Healing with Nature: An Introduction to Ayurveda
Your Guide
Jessica supports others in their journey towards self-discovery, healing and freedom, through Master Plant journeys, Ayurveda, yoga and meditation.
Journey Description
Ayurveda is the ancient system of medicine and healing from India, which evolved over 5000 years ago. Along with recognising that we are not separate from nature and our environment, and that our minds, bodies and souls are intricately connected, Ayurveda also prioritises prevention over cure and offers a wealth of lifestyle guidance for a long and healthy life. In this three-part introduction, you'll learn the basic principles of the Ayurvedic worldview and how this connects with your body, mind and personality, you'll explore your own body-mind constitution, and you'll learn how and why Ayurvedic healing treatments work.
Image by Nora Brody
Journey Tracks
1- Qualities, Elements and Doshas
Ayurveda has its roots in Vedic philosophy, and in this first session we explore some of the fundamental principles that underlie all Ayurvedic thought and treatment: the ten pairs of opposite qualities, the five elements and the three doshas.
Reflection Questions
- Ayurveda uses the principle of opposites in treatment - heat is used to treat cold, moisture for dryness etc. Can you think of some examples from your life when you naturally use this principle for your wellbeing or comfort?
- Take a look around the room or space that you are in. Which elements do you perceive as the most present?
Akasha = empty spaces, holes
Vayu = air, movement, wind
Tejas = fire, light, heat
Apas = liquid, water
Prithvi = physial matter
2 - The Ayurvedic Constitution
This session focuses on the 'prakruti,' or the personal constitution. Your constitution is your unique balance of doshas that makes you the individual that you are. We look at how each of the doshas manifests in the body, mind and personality to form the personal constitution.
The attached questionnaire guides you through some of the main factors that are considered when assessing the prakruti, to give you an indication of your own. Please feel free to share your findings, or ask any questions, in the comments.
3- Imbalances and Treatments
In this final session, we explore the 'vikruti,' or state of imbalance, that can occur when the doshas increase. We look at the symptoms that arise when each of the doshas are out of balance and at some of the different methods of Ayurvedic treatment.
Listen to the Full Journey
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