Ayurveda
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is a compound Sanskrit word. The root words are Ayu meaning “Life” and Veda meaning “Knowledge.” So the complete word Ayurveda means “knowledge of life.”
Transcendental Meditation is actually a part of Ayurveda. When Maharishi Mahesh Yogi left India in 1958, he taught Transcendental Meditation as the single technique that would have the most effective results and hence would be widely taught. His insight was good and all the resulting spread of TM and the amazing range of scientific research that validates it is the wonderful result. If TM is so effective, we logically should investigate the rest of Ayurveda; if it is as effective as Transcendental Meditation, our health will benefit greatly.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi convened world experts on Ayurveda in the 1980s first in India and later across the world. The purpose of these conferences was to gather the finest experts in Ayurveda to refine its ideas and practices. The result of this work was a great refinement of Ayurveda that was structured into what we call today Maharishi AyurVeda.
The science of Maharishi AyurVeda teaches how we can work with our own body’s physiology. We can easily learn to whether we are in balance or not, and how to treat imbalances to restore health. We may have imbalances that are temporary and easily corrected – or we may have imbalances that are more deeply established that we treat over longer periods of time.
Maharishi AyurVeda defines three principles in our physiology. These three principles are called Doshas. They are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. We use these principles to classify people into one of ten common body types based on dominance of the doshas. Maharishi AyurVeda works to establish balance between the Doshas – creating MAXIMUM HEALTH.
Pitta types, for example, may have red or blonde hair, lots of freckles, average body build, and may be easy to anger. Vata types may be thin, nervous, and talkative. Kapha types may have heavier build, dark and thick hair, and may be very easygoing.
The body types themselves are indicators of a specific style of physiology. The purpose of identifying the body type is to plan the right health intervention for each person. Diagnosis by body type is simply an aid to determine the person’s underlying physiology type – and how best to work with it.
Few people are purely one of these three body types. Doctors trained in Maharishi AyurVeda use a combination of observation, questioning, and physical examination to determine body types. It is critical to correctly identify the person’s body type.
For example, a person could be a combination of Pitta and Kapha – a Pitta-Kapha body type. Another person might be a combination of Vata and Kapha – a Vata-Kapha body type. There is occasionally a three-way body type called Vata-Pitta-Kapha.
When SELF-REFERRAL of the body is good, then all three Doshas will be in balance. If imbalances in the physiology exist, it will be reflected in either an overabundance of one of the Doshas or a diminution of one of the Doshas. One or more of the Doshas either in excess or weakened is an important indicator of health or disease. And if disease is present, understanding the Doshas is the critical place to determine what is needed to move toward MAXIMUM HEALTH
Maharishi AyurVeda can treat imbalances of the physiology based on balancing the Doshas. We have already seen the benefits of Transcendental Meditation. We have examined its effects through the lens of science. In addition to the deep rest and stress relief, TM balances the Doshas. There are many other ways to balance the Doshas and promote health. One way to correct imbalances is through taking herbal supplements known in Sanskrit as Rasayanas. These are special formulations of organic herbs made by following ancient recipes known to be effective. By ingesting these Rasayanas we can correct many profound imbalances in our physiology and move toward MAXIMUM HEALTH.
The purpose of Maharishi AyurVeda is to restore body's Self-Referral and move toward Maximum Health.
How do we identify our body types? How do we find imbalances in our physiology? One of the central practices of Maharishi AyurVeda is Pulse Diagnosis. This is a simple procedure that anyone can master with a little instruction and practice.
We can check our pulse by using our fingers to feel the pulse of the radial artery. We check the right wrist for males and the left wrist for females. We use the opposite hand’s index, long, and ring fingertips to feel the pulse.
The index finger feels Vata, the long Pitta, and the ring finger feels Kapha. If all three are equal in intensity, we know we have good Dosha balance. There are frequently one or more of the three doshas more prominent than the others, and sometimes one or more of the doshas are more faint. This indicates imbalance. You can learn more about pulse diagnosis here —>
Based on the pulse findings, we can work toward correcting imbalances in the physiology. That may be through diet, aroma therapy, herbal rasayanas, or other approaches. This will balance the doshas and create health. This has the profound effect of treating the deep imbalances that create health challenges.
A Closer Examination of the Doshas.
Vata
Qualities of Vata Dosha include cold, dryness, speed, and lightness. Aggravated Vata Dosha may cause anxiety, constipation, or asthma. Vata Dosha in excess can be balanced by calm surroundings, a hot bath, and anything warm and moist.
Pitta
Qualities of Pitta Dosha include heat, sharpness, and acidity. Aggravated Pitta Dosha may cause being prone to anger, acid indigestion, or skin conditions. Pitta Dosha in excess can be balanced by anything cooling to the physiology.
Kapha
Qualities of Kapha Dosha include cold, heaviness, oiliness, and slowness. Aggravated Kapha Dosha may cause dullness, lethargy, obesity, or depression. Kapha Dosha in excess can be balanced by anything warm, sweet, and exercise.
Balance of the Doshas leads to optimal physiology and is a key component to achieving MAXIMUM HEALTH.
To find a Maharishi AyurVeda Professional:
Periodic Optimizing of the Physiology for MAXIMUM HEALTH
An important aspect of Maharishi AyurVeda is prevention. Even when we take good care of ourselves on every level, some imbalances inevitably creep in. One way to boost Dosha balance is to use Maharishi AyurVeda’s periodic optimizing of the physiology. This is an intensive treatment called Panchakarma.
Panchakarma starts with a meeting with your Maharishi AyurVeda trained health professional. They will interact with you extensively. They will do a detailed pulse diagnosis that will better specify your Dosha-based body type and find imbalances that may be present. They also will question you in great detail about your health challenges and current lifestyle. Working closely with you on an individual basis, they will prescribe a course of treatment to correct your imbalances and move you toward MAXIMUM HEALTH.
Extended practice of your Transcendental Meditation program also helps to provide deep rest and counteract the chronic effects of Stress. Additional instruction in Yoga Asanas will be made available to you. This experience will boost your journey toward MAXIMUM HEALTH.
Along with Panchakarma comes extensive individualized instruction on how to specifically correct the Dosha imbalances you have. You will get lots of useful information on how to structure your daily routine after you get home to optimize your health. This will give you a much more clear and detailed roadmap to help your quest for MAXIMUM HEALTH.
Maharishi Ayurveda Clinics
To get the most done all at once, you may want to avail yourself of one of the major Maharishi AyurVeda clinics. Two of the earliest established and highest quality of these facilities are located in Fairfield, Iowa.
The Maharishi AyurVeda Integrative Health Center features full evaluation of doshas and body type, complete Panchakarma services, and full counseling to optimize daily routine. If you need to learn Transcendental Meditation, you can do that as part of your clinic stay.
Out of town visitors can stay at a number of high-quality lodgings and meals are available in close proximity to same. Most food is vegetarian and organic, but all food needs will be met.
Length of time in treatment ranges from three days (minimum advised) to two or more weeks. You can call ahead to discuss your needs with the staff and arrange your session to meet your needs.
The Raj Maharishi AyurVeda Center for Full Life Transformation is also found in Fairfield, Iowa. The Raj is geared toward those who want Panchakarma and related services but plan on staying in a large fully equipped facility. The Raj features large high quality hotel-style guest rooms and a full staff providing gourmet meals and evening educational lectures.
Both facilities provide the highest quality Maharishi AyurVeda healthcare. Panchakarma treatments are the best available, and your healthcare professional will see that your treatments are tailored to your needs. You will have outstanding experiences and make great progress toward MAXIMUM HEALTH.
Getting in and out of Fairfield is easy. You can fly to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. By contacting the clinics and listed individuals who will drive you from the airport to Fairfield, travelling is easy. Once in Fairfield, you can hire drivers or rent a car to drive wherever you want. You can easily arrange drivers to take you back to the airport and fly home from there.
CLICK to Visit:
You can use Maharishi AyurVeda on your own, but Clinic Panchakarma can provide huge health improvements.
CLICK to Visit:
Use the LINK buttons near the pictures above to visit these facilities’ Websites. They will open a new range of possibilities to improve your health. These institutions are great centers of healing and offer great opportunities to move toward MAXIMUM HEALTH!
