Ayurveda means 'the science of life'. It aims to bring us into our own unique state of balance and well-being. It is an ancient philosophy based on eternal truths about the human body, mind, and spirit. Although it originated in India thousands of years ago it is relevant and appropriate for present day western society. Ayurveda is considered by the World Health Organisation to be the oldest healing system known and the most wholistic. Its logical, commonsense approach to health and living is combined with philosophy, psychology and spiritual guidance.

Ayurvedic medicine - a healing science

The purpose of Ayurvedic medicine is to avoid (or help to reverse) serious illness by understanding how and why we become ill. It focuses strongly on preventative health care. Ayurveda teaches us the art of daily living in harmony with the laws of nature, so we learn how to maintain our health and vitality as well as how to heal disease. It is a wholistic system of healing in the truest sense. Our body mind and consciousness are in constant interaction and relationship with other people and the environment. In working to create health Ayurveda takes into consideration these different levels of life and their interconnectedness.

As a science of healing Ayurveda encompasses diet and nutrition, lifestyle, exercise, rest and relaxation, meditation, breathing exercises, medicinal herbs and other medicinal substances. It also includes cleansing and rejuvenation programs for healing body, mind and spirit. Other therapies such as sound, mantra, colour and aromatherapy may also be used, depending on the individual.

Individualised treatment

As an experienced Naturopath, working daily with people, the introduction of Ayurveda has made my treatments and recommendations much more specific than when I was using only naturopathic principles. The outcome has been improved health and well-being for my patients, as well as for myself and my big family.

Ayurveda gives us more choice in dealing with our own health, and so it is very empowering. One of the basic understandings in Ayurveda is that each human being is unique, every one of us having a distinct individual constitution, genetic inheritance and predisposition to certain diseases. Simple changes or adjustments in our diet and lifestyle can make great improvements to our health. If dis-ease is manifesting more strongly then the treatment will require stronger balancing agents like medicinal herbs, or specialised hands-on therapies. If we catch where we are out of balance early enough then its easier to rebalance.

Many of our common western “diseases” actually originate in the mind, and Ayurveda addresses these in a unique way. For example depression, stress and anxiety are treated by going back to the cause rather than simply taking anti-depressant drugs/medications without changing anything else.

Ayurvedic constitutional types

Ayurveda teaches us our constitutional type, which describes our own unique blend of the natural elements. Once we recognize how these manifest in our bodies then bringing them into balance becomes common sense. For example if we have too much heat in our system and this is manifesting as heartburn or a skin rash, first we understand the need to cool down. This cooling may be best achieved by avoiding heating foods and choosing cooling foods instead, or by taking cooling herbs, or using cooling breathing techniques.

Ayurveda will show you your original constitution as well as your current state. Once this current and original state is recognized then treatments and advice is based on this and healing can occur.

You may book a consultation with Jacinta to assess your Ayurvedic constitution and receive appropriate health recommendations. Call +61 (0)2 66843002 or contact us This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Jacinta also offers speciliased Ayurvedic treatments such as Shiradara. Our range of Ayurvedic products are available for sale on-line.

See also our

• Jacinta's blog - Ayurvedic Womens Health
• Introduction to Ayurvedic constitutions
• Ayurvedic daily routines