About Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a holistic system, which views each individual holistically as a physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual being.
About
Jodi is a certified Ayurveda Practitioner. For many years she worked at Bastyr Natural Health Clinic as an Ayurvedic and Panchakarma Therapist. She also lived in India for six years, where she began her formal study of Ayurveda. Today, she has a private Ayurveda practice in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood.
Jodi feels that Ayurveda is the ultimate expression of self-care and self-nurturance. She loves sharing the different Ayurvedic treatments with her clients, including Abhyanga, the traditional warm-oil massage, Shirodhara, Marma Therapy and Basti. helping them to relax, find balance and heal. You can experience traditional Ayurvedic treatments right here in Seattle.
HISTORY
Ayurveda dates back an estimated 5,000 years and is thought by scholars to be the most ancient healing system in the world. It is also believed that Ayurveda spread from India and influenced other ancient medical systems. Ayurveda, a Sanskrit word, means ‘the science of life’– ayu means life and Veda means science. The principles of Ayurveda can be found in the Vedas, which are among the oldest bodies of knowledge in human culture. The Vedas are considered timeless, coming into written form about 1,500 BC. Before that time, the knowledge of the Vedas was passed down orally, through mnemonic verses.
A HOLISTIC SCIENCE
Ayurveda is a holistic system, which views each individual holistically as a physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual being. Ayurveda promotes balance and prevention of disease, emphasizing that health is much more than being free of disease. In addition to being balanced physically, emotionally and mentally, to lead a fulfilling life, we must feel a sense a purpose, have a personally meaningful spiritual practice and experience a sense of internal joy, peace and contentment. Although prevention and maintenance of health is the aim of Ayurveda, when disease occurs, Ayurvedic medicine can help to restore health and bring people into balance
YOUR AYURVEDIC CONSTITUTION
Your Ayurvedic constitution, or in Sanskrit, your Prakriti, is determined at conception and is influenced purely by your parents’ constitution, any imbalances at the time of conception, as well as their emotional, physical and mental states. Each individual has a constitutional type, which is a unique make-up of the three Doshas. Your Prakrit never changes.
The word ‘Doshas’ translates as ‘that which can go out of balance.’ A Doshas is intangible, but each has specific physical, emotional and mental qualities and characteristics. So we also look at your imbalances when doing an Ayurvedic assessment. This is called Vikriti.
We are able to obtain balance when our Doshas are in balance. For each of us, based on our constitution, ayurveda recommends living in such a way that allows us to experience physical, mental, and spiritual harmony within ourselves, as well as within our environment. We achieve this harmony through many practices, including by eating the foods that are most nourishing for our constitution, aligning our yoga practice with our constitution, and incorporating a self-care regimen into our daily lives.
The Doshas
Ether & Air
Vata is the principle of motion and movement, the impulses of our nervous system, our ability to experience joy, connect with others, artistic expression and higher states of consciousness and awareness.
Fire & Water
Pitta is the principle of transformation. Pitta governs all digestive process, including digesting food or processing mental theories. Pitta energy is responsible for courage, will and charisma.
Water & Earth
Kapha governs our physical structure, which includes our sense of groundedness, our ability to rest and restore, as well as our memory.
DETERMINING YOUR CONSTITUTION
You can schedule an Ayurvedic consultation with me, and together we will determine your Ayurvedic constitution, as well as any imbalances you may have. Based on the wisdom and principles of Ayurveda, I will offer you a plan for regaining health and balance on all levels – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
PANCHAKARMA
Panchakarma is Ayurveda’s profound detoxification program, which cleanses on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Panchakarma is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. Please click here for full details of Panchakarama and what it entails.
RESOURCES
- Ayurveda The Science of Self-Healing, by Dr. Vasant Lad
- Prakriti: Your Ayurvedic Constitution, by Dr. Robert E. Svoboda
- Ayurveda: A Life of Balance, by Maya Tiwari
- Banyan Botanicals Website for herbs, oils and additional information