Practical Ayurveda: Find Out Who You Are and What You Need to Bring Balance to Your Life

by Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre

Ayurveda (translated as life-knowledge) is an Indian well-being practice that will help you find renewed energy, relief from stress and better and longer sleep.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Self Help, Spirituality, Reference, Lifestyle, Personal Development

224 pages, Hardcover

Published June 7, 2018

Reviews

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I’ve read for clarity on Ayurveda. Fantastic graphics. Clear explanations. Best part: permission to start slowly. I will probably reread after I get some experience under my belt. One side note: many typos. 😩

[Ula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting balance between things that are insightful and helpful and these triggering my woo woo alarm.
My greatest takeover is to drink warm water! 😋 💧

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roughly about three years ago, I introduced yoga into my weekly routine. What started off as just a trial became something I fell in love. I love my daily sessions both in class and at home. It helps me to shut down the negativity and everything that is bothering me, embrace quiet and thoughtfulness. It helped that I had an amazing teacher who embraced the lifestyle.

My only fall back? I didn't know how to incorporate the whole body practice into my day-to-day. I knew I loved yoga but that is just one small piece of a bigger picture.

This book helped me to fully immerse, understand and appreciate the Ayurveda lifestyle from diet to sleep to exercise. It gives a great history and explanation of all the terms that you may have heard but didn't quite understand. I loved the questionnaire that was included in this book to help determine which of three Ayurvedic body types you were because without determining this you would still be at square one. After completing this, you can either head straight to the sections that pertain to you (which are easily identifiable) or you can read through each body type to get a better understanding and appreciation of the complete lifestyle.

One of the best parts of this book is how they help you to introduce and adopt this lifestyle into your own daily routine. It isn't a list of twenty things to do right now (but hey if you can do that all the power to you!) but instead introduce these items first and get into that routine, the following week add this and so on. It isn't meant to be an instant, incorporate every aspect of the book into your lifestyle. I think we have all tried to do this before with any lifestyle change and from experience know that this doesn't always work. This book will help you succeed in adopting these changes and arm you with the knowledge of why you are making these changes.

This book is an incredible resource and starting point for anyone that is interested in learning more or adopting the Ayurveda lifestyle. It includes step by step instructions, history and meaning of terms, recipes, stretches and yoga poses and much more to aid you on your journey. It is written in clear, precise and easy to follow manner which is perfect for beginners to more advanced individuals on their wellness journey.

[Bloodorange]

I bought this book as an accessible introduction to ayurveda, which it most likely is, but now I want to run for the hills.

[Bridget McGovern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't necessarily going to document that I had read this on Goodreads, let alone review it, but honestly, the recipes are soooo good that I had to come give the book five stars. I haven't made all of them yet, but the ones I have made have been incredible so far. I have never made pancakes so fluffy - vegan or otherwise. And without sugar? Fucking hell. They were incredible.

Besides the recipes, the book is exactly as the title suggests: it's very practical, particularly for the Western lifestyle. They even give you baby-steps to adjusting and adding things to your daily and weekly schedule. They give an explanation for how to do all the practices and outline the benefits and as well as help you tailor it to your lifestyle, your doshas, etc. It also makes an important distinction that Ayurveda is so much more than your dosha constitution and the food associated with your dosha.

[Frediem · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to Ayurveda. This book made me want to know more about this philosophy.

[Runenmädchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ein wunderbares Buch für Einsteiger, da das Thema Ayurveda allumfassend beschrieben wird. Dennoch finde ich, dass dieses Buch auch für Kenner interessant wäre. Ich ernähre mich und lebe schon lange mit dieser Ernährungsweise, die ja tatsächlich viel mehr als reine Ernährung ist und doch mag ich dieses Buch sehr gerne. Vieles wurde aufgefrischt und das Buch ist so durchdacht aufgebaut, dass das Nachschlagen Freude bereitet.

[Sreya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great reference book for Ayurveda concepts and treatments to keep with you. However, it does not make an enjoyable read because of the lack of a consistent through line.

[Kim]

So interesting. I will definitely incorporate some of these practices.

[Bhamini Pande · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on Ayurveda. Simple with beautiful graphics.
Everything is explained in detail without any overload of information.

[Sabine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, slow read with cool graphics.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're new to Ayurveda, this book serves as an excellent beginners guide and covers all of the basics of an Ayurvedic lifestyle from Daily Routines, Self-Care, Meditations, the Doshas, Agni (Digestive Fire), Yoga and Exercise, Breathing Techniques, Food, Recipes and more.

What this book has over the Dummies guide is that it's much easier on the eye and beautifully presented throughout which allows the reader (in my opinion) to better absorb and engage with the subject matter.

[Anagha · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a beautifully illustrated flip-book that gives you everything you need to know, about doshas, Agni, yoga, pranayama and dhyāna to lead a practical, healthy and balanced life. I was impressed with how well content has been chosen for this book - I found this book to really contain nearly everything important I’ve gathered from years of researching this space

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’s get healthy!
An amazing insight for beginners to Ayurveda. It’s very accessible and the aesthetics are gorgeous!

[Naresh Banothu · Rating 3 out of 5]

As cover page shows it has everything about Yoga, Meditation, Massage, Food and home remedies.
It's just like a magzine with very attractive view with around 220 pages.
Firstly according to book humans are divided into three types VATA, PITTA, KAPHA. each one has one's lifestyle, how to know to which category you're belonging also given. So beaded on that everything is given like what to food, diet and recipes have to follow for vata, pitta, and kapha has given separately.
Yoga:asanas, pranayama, and relaxation tips and the way to do yoga has shown in detailed manner wich is very helpful.
Positive thinking and meditation:- meditation practice guide given.
Finally home remedies for common ailments has given most of the ailments and thier simple remedies were given to tackle ..
But I don't believe in vata, pitta, kapha types even the way they decided is a bit silly. There slight difference between one another based on that small difference huge difference made in their lifestyle .
Overall yoga and meditation home remedies for ailments are good to know in this book.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ayurvedic living is not a perfect, empirical, or purely logical science but it is a practical and repeatable set of steps which you can test for yourself. The most practical health benefits I've made in my life have come from what I've learned here. As a Vata Dosha (mind like the wind), I'm naturally anxious, and hypersensitive to caffeine so I've quit coffee, energy drinks, and green tea altogether. I'm not meant to consume cold food or beverages, so I drink warm teas, water, and cook many of the recommended high fiber foods and vegetables which I've now made core to my diet. As someone with chronic congestion, introduction of a neti pot and nasya have dramatically improved the depth and quality of my breathing. Self massages have likewise been great for reducing anxiety and winding down for sleep, and meditation has been instrumental to getting out of my head and into the present moment.

For all these reasons, I recommend the tips explored in this book as a practical guide to self-care.

[Sara Bressan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Practical Ayurveda” from the Sivananda Vedanta Yoga Center is an engaging and accessible guide to the ancient practice of Ayurveda. It simplifies complex concepts, making them relatable for both newcomers and those with some prior knowledge. The book effectively details the three doshas and emphasizes personalized wellness through practical tips, recipes, and lifestyle changes. Its strength lies in its actionable advice, encouraging readers to integrate Ayurvedic principles into their daily lives. While some sections may feel dense, the overall presentation is clear and inviting. This book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. Highly recommended for those interested in alternative health practices!

[Laura Bermejo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating, thorough book about what Ayurveda is and how it works, not only in the physical, but in the spiritual and mental terrains. With great infographics, recipes, user´s guide and a lot of information about this ancient healing system from India, the authors guide you in the beginning of this journey, with suggestions, ideas, yoga poses, mantra chants, respiration techniques, remedies for common ailments and a lot of more just by using what we need constantly...real, amazing, nurturing food!

[Puneet · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the name suggests, this book does offers lot of practical aspects to Ayurveda and a good book for someone getting to know more around Ayurveda or Naturopathy. This book is surprisingly full of pictures and colours, which makes it easy and light to read. The concept of Doshas, Basic Elements and Agni is well described and author have made an attempt to make the Ayurveda palpable and practical to an extent. I did lose the interest at a point where book turned into the food guide, but all in all very good book to get the basic straight.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best beginner books that provides an introduction to all aspects of Ayurveda. It’s not a book that strives for depth so much as breadth to cover all areas, which I think helps anyone new to Ayurveda see how holistic the entire system is.

There’s a ton of useful and practical information in this book. Personally I would have liked to see more information on what foods to avoid depending on the dosha imbalance, and more dosha-specific recipes, but it was a great and very helpful book.

[Maraden · Rating 3 out of 5]

It serves as a good introduction to ayurveda, although I felt it's lacking substance and like I'm reading a series of infographics as opposed to a book. The page layouts and ilustrations are great and I get that they serve a point, but I would like more explanations to sink my teeth into and process - which is honestly my personal preference. It's probably best suited as an instructional guidebook that you pick relevant fragments from as you need them rather than a book you read from a to z which is how I approached it.

[Mridula Bhat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a brief idea about Ayurveda.

I loved the visuals, they are stunning.

It covered most of the important aspects of Ayurveda such as doshas, yogas, mantra and asanas. The book also has a quiz to find out your dosha and following that are guidelines for each dosha in all spheres.

The recipes seem to be westernised versions of Indian food, and not locally prepared in India as some have exotic ingredients.

Overall, great beginner read to get me to know more about ancient Indian health principles.

[Mary Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does a great job introducing Ayurveda, Pranayama, Yoga, and other related concepts. It provides an outline of these topics, includes diagrams, and easy explanations. It is not an in-depth study of Ayurveda. It gives practices that you could incorporate into a self-care routine. If you are looking to totally delve into Ayurveda, then I would buy a more comprehensive book in addition to this one (I would use this for quick reference).

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this for a friend who is having a tough time at the moment to help them focus on their self. I cheekily read it myself too (bowling ball for Marge gift!) I love the recipes and the practicalities of this book - no hocus pocus, just solid reminders to eat well, exercise and take care of you.
One star taken off as it's very female focused with the pictures when it could be more encompassing of all genders.

[Alexandria Blaelock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book describes the practice of combining diet, yoga and meditation to achieve a healthy lifestyle without touching in great detail on the spiritual beliefs that underpin them.

Nonetheless, you get a sense of how your body and mind change according to external and internal influences, and there’s enough information to start making changes. Probably most useful as a quick reference for monitoring your responses and planning further research.

[Rachel Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one. It has some good beginner’s steps. I do wish the dosha quiz would’ve had sections for origin dosha as well as the dosha your body is currently in. Those are not the same things. I can’t truly get on board with Ayurvedic Medicine as treatments such as purification purging disturbs me. Also, I can’t get on board with Ghee in AAALLL the places. I’m going to pass on ghee eye washes. I just can’t.

[Tran Bich Ngoc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ai biết và thích tìm hiểu về Yoga có thể rất thích cuốn này. Yoga và Ayurveda được giới thiệu là two sister sciences, với cùng 1 mục đích là tìm được sự bình an thực sự. Ayurveda tuy là một môn khoa học cổ xưa nhưng qua cuốn sách này được diễn đạt 1 cách phù hợp với cuộc sống hiện đại. Sách có rất nhiều thông tin, được viết 1 cách rất thông minh, khoa học, dễ theo dõi.
Cảm thấy rất hài lòng và xứng đáng với giá tiền.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gorgeous book is a very accessible intro to yoga’s sister science Ayurveda. After a brief introduction to the doshas, it is organized into helpful sections on Ayurvedic lifestyle, good health, food & diet, yoga, meditation, and remedies for common ailments. The watercolor graphics are beautiful, the food photos look delicious, and I especially appreciated the color-coded blurbs (e.g., “experience for vata”) on most pages dedicated to individualizing the page’s content for each dosha.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The graphics are beautifully done in this book, and they were helpful in making some dense information more accessible. (Truthfully, the graphics are why I rated 3 stars instead of only 2.) But after reading this book, I don't find myself interested in trying the ayurvedic approach to health and well-being. Some of the information felt contradictory, and I found myself cringing a few times at some of the advice that was offered.

[ThymeOperator · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do I agree with absolutely everything in this book? No - especially the part where they said I should never drink tea (GASP!!!). But it's an excellent, simply written, well laid-out crash course in the key points about the subject, with plenty of colour, diagrams and photos to keep you engaged. I took a lot of notes and will aim to incorporate maybe 70% of its guidance...which is quite a lot, so it's definitely earned its 5 stars.