If you have friends or family members that practice alternative or holistic health measures, chances are you’ve heard of Ayurvedic medicine. You’ve probably also heard your friends and family rave about the benefits they’ve experienced, and perhaps you’re curious about them yourself. In today’s blog, we’ll take a closer look at Ayurveda and doshas to help you better understand the foundations of this traditional Hindu practice.
At Radiance Day Spa in Sioux Falls, we offer many holistic spa treatments, including a few based in Ayurvedic beliefs and practices. If you’re ready to experience the benefits of Ayurveda for yourself, call us today to schedule your appointment!
What is Ayurveda
As the traditional medicine of India, Ayurveda originated more than 5,000 years ago. This ancient system of medicine emphasizes restoring and maintaining balance in the body through proper diet, lifestyle, exercise, and cleansing. In addition to focusing on physical health, Ayurveda also emphasizes health and balance between body, mind, and spirit. Much of Ayurveda is based on the belief that there are three energies, or doshas.
What is a Dosha?
In Ayurvedic medicine, it is believed that ether, air, water, fire, and earth form the building blocks of all life. These five elements manifest themselves dynamically through various doshas, giving each person their own blueprint of sorts. Doshas are the three energies believed to circulate within us that govern our physiological activities, and they are constantly in flux depending on stress levels, our health, and even the weather. The three energies are the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas.
Vata
This dosha is primarily responsible for essential bodily functions like motion, mobility, circulation, and breathing and is known as the “wind energy.” Vata types tend to be thinner with smaller bones and be easily chilled. They are known to be energetic and creative when in proper balance, but spacey and stressed when they’re not in balance.
Pitta
This energy rules over most of our metabolic activity, such as digestion, nutrient absorption, and energy consumption and is known as the “fire energy.” When in balance, pitta types are known for being driven and competitive, but when they are out of balance, they may become angry or aggressive. Pittas may be athletic with a medium build.
Kapha
Known as the nourishing “water energy,” this dosha is responsible for growth in the body and a healthy immune system. Kapha types may seem motherly in nature and be well-grounded, forgiving, and supportive when in balance. When out of balance, they may become insecure, lazy, and sad. Kapha types may be physically strong but overweight.
Why Balance is Important
As you might expect from reading the dosha descriptions above, it’s believed that true physical and mental health is only accomplished when all three doshas are in balance. When one or two doshas become dominant over another, this throws the harmony out of balance, and the result is physiological in nature. Proper stress management, a healthy diet, being accepting of change, and maintaining healthy relationships are all key to maintaining balanced and harmonious doshas.
Ayurvedic Spa Treatments in Sioux Falls
If you’re considering exploring the benefits of Ayurveda, a spa-quality treatment might just be the perfect place to start. At Radiance Day Spa, we offer several dosha-balancing massages as well as other Ayurvedic spa treatments to help restore tranquility and balance for your mind, body, and spirit.
To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 605-385-0065. We look forward to speaking with you!