Ayurveda
1. What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda teaches us to be in harmony with nature and ourselves in order to maintain health, prevent disease, and live life to the fullest.
Ayurveda
The essence of Ayurveda
2. Aims and philosophy of Ayurveda
Ayurveda helps you maintain health and live longer, and teaches you to prevent illnesses rather than wait for them to appear.
Philosophy
For example:
- go to bed earlier;
- eat food that is right for you;
- cleanse the body;
- do massages;
- take care of your thoughts.
3. Five Elements
In Ayurveda, it is believed that everything in the Universe consists of five primary elements (pancha mahabhuta):
Ether
Air
Fire
Water
Earth
These elements shape human nature and everything around us.
In different proportions they create three doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Understanding which elements predominate in your body and mind can help you maintain balance and health.
4. Three doshas in Ayurveda: vata, pitta, kapha
In Ayurveda doshas — these are three types of vital energy that control all processes in the body and mind.
Each person has a unique combination of doshas at birth.
1. Vata is the energy of movement
2. Pitta is the energy of fire and transformation
3. Kapha is the energy of stability and support.
When the innate balance of doshas is disturbed, illness and discomfort appear.
Ayurveda helps to maintain this natural balance and live in harmony with yourself.
4.1. Definition of individual constitution
In Ayurveda, prakriti is your individual combination of doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), which is formed at birth and remains unchanged throughout life. Knowing your prakriti will help you better understand what's best for you—in terms of nutrition, rest, daily routine, and health care.
Test for determining prakriti
Take a short test and find out which dosha (or combination of doshas) predominates in you. Answer as you typically do.
4.2 Seasonal recommendations in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, it is important to live in harmony with nature and take into account the influence of the seasons on the body and doshas.
Each season has its own characteristics that require adaptations to diet and lifestyle:
1. Spring (Kapha)
- Spring is a time of kapha accumulation, when the body can become heavy and lethargic;
- eat light, dry and warm foods;
- avoid fatty and heavy foods;
- pay attention to physical activity - walking and light exercise;
- Cleansing and detox procedures are helpful.
2. Summer (Pitta)
- Summer is a time of increased Pitta, heat and fire activity;
- eat cooling and fresh foods: fruits, salads, dairy products;
- avoid spicy, fatty and overly salty foods;
- keep your body cool - wear light clothing, drink enough water;
- Practice meditation and rest to balance your mind.
3. Autumn (Vata)
- Autumn is a time of increased Vata: dryness, cold and wind can affect the body;
- Eat warm, moist and nutritious foods;
- add oils and warming spices;
- avoid cold and dry foods;
- Get regular massages and maintain a sleep schedule.
4. Winter (Cotton wool)
- Winter also relates to Vata - cold, dryness and mobility;
- eat warm, nutritious and slightly fatty foods;
- use spices for warming: ginger, cinnamon, cloves;
- dress warmly, pay attention to getting a good night's sleep;
- Engage in gentle but regular exercise.
4.3. Seasonal nutritional recommendations
Ayurveda places great emphasis on the changing seasons and their impact on our body and doshas.
To maintain health and balance, it is important to adapt your diet to the season and your corresponding dosha:
1. Spring (Kapha)
2. Summer (Pitta)
3. Autumn (Vata)
4. Winter (Cotton wool)
By following seasonal recommendations, you help your body adapt more easily and maintain harmony.
4.4 Spices and herbs in Ayurveda: how they help
In Ayurveda, spices and herbs are more than just seasonings; they are essential tools for maintaining health and dosha balance. They help improve digestion, cleanse the body, strengthen the immune system, and regulate energy processes.
Each spice has its own properties - warming, cooling, calming or stimulating.
For example:
- Ginger and turmeric warms and improves metabolism.
- Cinnamon helps digest food and maintains blood sugar balance.
- Tulsi (holy basil) strengthens the immune system and calms the mind.
- Caraway and fennel improve digestion and reduce bloating.
Spices and herbs by dosha:
For Vata (energy of movement, dryness, cold)
For Pitta (fire, heat, acidity)
For Kapha (stability, moisture, heaviness)
4.5. Lifestyle
Daily routine:
Early rise
Morning routines
Breakfast
Activity and work
Dinner
Afternoon rest
Afternoon
Dinner
Getting ready for bed
Dream
This regimen helps to strengthen health, improve digestion and establish internal rhythm.
4.6. Yoga and meditation in Ayurveda
Yoga and meditation are important practices that complement Ayurveda and help maintain harmony of body, mind, and spirit.
Yoga
Meditation
Together, these practices promote deep healing, strengthen the immune system, and help you live in harmony with yourself and the world around you.
5. Panchakarma is a deep cleansing practice in Ayurveda.
The main goal of Panchakarma
Procedures include:
- massage with herbal oils;
- steam baths;
- purgation;
- intravenous administration of drugs;
- other methods that are selected individually.
Panchakarma not only helps to get rid of diseases, but also increases vital energy, improves sleep and overall well-being.
5.1. Home Panchakarma - gentle cleansing under the guidance of a specialist
Cleansing is carried out according to an individual program after consultation with specialist Tatyana Sviridenko
The program includes:
Preparatory stage
The main stage
Recovery
"I accompany you throughout the entire cleansing process—from the beginning to the end. These aren't just procedures, but a deep reset of the body and mind, a return to inner balance and calm.".
Home panchakarma is a great way to renew yourself without going to a clinic, but with professional support.
6. AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS AND MASSAGES
They include the use of warm oils, herbal powders, steam, aromas and gentle rhythmic techniques.
Abhyanga
Shirodhara
7. Treatment and prevention of diseases
Treatment
Applicable:
- massages and treatments with oils and herbs;
- Panchakarma is a system of cleansing practices;
- phytotherapy – individually selected herbs and preparations;
- correction of nutrition and regimen in accordance with the constitution (doshas).
Ayurveda is especially effective for:
- stress, insomnia, anxiety;
- digestive disorders (gastritis, constipation, microflora imbalance);
- problems with joints and spine (arthritis, osteochondrosis, back pain);
- female diseases and hormonal imbalances;
- skin problems (psoriasis, eczema, acne);
- recovery from illnesses and operations.
Prevention
Regular practice maintains balance and strengthens the immune system:
- Abhyanga (oil massage) to remove toxins and nourish tissues;
- shirodhara and other relaxing procedures for stress relief;
- herbal teas and spices to improve metabolism;
- breathing and meditation practices for mental harmony;
- Seasonal cleansing (panchakarma) for the prevention of chronic diseases.