The science of life
Ayurveda
Ayus, life; veda, knowledge. A holistic medicine born in ancient India, which seeks to heal the patient rather than the disease.
Natural, both preventive and curative, Ayurveda is a medicine recognised by the World Health Organization.
Rather than treating an isolated symptom, the Ayurvedic doctor first looks for the causes of the imbalance, to bring lasting relief. They consider the whole person: body, digestion, mind and lifestyle.
Its tools are many: diet, herbal medicine, aromatherapy, massage, yoga, chanting, breathing and meditation.
The 5 elements & the 3 doshas
Three forces that govern us
Ayurveda is based on the five elements — ether, air, fire, water and earth — which combine into three vital forces, the doshas. In balance, they maintain health; out of balance, they open the way to illness.
Air & ether
Vata
Movement, breath, circulation and the nervous system.
Fire & water
Pitta
Transformation, digestion, metabolism and heat.
Earth & water
Kapha
Structure, stability, cohesion and the body's immunity.
Everyone is born with their own balance, their constitution (prakriti). The imbalances of the moment (vikriti) are what the cure seeks to correct. The doctor determines them during the consultation.
Agni, the digestive fire
At the centre of health: weak digestion produces ama, poorly assimilated residues which, as they build up, disturb the body. Much of the cure consists of rekindling agni and eliminating ama.
Ojas, the vital essence
The subtlest product of good digestion. Strong ojas shows as steady energy, restful sleep, good immunity and a radiant complexion. Prolonged stress and overwork deplete it.
Sattva, clarity
Three states of mind: sattva (clarity, calm), rajas (agitation) and tamas (heaviness). Diet, daily rhythm, yoga and meditation all aim to cultivate sattva.
Further reading
A few books (in French)
- Ayurvéda, science de l'autoguérison — Dr Vasant Lad, Guy Trédaniel
- La santé par l'ayurvéda — Dr David Frawley, Turiya
- Le livre de l'ayurvéda — Judith H. Morrison, Le Courrier du Livre
Book your cure, or let's talk first
Choose your dates and room online: you receive your cure proposal by email, with no commitment. Would you rather talk first? A free 30-minute call with Françoise Barrios is available — by phone, video call or in Geneva.