25 Jun Ayurveda & Root Cause of Disease

Eradicating the root cause of disease allows wellness to blossom

Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine from India. It characterizes each individual as having a unique energetic constitution. It uses five elements as metaphors to describe those energies – ether, air, fire, water and earth.

If these energies become disturbed, we feel unbalanced. We may experience symptoms like insomnia, stress, anxiety, migraines, tinnitus, acid reflux, acne, constipation, bloating, depression, lethargy, weight gain, etc.

The ayurvedic approach seeks to find the root cause of these symptoms by determining which energetic(s) is out of balance. Physical and emotional factors are considered (i.e., was there a physical injury? a traumatic life-event? daily stressors from work or relationships? etc.).  Once the root cause is identified, an ayurveda practitioner uses natural means to reverse the imbalance (i.e., diet, meditation, yoga, herbs, etc.).

By understanding the root cause of disease, ayurveda can eradicate the imbalance from the system in the same way one destroys a weed at its roots to prevent it from returning. To ensure the imbalance does not recur, the ayurveda practitioner counsels the client on realistic supportive diet and lifestyle changes. We learn how to move away from disease and into the direction of wellness. This is how we achieve true health and balance in our life. Eradicating the root cause of disease allows wellness to blossom.

As an example, consider a person who has an issue with acne. In ayurveda, acne is generally associated with an excess of the fire element. But what is the root cause of that excess fire? Stress? Anxiety? Anger? Improper diet? By simply treating the symptom (i.e., applying prescription medication to the acne to make it disappear) we can reduce or eliminate the appearance of acne on the skin. But the underlying cause (excess heat) lurks beneath the surface of the skin. If the underlying cause is not treated, the fire will likely erupt somewhere else in the body and create new symptoms (physical and/or emotional).

As another example, let’s consider weight gain. Excess weight is usually associated with an excess of the earth or water element. But what is the root cause of that imbalance? Is it related to: emotional eating? Low-blood sugar? Improper diet? Excess quantity of food? Late night eating? Malabsorption? Lack of exercise? By simply treating the symptom (i.e., fasting or dieting) we may temporarily remove weight. But the underlying cause of the proneness to gain weight is still there. This explains why some diets work for some people, but not others. The ayurvedic solution is to address the root cause. It consideres the whole person (wholistic approach) and the connection between our emotions and our physical body (mind body connection).

By implementing realistic diet and lifestyle changes tailored to the individual’s unique energetic constitution, we can address the physical and/or emotional factors that are causing the weight gain.

If you have a desire to make lasting change, then a certified ayurveda wellness practitioner can show you the path to bring your energy into balance. In no time you will be on your journey to better health and happiness.

Learn more about an ayurvedic wellness consultation here.

Lois Leonhardi is a certified ayurveda wellness practitioner, personal chef and author of “The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook”. A student of Dr. Vasant Lad, Richard Freeman and H.H. Dalia Lama, she has over 20 years’ experience in holistic studies including ayurveda, yoga and Buddhism. By following the ancient practice of integrating yoga with ayurveda and meditation, she will help you transform your life so you look and feel amazing. 

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Contact: lois@yogawithlois.com | 310-310-0408 | www.yogawithlois.com