An Introduction To Ayurveda: To Help You In Your Healing Journey

beYogi was joined by Gunny Sodhi, founder of YouVeda, to discuss an introduction to Ayurveda. His ayurvedic journey began following his brother’s passing. Gunny was consumed by debilitating panic attacks and bouts of deep depression. Diagnosed with PTSD and desperate for relief, he found no comfort in traditional Western therapy. He was lost.

It was there, at his wits end, that Gunny would rediscover his roots. On the advice of his family, he began supplementing his diet with Ashwagandha and other time-tested Ayurvedic remedies. Meditation and yoga became daily practices. Within six weeks, his anxiety faded and his depression lifted. 

Watch the full Webinar or read the summary below followed by a few Questions asked by attendees. 

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a 5,000 year old science founded in India. Many believe it to be older, but documents find it to be around this time.

• Ayu = Life & Veda = Science/Knowledge

What is the Goal of Ayurveda?

To promote consistent balance between the mind, body and spirit, to prevent disease and to maintain optimal physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health

Ayurvedic Science is based on 5 basic Elements:

1. Ether (Space)
2. Air
3. Fire
4. Water
5. Earth

The five elements are present in nature and in the human body on many levels. At the most basic level, however, they take the form of chemicals such as Carbon, Oxygen, Hydrogen and Nitrogen.

The Five Elements that Come Together to Compose the Doshas:

• Vata = Ether + Air
• Pitta = Fire + Water
• Kapha = Water + Earth

Five Senses & their Relationship to the Body:

The Five Senses are all Connected to the:

Mind - Ego - Intellect - Unified Whole

The Ayurvedic Definition of Health:

It is an overall balance in MIND + BODY + SPIRIT. The mind has the power to heal, as the mind thinks and believes the body follows. (Deeper explanation in the questions section.)

So how can we use the power of Ayurveda to help us on our healing journey:

First off, remember the power of your breath. It is 100% free. Next, do you best eat what is available in season. Go to your local farmers market if it available. Sleep and rise according to the cycles of nature. Yes, this means earlier in the summer and later in the winter. Mimic Mother Nature. Finally, adapt to your environment - welcome change!

Doshas and how they are Related to Optimal Health:

Functions of Vata:

Locations of Vata:

Characteristics of Vata:

• Frequently worries
• Quick to grasp and forget
• Frequently changes mood and mind
• Light sleeper, Insomnia
• Light, thin build
• Energy comes in spurts
• Either short or tall
• Spends money unwisely

Functions of Pitta:

Locations of Pita:

Characteristics of Pitta:

• Medium build

• Intelligent Mind
• Moderate strength
• Burns and freckles easily
• Welcomes Challenge
• Tendency towards anger and irritability
• Becomes jealous easily

Functions of Kapha:

Locations of Kapha:

Characteristics of Kapha:

• Affectionate and loving
• Steady energy
• Great physical endurance
• Slow to grasp new ideas but excellent retention
• Calm
• Heavy Sleeper
• Tendency to gain weight
• Slow digestion, mild hunger

The Different Body Types:

• Vata

• Pitta

• Kapha

• Vata-Pitta/Pitta-Vata

• Pitta-Kapha/Kapha-Pitta

• Kapha-Vata/Vata-Kapha

• Vata-Pitta-Kapha

Balancing the Doshas:

Vata:

1. Breathing - breath in through the nose, fill the lungs and hold exhale through mouth, repeat 16 times (Typically have quick breathing patterns, so slowing down is important)

2. Exercise - yoga and walking, slower exercise is best, require 30 mins per day

3. Sleep - Require 6 hours at least.

Pitta:

1. Breathing - create a funnel with mouth. Breath through funnel. Swallow coolness. Exhale through mouth. Repeat 16 times (Pitta’s typically need to cool down breath)

2. Exercise - Yoga and aerobic exercise. Require 45 mins a day

3. Sleep - Require at least 7 hours of sleep.

Kapha:

1. Breathing - Hold both nostrils closed. Breath quickly through one side. Repeat for both nostrils. Especially beneficial in the morning. (Kapha’s need to breathe quickly)

2. Exercise - Need cardiovascular, tendency towards inactivity. Require 1 hour a day

3. Sleep - require 8-9 hours of sleep with a tendency to oversleep

Emotions & Doshas:

Bringing it Back Around:

Remember the power of your breath. Eat what is available in season. Sleep and rise according to the cycles of nature. Yes, this means earlier in the summer and later in the winter. Mimic Mother Nature. Adapt to your environment - welcome change!

Ayurvedic Herbs: Adaptogens

• Ashwagandha
• Triphala
• Turmeric/Curcumin
• Shilajeet
• Amla
• Bacopa

Questions

What are some advanced/intermediate books to build upon the basics of Ayurvedic practices?

Check out Dr. Vasant Lad's work. He has more advanced knowledge in Ayurveda. Not only does he offer different publications her offers online classes for a higher level of understanding into Ayurveda. 

Please explain the idea behind as the mind thinks and behaves the body follows.

Belief is that emotion that gets you to thinking and as soon as you have that the body begins to behave and miracles are produced. So as the mind begins to think the healing of the body will follow. As Gunny's father likes to say, your body is your greatest pharmacy and knows exactly what to do. 

If the mind is connected to healing and doshas, is a specific dosha more prone to excessive chitta vitti that impacts our inability to heal as easily?

Within the constitutions and Gunny’s experience, Vata and Pitta will be more so affected. They are prone to that inability to heal.

Does it matter what time a day you take adaptogens?

It is different and relative to the person. Gunny takes Ashwagandha in the morning and Triphala at night. But again, he suggests trying it out for yourself and listening to your body.

About Gunny Sodhi and YouVeda: