10/01/2025
Ayurveda is not something one simply does. It is a profound, multifaceted system of healing that requires tapas: discipline, dedication, and a lifelong commitment to self-awareness and care. Rooted in thousands of years of observation, plant science, bodywork, spiritual practice, and environmental understanding, Ayurveda is not a trend or a set of wellness tips. It is a complete medical system that flows with the rhythms of nature, the seasons, and the individual.
To truly practice Ayurveda, one must align with their prakriti, or natural constitution, and respond to their vikruti, which is the current state of imbalance. Treatment is never static. It evolves with the person, their environment, their diet, and their emotional and spiritual state. If someone continues to follow a regimen based only on their constitution while ignoring what is currently out of balance, they risk deepening that imbalance. This is why Ayurvedic treatment is based on what is happening now, not just what was true at birth.
Ayurveda touches every aspect of life: mind, body, and spirit. It cannot be practiced partially. Just as one would not take only some of their prescribed medications in Western medicine, one cannot selectively apply Ayurvedic recommendations and expect full healing. If breathwork, medicinal asana, dietary guidelines, herbal formulations, and lifestyle changes are prescribed, they must be followed with persistence and intention. These are not optional rituals. They are therapeutic tools designed to restore harmony.
Ayurveda is not easy, especially in modern cultures like America where convenience, speed, and minimal effort are often prioritized. True Ayurvedic healing requires patience, presence, and a willingness to slow down and listen to the body. It asks us to move away from quick fixes and instead commit to a process of deep, sustained care.
True healing in Ayurveda comes from consistency, awareness, and respect for the system’s depth. It is a living science that adapts to the moment and honors the whole person. Anything less is not Ayurveda. It is approximation.