The art of living, or Ayurveda, is an ancient mind-body-soul approach to health and healing. Originating in India over 2500 years ago, the goal is to find balance of the principles that make up our body-mind, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. We each have a unique blueprint when we are born. Life habits, environment and seasons influence our state of being and cause fluctuations reflected in our body, mind and heart. When looking for healing we therefore need individual treatments to restore balance for our unique make up and current life needs in accordance with nature. The purpose of Ayurveda is to lead a happy, meaningful life in the world and to be connected to the source of life, Spirit. Prevention is strongly emphasized in Ayurveda. The key to a healthy life is to maintain daily routines and adapting to changing circumstances of our lives, seasons and events that affect us. Examples of daily routines may be oil pulling with sesame oil, daily yoga, self-massage with warm oil, or the rinsing of the sinus cavities with salty water using a neti pot. Diet is another cornerstone to health and prevention of illness. An Ayurvedic meal is considered medicine and tailored to the individual by balancing the six tastes and using spices and herbs for improvement of the digestive system. The six rasas or tastes when preparing a meal are, sweet, salty, pungent, astringent, bitter and sour. An ayurvedic meal also considers colors of foods, smells and texture as important and can be considered an alchemy of art that touches the person's entire being.

Body therapy is one way an Ayurvedic therapist may offer healing. Abhyanga or full body massage using various warm herbalised oils is beneficial to maintain health, decrease pain, bring peace to the mind and nourish the heart. ‘Oil’ in Sanskrit is ‘snehan’ which also means ‘love.’ The body is considered to have 7 dhatus or tissues which can all be penetrated and affected positively with snehan or oil and loving touch during Abhyanga. Kansu or foot massage with ghee and a small copper bowl is another unique treatment that deeply relaxes the mind, promotes sound sleep and increases energy.

Marcela Bowie is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture Physician, and owner of No Worries Natural Medicine. She is also a practitioner of Arvigo Techniques - Maya Abdominal Therapy, offers ayurvedic body treatments and is a doTERRA Essential Oil wellness advocate. Her office is located at 325 5th Ave, Ste 205, Indialantic. For more information, call 321-961-8243 or visit NoWorriesNaturalMedicine.com.