Everyday Ayurveda
Firstly, a shout out to our grandmothers, their grandmothers, in fact, the last 5,000 years of our grandmothers for preserving this Ayurvedic way of life so persistently. You kept us on track even when political invasions told you to do otherwise. Thank you Grandmas for insisting that we down bitter tonics of ginger-turmeric juice, eat carom seeds mixed with a pinch of salt, and heavy-handed head massages with almond oil in the winter and a coconut oil in the summer – it was all in our best interest. We called this tough love growing up. We now call it Ayurveda.
Growing up on one of the oldest dietary systems in the world, it was always a first line of defense for us. Today, more and more people are embracing the benefits of holistic practices.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda, which literally translates to the "sacred knowledge of life" in Sanskrit, is a holistic system of natural medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It is an all-encompassing approach, focusing on the complex interactions between the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of an individual in order to maintain balance and overall well-being.
Connection with the Five Elements
Central to Ayurvedic philosophy is the concept that the universe, and therefore our bodies, are made up of five fundamental elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether (or space). These elements combine in different ways to form the three primary Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Understanding Your Unique Constitution: The Doshas
The 5 Elements
Space
The most subtle of all elements, space or Ether represents emptiness. It is the space that the other elements fill. It is associated with the concepts of openness, expansiveness, and emptiness. In the body, it is related to all hollow and empty places, including channels and pores, and provides room for growth and development.
Water
Water represents fluidity, cohesiveness, and transport. It is associated with liquidity, taste, and, on a subtle level, with emotions. In the body, it is related to all fluids (like blood, lymph, and digestive juices), providing nourishment, lubrication, and maintaining immunity.
Earth
Earth represents solidity and stability. It is associated with all solid structures of the body, such as bones, teeth, and muscles. It provides the body with form, shape, and strength. It also symbolizes steadiness and endurance.
Fire
Fire represents transformation and metabolism. It is associated with heat, perception, and understanding. In the body, it is related to digestion and metabolism, the transformation of food into energy. It also symbolizes brightness and luminosity, as well as ambition and intelligence.
Air
Air represents the ability to move and direct. It is formless, dynamic, and light. In the body, it is related to all movements, including circulation, respiration, and nerve impulses. It is also associated with creativity and flexibility.
The 3 Doshas
Doshas are a combination of 2 elements that form Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each person has a specific combination of these energies, which influence their physical and mental characteristics and predispositions. By becoming familiar with your Dosha, you can better understand your own individual needs and work towards a lifestyle that brings balance and harmony to both your body and mind.
Why not take our Dosha Quiz today and gain a deeper understanding of your predominant Dosha and work toward finer balance today.
Dancing Elephant Kitchari Premixes: Balanced & Wholesome Meals
Taking the principles of Ayurvedic nutrition into consideration, Dancing Elephant has developed a range of Kitchari ready-to-cook premixes for easy and nourishing Ayurvedic meals. These plant-based and naturally gluten-free premixes require only water, heat, and about 15 minutes to create a delicious, complete meal, a wholesome side, or a satiating snack.
Why Kitchari?
Kitchari is a combination of Basmati rice and yellow split moong lentils, creating a dish that is easy to digest and gentle on the stomach. The nourishing blend allows the digestive system to rest and promotes the elimination of toxins, making it an ideal meal for cleansing and detoxification in Ayurveda. Furthermore, the moong lentils used in Kitchari are known as a "tridoshic" food, meaning they can help balance all three Doshas, further supporting overall health and well-being.
In Ayurveda, proper nourishment is key to maintaining overall health and is especially important when adhering to a cleansing diet. Kitchari, by combining rice and lentils, forms a complete protein source, providing all nine essential amino acids required for optimal protein synthesis in the body. This blend of proteins not only ensures adequate nutrient intake but also supports muscle repair, growth, and proper immune function. In addition, Kitchari is often cooked with a variety of healing spices and vegetables, further enhancing its nutritional profile and providing essential vitamins and minerals.
One of the core principles of Ayurveda is personalizing meals according to one's unique constitution (Dosha), current state of balance, and the surrounding environment. Kitchari is an incredibly versatile dish that can be easily adapted to accommodate individual needs and preferences. By adjusting the type and quantity of spices, vegetables, and grains or lentils used, Kitchari can be tailored to nurture Vata, Pitta, or Kapha constitutions, as well as to address specific imbalances or seasonal requirements. This adaptability makes Kitchari an evergreen choice in Ayurvedic cuisine, suitable for diverse needs and circumstances.
Feeding Your Need: Personalizing Nutrition in Ayurveda
Ayurveda believes that every individual is unique, and so are their dietary needs. It acknowledges that what might be beneficial for one person may not necessarily be suitable for another. The concept of feeding your need emphasizes the importance of tailoring your food choices according to your Dosha, your current state of balance, and the surrounding environment.
For instance, someone with a predominantly Vata constitution might find that they need warm, grounding foods to counterbalance their naturally light, cool, and dry characteristics. On the other hand, those with a Pitta nature may benefit from cooling, non-spicy foods to pacify their strong digestive fire and tendency towards inflammation. By understanding your Dosha and applying Ayurvedic principles, you can make informed food choices that bring balance and harmony to your system, ultimately leading to better health and well-being.
Embracing Ayurvedic Lifestyle Practices
Ayurveda goes beyond just considering one's diet. It offers a wealth of wisdom when it comes to daily routines, stress management, exercise, and self-care practices, all of which are tailored to your unique constitution. By embracing an Ayurvedic lifestyle, you can understand the "why" behind your bodily experiences and learn to holistically address imbalances, rather than merely manage individual symptoms.
As you explore the world of Ayurveda, you will cultivate a deep sense of self-awareness and develop a strong connection with your body's unique needs. By integrating Ayurvedic principles into your daily life, you can strive towards balance, optimize your health, and embrace whole-body wellness.