Essential Ayurveda: What It Is and What It Can Do for You

by Shubhra Krishan

Ayurveda is perhaps one of the most popular "holistic" health practices in the United States. Based on 5,000 years of practice and observation and popularized in part in the works of Deepak Chopra, "ayurveda" translates into "the science of life" and takes into account the spiritual, mental, and physcial aspects of health. After a brief definition of ayurveda and the basic elements, ESSENTIAL AYURVEDA outlines the practical steps any person can take to become healthier.

According to the author, "ayurveda" is a verb. The book is set up with simple suggestions to get readers started on the path to good health. As Shubhra writes, "attack your goal of great health in bite-sized chunks, and you’ll get there without ever overstepping your comfort zone. In concrete terms, to "do" Ayurveda is to make healthy choices in daily life. These choices can be as simple as choosing fresh fruit over a donut, choosing a health magazine over a horror novel, choosing to sleep instead of watching late night television."

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published February 14, 2003

Reviews

[Tatiana Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic, practical, and simple introduction to ayurvedic living.
I found myself smiling from ear to ear as Krishan made her suggestions--they seemed so easy to implement, so logical, and so healthy!

I will be looking to add this book to my collection as soon as I can.

[Cindy Heaton]

This was a good overview of Ayurveda. I liked that it included some basic recipes for food and beauty care. I also think it was presented in a way that wasn't too overwhelming.

[Ankita Ojha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book to pick up if you are just starting your Ayurveda journey. Gives information in a simple and no nonsense way. Easy to read and a quick read as well. It is one of my really good Airport finds.

[Bindu Upadhyay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in a very simple language!

[Monica Casanova · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ancient medicine tradition of Ayurveda is explained in the most detailed yet understandable way. The author is the perfect communicator of this extensive tradition that is embedded in Indian Culture. The teachings of Ayurveda are made simple and understandable in this book, but most of all it makes connections to modern day living. This book allows the reader to really see how one can adapt this ancient tradition in their own life, no matter the circumstances largely because much emphasis is placed on being more and doing less rather than doing more and not even concerning yourself with "being " in general. This idea of being is then explored throughout the whole book as you learn about the three archetypes each individual posses based off of the 5 elements found in Nature. The author then allow us to see how truly we are one with nature from the very core of our being and it cannot be ignored; Meaning that if you're person who does x and y or likes this or that is it because this is who you've been from the moment you were born. You begin to see how important it is to accept things about your self, whether they be physical, mental or emotional, they all intertwine to create this entire network within the body called health, your own health. Only you know your body. All in all, the message of Ayurveda is that health is contingent not only on one thing, but our emotional, physical and metal state and through Ayurveda one can find their very own route to their most optimal health.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy, fluid read that puts Ayurveda into practical, how-to terms. I rarely make it cover to cover through a “healthy book” these days. However, I am enjoying learning more about Ayurveda and I like the fact that this book is more "Americanized", to avoid too much religious discussion that is often associated with Ayurveda. The concepts are down to earth and focused on finding your personal balance. There are not prescriptions or take-this-for-that type of ideas, more simple concepts that are always good to be reminded about, especially since they are extremely important for finding true health. There are a few recipes that actually sound yummy and simple!

[Barklah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a bit skeptical of alternative health these days, but I read an article about my "dosha" in ayurveda and it described me so perfectly, I wanted to learn more. I really enjoyed this book and it had a number of great ideas about how to live more healthfully and happily - whether it's truly different or just common sense packaged in a different way, I'm not sure, but I liked it all the same.

[Willow Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting approach to taking care of yourself. I particularly like the anti - all or nothing approach. Do what you can and let the rest of the advice in the book go - it's all about not causing yourself more stress.

[Francine Apollo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without exception this is the best book I have read on Ayurveda and I have read 2 others previously. This books is well written and very nicely organized. I will keep this one and recommend it to others who are interested in this ancient tradition.

[Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very insightful and it gave a lot of good information, that will be very helpful in my presentation. I recommend it for anyone who is interested in the subject to check it out as a starting guide to Ayurveda.

[Melissapughjensen Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If anyone is into holistic approaches and ways of life, I HIGHLY recommend this book...

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book- very easy to read and understand. If you are interested in learning about ayurveda, I highly recommend it.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to read, easy to understand overall guide to Ayurveda.

[Kelly Beaudoin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro book.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Jade Hallam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's like this book reminded me of some long forgotten wisdom. Great ideas to help create a healthier and more fulfilled life. Easy to read information.

[Alisha Behnia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I was walking through a bookstore called The Lighthouse Bookstore (I believe) in Boulder, CO. As I was walking through the aisles, this book just called to me. I turned and there it was. I really wanted to start getting into a more holistic lifestyle with intuitive eating specifically and then BOOM, there this book was! I like that this was easy to understand, but the Sanskrit words were still used and explained throughout. It was a great introduction to Ayurveda for me! I cannot wait to learn more!

[Sam Thammahong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written in a way that was consistently intriguing. Giving the reader a taste of health in a holistic and gentle delivery. I have incorporated a lot of this book into my daily routine. 4/5 stars.

[Valentina Lozanova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Чудесно начало по пътя към Аюрведа. Просто и мило поднесено знание с любов към темата. Много полезни и практични съвети, помощ за определяне на дошата и конкретни съвети за хранене при различните дошли.

[Damita Menezes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible first book about the basics of this Indian science and way of life. The author has written and introduced the concept very simply for a beginner interested in this lifestyle.
Definitely a book I will revisit multiple times in my lifetime.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very basic introduction to ayurveda, to the point that I found it to be on a surface level. Perhaps suitable for an absolute newcomer to the practice and philosophy. Nevertheless, there were some good tips about overall lifestyle choices.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and accessible.

[Renuka · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple book which introduces one to basics of Ayurveda.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview/intro

[Amrita Bharti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the easiest introductory book to Ayurveda. Very well written. Written with a non-Indian reader in mind.

[Savana Stump · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful book and I look forward to using it as a resource for years to come.

[Taylor Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, easy to read introduction to Ayurveda. Interesting to see how yoga is described in this book - very Hatha oriented.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Essential reading for anyone interested in embarking on a path towards wholistic healing and alternative lifestyle. A very simple, boiled down, summary of Ayurveda, a subject that is quite challenging to research due to the fact that it is a living science, or something that is passed down from person to person. In this book Ms. Krishan offers a western perspective even though her childhood and roots are Indian.

[Belann · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book gives a good overview of Ayurvedic medicine. Makes you really want to see a qualified vaidya (Ayurvedic practitioner). Ayurvedic healing is probably the oldest healing tradition in the world. The tradition was recorded between 4500 and 1600 B.C. The system incorporates seasonal eating using grains, nuts and seeds, vegetables and fruits according to constitutional type, vatta, pitta, kapha. I think it is a system of healing well worth studying.

[Kenadi Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept of Ayurveda was introduced to me by my yoga instructor and I find it quite fascinating. To describe it at an extremely high level, I would say Ayurveda is a system to help recognize what your mind and body needs and to encourage you to take the the time to meet those needs. Who can't get behind that?

While I don't think full adoption of the lifestyle would ever be in the cards for me, there are definitely little nuggets I will take from this book and incorporate into my life.