Ayurveda in London

Ayurveda, meaning the “science of life” is a 5,000-year-old holistic health system from India. Drawing on ancient Indian philosophy, Ayurveda is principled on the belief that the universe comprises of five essential elements: earth, fire, water, air and ether. These five elements are present in all living things, including human beings, where they manifest as bio-energies called Doshas. In Ayurveda, the goal is to connect, balance, and restore the body, mind, and spirit by attending to the dominant Doshas in the body. 

According to Ayurvedic philosophy, there are three main Doshas, or bio-energies, each with its own physiological and psychological influence. By learning more about your Dosha and examining any imbalances within this vital energy, Ayurveda brings your body back into equilibrium. 

It sounds complex — and it is, as Ayurveda is one of the most comprehensive and in-depth health systems in the world.  Millions practice it, to restore and revive full health and wellbeing — so, if you’re looking for a complete lifestyle overhaul, then you’ve got to try it. 

An Ayurveda practitioner is skilled in reading your Dosha and curating a personalised plan to help you achieve optimal health. Their base their approach on the seven cornerstones of Ayurvedic mind-body equilibrium: 

Eat colourful, nutritious and delicious foods. 

• Move with grace and strength. 
• Calm the mind with meditation. 
• Optimise restful and restorative sleep. 
• Cultivate nurturing and loving relationships. 
• Move away from negative things in your life. 
• Ignite your passions and do the things that make you happy. 

Browse our Holistic Guide to find an Ayurvedic practitioner close to you and start your journey towards health and happiness today.

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What Are the Benefits of Ayurveda?

Ayurveda can help with a whole host of illnesses, ailments, aches and pains, including: 

• Digestive problems
• Asthma and respiratory illness 
• Anxiety and stress-related issues 
• High blood pressure 
• Eczema and other skin conditions 
• High cholesterol 
• Arthritis and joint pain

But the greatest benefit of Ayurveda is its attention to you as an individual and the relationship between your body, mind and spirit. Ayurveda is based on the principals of the three Doshas — the energies that make up an individual. Every person is made up of all three — but most of us will have one or two dominant Doshas. 

Our Dosha’s dictate our physical selves and personality, our likes and dislikes, our strengths and weaknesses. In Ayurveda, practitioners use their analysis of our Doshas to spot potential imbalances in the body to both heal and prevent illness. 

Vata Dosha 

The Vata Dosha is closely connected to the motion of bodily functions, including your blood circulation, breathing, and heartbeat.

Out of balance:  Exaggerated feelings of fear and anxiety. 

Balanced: High levels of creativity and vitality. 

Pitta Dosha 

The Pitta Dosha is the energy connected to the body’s metabolic and digestive systems. It controls the absorption of nutrients and body temperature. 

Out of balance: Prone to digestive disorders, ulcers and bouts of anger and frustration. 

Balanced: Enhanced happiness, sharper intelligence and mental clarity.

Kapha Dosha 

The Kapha Dosha is the energy that controls the growth of the body and keeps the body moisturised, hydrated, and protected against viruses. 

Out of balance: Heightened feelings of envy and insecurity. 

Balanced: High levels of love, forgiveness and connection with others. 

What to Expect in an Ayurvedic Session? 

All Ayurvedic sessions will begin with a comprehensive initial consultation. During this, your practitioner will ask you to break down your medical history, emotional state, your daily lifestyle and your current diet and fitness approach. They may also undertake a short pulse and tongue reading, and other bodily examinations to garner a fuller picture of your health and wellbeing. 

This initial consultation is invaluable for you and your practitioner.  It helps identify your Dosha type and assess where imbalances, blockages and depleted energy levels exist within your body. It forms the basis for all further treatment and helps to identify the root causes of your issues and problems. A standard consultation can take some time — normally at least an hour — so make sure you’re ready to open up and share any information that may be relevant to your treatment.

Once your practitioner has undertaken this initial analysis, they will tailor-make your treatment plan. Ayurveda isn’t a one-pill solution, but rather an entire healthcare system that incorporates a range of different treatments, therapies and supplements. Depending on your particular needs, your practitioner will lay down a personalised plan that incorporates diet advice, physical therapies, and supplements. Although unique to you, this plan may include:

• Yoga sequences and poses 
• Acupuncture and acupressure 
• Massage therapy 
• Dietary changes
• Herbal medicine 
• Breathing exercises 
• Sound therapy 
• Forms of emotional counselling 
• Positive mantras and affirmations 
• Skincare routines

Whatever your plan, your practitioner is on hand to guide you through each lifestyle change and keep you on track. For many, the changes and new habits taught in these sessions become lifelong habits. 

Explore our range of Ayurveda therapists and clinics in London and embrace one of the oldest holistic health systems in the world.