Ayurveda means the “knowledge of life”, derived from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). A traditional system of medicine, which originated in India over 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda approaches health with a holistic lens. It embraces the mind, body and spirit connection and our relationship to nature. It inspires us to reconnect with the ebb and flow of life’s cycle and be in synchronicity with our natural daily rhythms. It focuses on prevention as opposed to cure, which is a distinguishable feature from modern medical systems. 

Ayurveda is based on the notion that the world around us is made up of five elements: space (akasha), air (vayu), fire (agni), water (apas) and earth (prithvi). These five elements are grouped into three energies, which are known as doshas. The three doshas are: vata (air and space), pitta (fire and water) and kapha (water and earth). 

Each of us is unique with an individual constitution, known as prakriti. Our constitution is made up of these doshas with each of us usually having a dominant dosha. Understanding your dosha can guide you to living a more balanced life. Each dosha has unique qualities and govern specific physiological functions in the body, providing intuitive guidance on our physical, mental, and emotional characteristics. . Ayurveda encourages us to live in harmony with our constitution/doshas and make lifestyle choices that complement it.

Ill health is present when our doshas are out of balance. During times of imbalance, Ayurveda presents a realm of holistic treatments to restore and offer deep nourishment. A couple of popular Ayurvedic self-healing treatments include: 

• Abhyanga Massage – which is a full-body massage performed by oneself using a slightly heated nourishing oil. This treatment has the potential to support all three doshas.   

• Dry Brushing (garshana) – where you brush you skin using a natural-bristle brush to remove dead skin and stimulate lymphatic drainage. The technique starts at the feet and works inward towards the heart. 

• Asana, Pranayama and Dhyana – asana (movement), pranayama (breath and energy awareness) and dhyana (meditation) are common in Yoga. Incorporating Yoga, meditation or movements such as sun salutations into your daily ritual promotes relaxation of the body and mind. 

Ashaya was inspired by Ayurveda as a way of life that encourage rituals to be performed daily to nurture the body and mind. Each of our founders has studied Ayurveda and personally felt the therapeutic benefits of Ayurvedic botanicals and physical, emotional and spiritual rituals that underpin the holistic system of healing. Simple shifts, such as practicing daily self-care rituals can have a profound impact on our mind, body and spirit. 

The art and wisdom of Ayurveda has been integrated in our In-Flow Period & PMS Relief and Re-Glow Perimenopause Relief supplements. Designed to be taken as a ritual to nourish the body and calmly influence the mind. 

For more information on ashaya’s Ayurvedic botanical ingredients see our Ingredient Glossary.