Dr. Yvette Kaunismaki believes in a holistic approach to mental health and that includes the integration of Ayurveda into mental health. Ayurveda provides guidelines on working towards bringing the body, mind and spirit back into alignment. This is done through seasonal routines, diet, herbs and proper use of our senses. We are vital dynamic beings and Ayurveda uses many different modalities of healing to help guide us towards balance.
The term “Ayurveda” combines the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). Ayurvedic medicine, as practiced in India, is one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world. Many Ayurvedic practices predate written records and were handed down by word of mouth. Three ancient books known as the Great Trilogy were written in Sanskrit more than 2,000 years ago and are considered the main texts on Ayurvedic medicine—Caraka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Astanga Hridaya. The majority of India’s population uses Ayurvedic medicine exclusively or combined with conventional Western medicine and is practiced in varying forms in Southeast Asia.
Key concepts of Ayurvedic medicine include universal interconnectedness (among people, their health, and the universe), the body’s constitution (prakriti), and life forces (dosha), which are often compared to the biologic humors of the ancient Greek system. Using these concepts, Ayurvedic physicians prescribe individualized treatments, including compounds of herbs or proprietary ingredients, and diet, exercise, and lifestyle recommendations.
Learn more about Ayurvedic medicine during our Lifestyle Series workshop, Ayuerveda 101 Fundamentals
