Sada Shiva at the famous Bayville, New York Ayurvedic Center. I became a certified Ayurvedic medicine practitioner in 1995. My certification was awarded by the Hindi Sahitya Sammeian University in Allahabad India.

Ayurveda specializes in holistic natural remedies and prevention, and it focuses on rebuilding the cells and tissues to support longevity. Ayurvedic healing tools are herbs, yoga exercises, Vedic massages, steam therapy, and sauna aromatherapy.

An Ayurvedic practitioner will use a personalized method of conducting a healing program by analyzing the individual’s constitution, also called the “health blueprint” or “body type.” This information is obtained through questionnaires that identify your body’s characteristics, known as the three doshas,or tridosha: Vata (air), Pitta (fire) or Kapha (water).

Pulse and urine analysis are also used. It was during this time that I was introduced to Uropathy, the study of urine therapy (see www.theartofwarogers.info). The focus of Ayurvedic healing is the search for the root cause of illness by using methods related to the five senses: taste (herbs) smell (aromatherapy), touch (oil massages), sound (mantras) and sight (color therapy). In addition, it promotes a healthy balance of five natural elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether.

Dr. Scott Gerson writes in his book Ayurveda: The Ancient Indian Healing Art that “All matter is composed of the five elements, which are the building blocks of existence, but only living matter has the three doshas, the three forces which govern all processes. The term dosha means ‘that which darkens or causes things to decay,’ reflecting the fact that, when out of balance, the doshas are causative forces in the disease process.”

While I no longer practice Ayurveda medicine, like many of my ancient ancestors, I have adapted Ayurveda healing strategies in Ki treatments and training at our Harlem Ki Energy Center. For further information or to make an appointment to visit the Ki Energy Center call 646 329-6727.