Ayurveda Wisdom

by Cybele Tomlinson

The latest in the Simple Wisdom series, Ayurveda Wisdom is an accessible guide to this ancient and increasingly popular healing system. Ayurveda, a 5,000yearold Indian medical system, is a complete system of self-healing for the body, mind, and spirit. The goal is to create perfect health using natural means to maintain a balanced life. Cybele Tomlinson, the author of Simple Yoga, takes readers through the history of this tradition, describes the body types (the doshas of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha)/ balancing the doshas/ the importance of food/ Ayurvedic healing practices, meditation practices, and remedies for common ailments. Readers will be able to test themselves to determine their body types and learn the best ways to find balance through food choices, meditation, temperature regulation, and exercise.

Genres: Health

200 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 2002

Reviews

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all know that there is a very real connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. At times, we try to eat right and get some exercise. Then we watch the news and find out that that there is a new super food or what we thought was nutritious has suddenly been linked to cancer increases. It’s confusing to say the least.

I recently became interested in Ayurveda. These ancient principles suggest that different foods act in particular ways to return our bodies to our normal balance. Balance for each person is unique based upon our physical and mental constitution or dosha. A simple survey asks questions about physical characteristics, emotional reactions, personality traits, digestion issues, etc. These results indicate which of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) is most prevalent and if there are any dosha combination concerns.

Using this information, and the wisdom set out in Ayurveda Wisdom, the reader learns to be aware of changes in emotional behavior and physical reactions that suggest that imbalances are occurring. Particular foods, according to type of taste (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, or astringent), can then be used to rebalance the system.

With this information, I am learning to listen to my body and recognize when I’m in trouble. Instead of heading straight for those sweets, fast food, or other junk food, I am beginning to see the patterns. I’ve noticed when I feed my body what it needs, I don’t crave the junk and I don’t feel as anxious or overwhelmed.

[Kim Browers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very basic guide to terminology and principles of Ayurveda. I could see this being useful if you are hearing about Ayurveda for 5hr first time, want to explore concepts prior to meeting with an Ayurvedic practitioner, or as a launching point to find appropriate resources for self-guided care. The assumption for the majority of chapters is that you are currently free of disease, and simply face system imbalances. There is also not a lot of specific guidance in each chapter for how-to, but it does have a list of resources at the back of the book for further reading and information.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good for a basic intro.