Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India well over 3,000 years ago. The term “Ayurveda” comes from the Sanskrit words “Ayur” meaning “life” and “Veda” meaning “science” or “knowledge”. This system is the study of life, and it is a wonderful, holistic approach to health and wellness that promotes the interconnectedness of our physical, mental and spiritual bodies.

One of the key principles of Ayurveda is the 5 elements of nature - earth, water, fire, air, and ether. Every element has its own set of qualities and archetypes, which help us understand our personal constitutions, the environment around us, and how we can relate most successfully.

The qualities of the elements help me determine a person’s “dosha,” a Sanskrit term for fundamental energy, which govern a person’s physiology and personality. These qualities also influence our 5 senses of the body, and the 6 tastes of food and medicine - sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent.

When I couple this ancient knowledge with lineages of European folk herbalism I can gain a truly specialized perspective on people, plants and environment.