Treatment Modalities and Definitions

Ayurveda is the ancient traditional east Indian approach to living life in a balanced, holistic way. It involves paying attention with all the senses to every aspect of existence--colors, aromas, sounds, tastes, thoughts and physical sensations.

Ayurveda can also be defined as enlightened knowledge. It comes from the ancient people of India who, through the development of Yoga and meditation, learned how to achieve a light body, an enlightened mind, and a peaceful spirit. From this wise, enlightened state, they knew how to harmonize with nature and how to live lightly on this magnificent earth in order to do her no harm. Because this knowledge comes from a highly developed state, the medicine evolving from it is peaceful.

Creating the conditions for optimum balance is the heart of Ayurvedic wisdom. Over the course of a few weeks or months, a person who has been radically out of balance can gently be brought back into a condition of serenity and optimal functioning. Through making changes in the daily routine, the diet, the practice of Yoga and therapeutic modalities of Ayurvedic body work, individuals can rediscover a vibrancy and integration that may have been lost for some time.

Ayurveda has been introduced slowly in the United States through the writings, lectures and practices of such people as Deepak Chopra, Vasant Lad, Maya Tiwari (now Swamini Mayatitananda), David Frawley and Robert Svoboda. We at Austin Yogaveda are fortunate to include many of these great individuals among our teachers. One of the most important teachings of Ayurveda centers around an understanding of the function of memory in rejuvenation, cleansing and renewal of individuals. Ayurvedic practices invite us to remember our connection to the cycles of nature through the great seasonal practice of Panchakarma.

Panchakarma is a Sanskrit word meaning "five actions." In ancient times these included massage, steam treatments, enema, blood letting, and emesis. In modern times, massage, steam and enema are more commonly used while blood letting and emesis are rarely used. These "actions" were traditionally performed during the transitional seasons of the year, as hot shifts to cool in the fall and as cool shifts to warm in the spring. In Austin's climate, anytime from September through June can be a good time for the transformative practice of panchakarma.

At Austin Yogaveda, three, five or seven day formats of Panchakarma are provided. Preparation for the treatment phase recommends eating lightly and simplifying activities an equal number of days prior to the beginning of treatment. By maintaining that light diet and simplified lifestyle after the treatment days as you transition back to your revised, regular routine, you sustain the effects of the treatment. An Ayurvedic consultation is required to begin this process.

Iyengar Hatha Yoga (poses or asanas performed regularly and with alignment) is joined with Ayurvedic treatment modalities at Austin Yogaveda. A simple practice of yoga poses and breathing techniques ensures that the herbs and other treatments are maximally effective.

Vibration is the basic principle central to understanding Ayurveda and Yoga. The movement of vibration causes a sympathetic resonance to arise in us, causes the planets to spin and the seasons to change. The ancient Indian text the Upanishads relates that it was a vibration (rather than a big bang) that set our whole universe spinning. Therefore, often a chant will be assigned to practice along with other "homework" of dietary and lifestyle modifications.

Aromatherapy, color therapy and nutritional conseling with foods appropriate for one's "doshic" type is an important element of Yogaveda. Dosha is the Indian word for basic nature--all of us have a predominance of one or two types, but we contain all three of the basic types within us. The three basic types are kapha, the wet, earthy type, pitta the fiery, oily type and the vata--the dry, spacious type. Each type has good qualities as well as "difficult" qualities, which tend to manifest when the type is out of balance. Essential oils will be recommended to bring each dosha into balance and specific colors may be recommended for wearing during a Panchakarma treatment period.

Oil massage with special herbally treated oils can be a very important part of Panchakarma, or simply an adjunct to maintaining good health. The skin, after all, is the largest organ in the body and needs special care as we grow older. Certain types of people may benefit more from "dry brush" massage before an oil massage and steam. It all depends on the blend of doshas present in the individual as to what format the massage will take.

Steam treatments can help make oil massage even more penetrating and effective. During the course of a Panchakarma treatment, steam can be an essential part of the cleansing process

Herbal supplements have been used for centuries in Ayurveda. Most of the herbs at Austin Yogaveda are organic, and all have a proven track record of safe and effective use. These herbs can be used for making teas in powder form, or taken as tablets.

Please contact Austin Yogaveda to arrange for a consultation or if you have any questions about our treatments.