Introductiory day to the principles of AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS

Lecturer - Susan Richardson

Ayurvedic treatments are 5,000 years old, a way of life. Here in the west they are becoming increasingly popular, this knowledge is beginning to sweep the country, so it makes sense to stay up to date with our clients requirements and expectations.

This course is requisite to undertaking any Ayurvedic therapy, especially for therapists wanting to study Indian head Champissage, Indian face or abyanga pinda (medicated bolus) massage.

However, it is also good for beginners interested in a career in the healing arts and disciplined bodywork.
• People with a personal interest, who would like to help family and friends with the art of healing.
• Those already in the profession who want to broaden their skills among some of the people who can benefit: yoga teachers, physiotherapists, sports people, Pilate’s teachers, dancers and other therapists of all descriptions.

o History of Ayurveda
o Holistic Approach
o Ayurvedic diagnosis
o The five elements
o Chakras
o Meridian lines
o The Dosha: Vata
o The Dosha: Pitta
o The Dosha: Kapha
o Short Form Questionnaire

Different treatments and regimes are beneficial for individual Dosha types; discover the Basic Principles of Ayurveda, The Ayurvedic way of diagnosis and prevention of disease.
Ayurveda says one should to live his or her life according to the body constitution, be it diet, lifestyle or exercises.

Whether it is food, lifestyle or exercise, the first question is – what is the correct practice for each individual?

People have started realizing that each individual is unique hence; the attention needed by each one is very different from the others. The diet, which is appropriate for one individual, however complete and wholesome, may not be good for another. Herbs, lifestyle and even exercise need individualized attention. Every person has different physical, mental and even spiritual capabilities and capacities that require specialized attention. One needs to know what works for each of us.

Ayurveda has described three main body types or Dosha’s: Vata (air & space), Pitta (fire & water) and Kapha (water & earth).

Body types or Dosha’s:

• People with a dominant Vata Dosha are very creative, imaginative and spontaneous. However, on the other hand they can also get quite restless due to the principle of movement. Physically they are thin, lean, sometimes may have dry skin and fine hair. They like warmth and try to avoid cold and dry temperatures. Their appetite is quite irregular, they may even forget to eat food. Although very friendly by nature, they can sometimes get quite jealous and possessive. Their hobbies are art, music, reading, traveling and anything that sets their mind on the imagination trip. All artists are generally Vata dominant.

• Persons with Pitta as the dominant Dosha are authoritative, determined, focused in life. On the other hand, they can also get quite angry, demanding and irritated at the smallest mistake. This is due to the dominant element of fire in their constitution. Physically they are moderate built, with warm and soft skin. They generally prefer a cool atmosphere and get sun burnt, as they dislike excessive heat. Their appetite and thirst are strong and tend to eat several small meals through out the day. Their hobbies are quite intellectual which also include mind games like chess. They generally like all kinds of sports that are competitive, which include both indoor and outdoor games. All leaders and people at managerial posts are usually Pitta dominant.

• Kapha dominant people are very friendly, social, and easy to be with. But at the same time they can get quite lazy and have a tendency to postpone things to the last minute. This is due to the dominant elements of earth and water, which have a stable and cool property. Physically they are well built and have a tendency towards gaining weight. Their skin is generally soft, cold and moist. They like warm weather and avoid cold, wet and rainy situations. Appetite is quite stable and they eat at regular fixed times irrespective of them being hungry or not. Their hobbies are also very easy and they like watching television or any activity which does not require a lot of mental and physical activity. They however like water sports a lot.