Intro to Ayurveda: Pilar’s Exploration into the Ancient Science of Longevity

If you’ve visited us recently and spent time with Pilar specifically — whether on the yoga mat or over breakfast, you’ve likely heard her mention the word “Ayurveda” multiple times. 

That’s no coincidence. Although Pilar has been deeply interested in Ayurveda — the ancient science of natural healing, for as long as she’s practiced yoga, it’s only recently that she has committed herself as a dedicated student and practitioner of this timeless tradition. 

Yoga and Ayurveda are sister sciences, sharing roots and fundamental principles. When you practice yoga regularly, it’s only a matter of time before you encounter Ayurveda and may even start incorporating some of its daily rituals into your routine. 

Pilar’s fascination with Ayurveda began early. She observed how simple practices could substantially boost our health and vitality. But her reasons for exploring it more deeply go far beyond curiosity. 

When she first started studying Ayurveda, she admits she had many doubts. Its origins are mystical, rooted in ancient traditions that don’t always seem to align with Western scientific approaches. Yet, two main reasons kept her engaged:

A Connection to Nature

Pilar has always felt a profound bond with the natural world. Ayurveda, in essence, reminds us that we are deeply connected to Mother Nature. It offers practical ways to nurture and deepen this relationship by aligning ourselves with the Earth’s rhythms and resources.

This in turn allows us to disconnect from the noise and over-stimulation from the outside world.

The Science of Observation

In a world full of distractions, Ayurveda can be seen as “the science of paying close attention.” It provides a powerful tool to cultivate awareness of ourselves, our bodies, and our environment. Through attentive observation, we learn to recognize what enhances our well-being, when adjustments are needed, and how to adapt since both we and the world around us are constantly changing. Historically, human beings relied on careful observation to discover many vital insights; today, we can revive that practice. 

Like all human creations, Ayurveda is not perfect

Some principles have stood the test of time and remain relevant today, while others may need to be adapted for our modern lifestyles. Currently, Pilar is experimenting — testing what works, observing what doesn’t, and sharing her evolving insights. 

As part of our mission to foster a deeper connection with nature and the wisdom within us, we’re excited to open this space for Pilar to share her knowledge and insights about the vast ocean of Ayurveda. 

To start, we’d like to begin with a simple question: What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda: The Ancient Science of Life and Longevity

Simple, timeless wisdom for a complex world.

Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old system of natural healing, originated in India and remains one of the world’s oldest holistic health sciences. The term “Ayurveda” is derived from the Sanskrit words Ayur (life) and Veda (science or knowledge), meaning “the science of life.” More than just a health system, Ayurveda is a guide to longevity, empowering us to take responsibility for our own well-being.

A Holistic Approach to Health

Ayurveda emphasizes balance — between mind, body, and spirit—and reconnecting with our natural state. Rooted deeply in Nature, it provides the tools to harmonize with the rhythms of the world around us, unlocking nature’s secrets to achieve harmony and vitality.

Core Principles of Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, everything in the universe, including us humans, is composed of five fundamental elements (Pancha Mahabhutas):

• Earth (Prithvi): Represents stability and structure.
• Water (Apas): Symbolizes fluidity and cohesion.
• Fire (Tejas): Governs transformation and energy.
• Air (Vayu): Associated with movement and lightness.
• Space/Ether (Akasha): Represents openness and connection.

The Three Doshas

These elements combine to form three functional energies, or doshas, which influence our physical, mental, and emotional makeup:

• Vata (Air + Space): Governs movement, lightness, creativity, and the nervous system.
• Pitta (Fire + Water): Governs metabolism, digestion, and transformation.
• Kapha (Earth + Water): Governs structure, stability, and lubrication.

Each of us have a unique combination of these doshas, known as their Prakriti (constitution), which determines our natural tendencies and health needs.

Balance and Imbalance

Health is achieved when the doshas are balanced. Imbalances lead to discomfort or disease. Ayurveda aims to restore this balance through personalized approaches such as diet, lifestyle adjustments, herbal remedies, detoxification (like Panchakarma and seasonal cleanses), and mind-body practices.

Prevention and Healing

Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on prevention, promoting personal responsibility and aligning with nature’s cycles. By understanding our constitution, we can make choices that sustain health and well-being.

Key Practices in Ayurveda

1. Diet and Nutrition: Tailoring meals to one’s constitution, environment, and seasons.
2. Herbal Therapies: Using plants and herbs to address imbalances.
3. Daily Routines (Dinacharya): Establishing habits like tongue scraping, oil massage (Abhyanga), and meditation to maintain our balance.
4. Detoxification (Panchakarma): Removing toxins and rejuvenating the body.
5. Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation: Harnessing energetic and spiritual practices to enhance growth and harmony across physical, mental, and spiritual levels.

Learn more about these key practices and the principles that help us enrich our spiritual lives in our blog post – Niyamas: What are They and How to Practice Them

In summary, Ayurveda offers timeless wisdom to live in harmony with ourselves and the natural world. By embracing its principles, we gain the tools to create a balanced, healthy, and fulfilling life — one that aligns with nature and fosters true well-being.

Stay tuned for upcoming blogs, as we continue to dive into the fascinating and enlightening world of Ayurveda, as told through the trusted and knowledgeable lens of Pilar Salazar.

Her upcoming blog invites us to explore Agni – tending the internal fire that we carry within. If you just can’t get enough of our yoga resources, head over to our yoga hub – we’ve carefully and intentionally crafted a whole assortment of yoga materials that should tide you over for the time being 🙂