What Is Ayurveda, Anyway?

Kripalu School of Ayurveda

Ayurveda originated in India more than 5,000 years ago and is the oldest continuously practiced healthcare system in the world. Drawn from an understanding of nature’s rhythms and laws, Ayurveda teaches that humans, as natural beings, are governed by the same rules and laws as all other natural beings. If we choose to ignore these laws, then imbalances will begin to appear, which can lead to disharmony and disease in the mind and body. 

An Ayurvedic approach treats each individual, taking into account their unique psychological, emotional, and physical conditions. Imbalances in the body are evaluated through the system of the five elements: ether, air, fire, water, and earth. The goal of Ayurveda is to teach people how to attain optimal health through a deeper understanding of themselves and their own particular nature in relationship to the world around them. It is a system based on natural healing through strengthening the body, mind, and spirit and allowing the body’s own natural healing mechanisms to work to their fullest potential.

Ayurvedic Tips for Balanced Living: Beneficial Daily Routines

• Rise before the sunrise.
• Drink a full glass (8 ounces) of room temperature or warm water.
• Clean your face, mouth and nasal passages and gargle with salt water.
• Do some light yoga or stretching exercises.
• Meditate for 20 minutes.
• Take a walk or run for 30 minutes, 3–4 times per week.
• Have a nourishing breakfast according to your body type.
• Have a relaxing or complete meal at lunchtime, between 11:00 and 2:00 pm.
• Meditate in late afternoon before evening meal for 20 minutes.
• Eat a light dinner between 5:00 and 7:00 pm. 
• Allow two hours after your dinner before going to bed around 10:00 pm.
• Give thanks.

Watch videos and read more articles on how to apply the principles of Ayurveda in daily life.

Get to know Erin Casperson, Dean of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda.

© Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. All rights reserved. To request permission to reprint, please e-mail editor@kripalu.org.