The Inclusive Philosophy of Ayurveda
Vani Moodley, Ayurveda doctor, researcher and practitioner, introduces ‘Ayurveda’ -an alternative medical science, recognised by the NHS. November 2020.
Ayurved- Guru tradition
Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of medicine. It has its origins in India. It has no author. It is part of the vedas (universal scriptures based on God Realisation). Ayurveda, as part of the vedas, teaches us how to maintain health as well as how to prevent disease. Other parts of the vedas teach us harmony in society as well as ways and means to reach God. The knowledge of Ayurveda was given to the great sages thousands of years ago whilst they were in deep meditation.
It then got passed from The Gurus to the students.
Ayur-veda
Ayurveda is made up of two words: Ayur, meaning life, and veda, that means science. So Ayurveda is the science of life. It is based on the the five elements, space, air, fire, water and earth.
Ayurveda believes that everything and everyone is composed of these five elements. The five elements are testimony to the inclusive and basic constitution of everything in the universe. It embraces our basic nature. Despite colour, creed or race, we are all made up of the five elements.
Humans are composed of different permutations and combinations of these five elements. This is responsible for different shapes, sizes, mind-sets and health of people in the world.
The five elements combine to form three main energies in the body, Vata (space and air), Pitta (Fire) and Kapha (Earth). These energies or humours can be acquired genetically and the environment also plays a role in determining its levels. In Ayurveda, we use the pulse to read the composition of these energies within the body. This is the basis of Ayurvedic medicine.
Ayurvedic Diet and Lifestyle
Ayurveda also puts important emphasis on diet and lifestyle. We believe that food is medicine and foods in excess are linked to disease. Similarly, lack of certain foods also lead to disease. Ayurvedic diets, lifestyle, yoga and meditation are very specific to the constitution of individuals and we use all of these to bring the individual back to his birth constitution.
Ayurveda therefore reiterates that all of mankind are a microcosm of the macrocosm. We are all part of the great universe. Our thoughts, words and deeds impact the universe at all times. Ayurveda strives to bring harmony to body, mind and soul. When this harmony is achieved, then the world becomes a better place!
About Vani Moodley:
I was born in South Africa, as a third generation Indian from Tamil Nadu, India. I studied science at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg and then worked as a pharmaceutical research scientist for 15 years.I moved to the UK in 2000. I continued working for Roche in Welwyn Garden City.
After spending many years in a science lab, researching, formulating and developing allopathic medicines, I decided to pursue a career in Ayurveda. After an intensive five year degree at Middlesex University and internships at two leading Ayurvedic Hospitals in India, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune and AVP Hospital in Coimbatore, I graduated as an Ayurvedic Practitioner. I have further pursued a PhD research on Pancha Karma, the five fold cleansing therapy in Ayurveda.
Ayurveda is an extremely rewarding career and it allows clients to tap into their inert healing potential.
