Ayurveda in Sanskrit means ‘The Science of Life’ and is considered by many experts to be the oldest form of healing science. 

The earliest Ayurvedic knowledge originated in India and travels as far back as 3000 BC. It stems from the ancient Vedic culture and was taught by many accomplished masters to their disciples.

The principles of many of the natural healing systems (now recognised in the West) have their roots in Ayurveda, including Homeopathy and Polarity Therapy.

In Ayurvedic treatment and philosophy, there are three different types of energy that are present in everyone and everything – these are known as ‘Dosha’s’. The three Ayurvedic Dosha’s consist of Kapha, Pitta and Vata. These three Dosha’s are related to the basic biology of the body.

To understand a bit more about these energies, here’s a detailed description of each Dosha.

Vata Dosha

This is the energy associated with movement — composed of Space and Air. It covers all movements that happen in the body, such as breathing, blinking, muscle and tissue movement. In balance, Vata promotes creativity and flexibility. Out of balance, Vata produces fear and anxiety.

Pitta Dosha 

This is the body’s metabolic system, which is made up of Fire and Water. It represents digestion, absorption, nutrition, metabolism and body temperature. When in balance, Pitta uses understanding and intelligence. Out of balance, pitta can create anger, hatred and jealousy.

Kapha Dosha 

This is the energy that forms the body’s structure. It represents the bones, muscles, tendons formed from Earth and Water. Kapha supplies the water for all bodily parts and systems. It lubricates joints, moisturizes the skin, and maintains immunity. In balance, Kapha is expressed as love, calmness and forgiveness. Out of balance, it leads to attachment, greed and envy.

How we do balance our Doshas?

The end goal of Ayurveda is to make sure that all of your Dosha’s are healthy and balanced. When this is achieved, your body is free from all disturbing feelings that damage your energy. 

As previously mentioned, when a Dosha is not balanced properly, this can disturb the functions of the other Doshas. So, it’s important that all Doshas are balanced to avoid feelings such as anxiety, jealousy, greed and fear. 

Here are a few tips on how to keep them balanced:

• Exercise plays a key role in balancing these different Dosha’s. It is widely believed that exercise in moderation and not to the point of exhaustion is a beneficial technique. Moderate stretching exercises like Yoga or more challenging techniques like those at the Garuda studio are beneficial for balancing all Doshas.

• A healthy diet is desirable at any point in your life and Ayurveda is no exception. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, salty, spicy, fatty and sour food is one of the ways to balance your Doshas. This is especially the case for the Pitta Dosha, as it represents the nutrition and digestion system of your body.

• Pranayama is also one of the widely known breathing exercises that are believed to help balance Dosha energies. Pranayama is also beneficial for helping with sleeping problems such as insomnia, which is also one of the ways to help balance your Dosha energies.

The Garuda technique is an intelligent form of exercise that can help balance out the three different Doshas of Ayurveda. 

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