Ayurveda is the world's most ancient health care system. It derives from ancient India and is commonly referred to as the "mother of all healing systems." It's purpose being to re-align our physiologies with the rhythms of the universe. The literal meaning of the word, however is “the science of life” (ayur = life, veda = science or knowledge). Ayurvedic practices are meant to heal – and more importantly prevent disease, increase the overall health and vitality of the body, and increase longevity. This is accomplished by rebalancing pranic life forces acting within the body mainly through dosha specific diet, meditation, and daily activity harmonized with the cycles of nature. Also utilized are rejuvenative herbal remedies, mineral and gem elixirs, and bodywork such as Ayurvedic massage, detoxification methods, herbal steam treatments, calming practices, yoga, and marma point therapy (balances our “vibrational” circulatory channels, the nadis). Ayurveda’s herbal-based medical tradition uses plants with special potencies for pacifying doshic imbalances and re-establishing natal prakriti – the state of peace.
The exact origin of Ayurveda cannot be traced, but archeological evidence has indicated a complex working medical knowledge in ancient India such as dentistry, plastic surgery, and even brain surgery as far back as 9,000 years ago (7,000 BC). The original texts of Ayurveda are a part of the Vedas – the world’s oldest texts of knowledge – specifically the Atharva Veda. Within the Vedas, it is described that the knowledge was first handed down by Sri Dhanvantari, who is usually pictured carrying the vessel of immortality. Thus the essential knowledge of Ayurveda is eternal, and the evidence of this can be seen in its continuing usefulness even as the world situation changes.
Ayurveda has two main goals:
The ultimate aim of Ayurveda is to always maintain good health and well-being. And health, according to Ayurveda, is not merely eliminating the physical symptoms of a disease, but also restoring the happiness of the person's mind and soul. Often people may not be suffering from physical problems but they may be very unhappy and disturbed mentally. According to Ayurveda, such a person would be in a state of ill health (dis-ease or dis-order).
Problems like depression, anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia, originate mainly from our disconnection with our essential natures. Unfortunately, most of our actions and activities today are related to materialism and our physical body. We rarely pay attention to our other half, which is equally important—the soul. Ayurveda gives the example of a parrot in a cage. If the cage is taken care of very nicely, but the parrot is neglected then its life is ruined. Similarly if we take care of the body but neglect the soul, our life is ruined.
The diets and lifestyles we follow for achieving peace and happiness may also not be healthy for our inner selves. Since we are no longer taught the importance of mental and spiritual health—we remain unhappy, depressed, anxious and insecure, despite our best efforts. This is clearly indicative of something being wrong in our approach towards self-actualization and our relationship with matter and spirit.
Ayurveda helps us in our endeavor to find happiness in life by recommending lifestyle adjustments. It teaches us how to live in natural balance by following a path that flows with nature rather than against it.
Ayurveda is the perfect solution for all our health issues. Not only does it help people understand themselves and their needs, but it also provides guidelines on diet, lifestyle, exercise regimens and much more. But above all, Ayurveda teaches us to live in harmony within our society, with nature and with the universe at large, without disturbing the delicate natural balance. Above and beyond this, Ayurveda points one towards an understanding of the soul – which is our true self and above any physical or mental influence. While Ayurveda can bring one to physical and mental well-being, knowledge of the soul will bring one to ever-increasing happiness regardless of material condition.
According to Ayurveda, the five basic elements in physical nature are, space or ether (akash), air (vayu), fire (agni), water (jala), and earth (prithvi). In our bodies, health is a state where these elements remain completely balanced. Conversely, imbalances lead to disharmony, which ultimately leads to disease. Ayurveda teaches that the three main causes of imbalance in our biological functions are over-eating or eating the wrong foods for one’s constitution, uncleanliness both externally and internally, and stress caused by not understanding man’s relationship to natural law. These are the seeds that appear on the gross level, which gradually manifest into what we name specific disease conditions.
Over and above the elements, Ayurveda gives mention of the modes of nature: sattva (goodness), raja (passion), and tamas (ignorance). All aspects of nature can be explained in terms of these modes, including seasons, times of the day, and even more subtle aspects like emotions. For instance, in the Bhagavad-Gita (considered the essence of Vedic knowledge), it states, “Foods dear to those in the mode of goodness increase the duration of life, purify one’s existence and give strength, health, happiness and satisfaction. Such foods are wholesome, and pleasing to the heart. (Bhagavad-Gita, Ch27 Verse8)” Similarly, such things as faith, sacrifices, charity, austerity, religion, etc are all explained according to these modes of nature.
According to Ayurveda, the elements are represented in a human being as vata, pitta and kapha, known as the three doshas or biological forces.
Vata is comprised of the elements air and space and is responsible for all movement related functions in the body, such as respiration, circulation and thought. On an emotional level it is responsible for such positive emotions as creativity and flexibility and its' negative aspects are fear and anxiety.
Pitta is composed of fire and water and is responsible for metabolism, including digestion of food and life's experiences and for hunger and thirst. Emotionally it is connected with courage, ambition, anger and pride.
Kapha is comprised of water and earth and is responsible for cohesion; it provides the body's structure. It governs emotions such as love and devotion, greed and jealousy.
Everybody is born with a unique combination of these three doshas and this is termed as their prakriti or constitution. Apart from these Ayurvedic body energies, there are also other elements:
These are the basic tissues which maintain and nourish the body. There are seven dhatus—plasma, blood, muscle, fat, bone, marrow and reproductive fluid. The quality and quantity of each dhatu and its balanced functioning is very important for good health.
These are the waste materials produced as a result of various metabolic activities in the body. The main mala are urine, feces and sweat. Proper elimination of mala is equally important for good health. Accumulation of mala causes blockages in the body, resulting in diseases.
Pulse diagnosis is the ancient art and science of detecting the existing status of a person’s body, mind, and soul. Nadi or pulse is that vital flow of energy or life that courses through as a subtle channel all over the body, and enables the practicioner to feel the way the blood streams from the heart. This helps an experienced ayurvedic doctor to diagnose or treat various ailments, or to prevent their occurrence.
Pulse reading can be learnt through continuous practice, focus, awareness, and under the guidance of an experienced guru. It is like playing the vina, a musical instrument akin to the violin. On striking, each string produces a different musical note. Similarly, an expert pulse reader by touching, pressing, and ‘feeling’ the different combinations of the pulse, is able to diagnose the imbalances within a person’s body.
Ayurveda states three barometers of diagnosis: darshana (see and observe), sparshana (touch), and prashna (inquire by asking questions). Successful pulse reading involves touching, feeling, observing, and experiencing not only the rate, rhythm, and volume of the pulse; but also its movement, amplitude, temperature, force, and consistency in the body.
Dr. Vinick has been teaching and practicing Ayurveda since 1996 and is considered one of the most knowledgeable practitioners in the US. As a result of his extensive training with many different Ayurvedic authorities, and over 20 years of clinical practice, he has gained the experience necessary to offer an accurate diagnosis and treatment via phone consultations.
During the phone consultation, Dr Vinick takes a full history, and a detailed interview with each patient and determines the underlying imbalance. He then prescribes a treatment protocal to bring the mind and body back into its natural state of health and balance.
To make an appointment, or for additional informtaion, please visit this page.
Mark L. Vinick, D.C.
drmark@drmarkvinick.com
1860 S. Elena Ave. Suite A
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Office Tel: 310-375-HEAL (375-4325)