Nicky Waters

I am based in Heaton, Newcastle, where I offer massage therapy and 1:1 Yoga sessions from my home. For group bookings, please get in touch to discuss venue options.
 

About Ayurveda
 

Some of the words commonly used to described Ayurveda, a health system originating from the Indian subcontinent, are ‘mystical’, ‘alternative’ and ‘ancient’. In reality Ayurveda is a living, breathing science that is applicable to modern life; in many ways it is more sophisticated than western medicine and at the same time compatible with it. This view of Ayurveda can be linked to the occupation of India by the British Empire. In this article I will explain a little bit about that history and give some suggestions for ways to honour this wisdom practice in its fullness.

Ayurveda comprises the Sanskrit words ‘Ayur’ meaning life, and ‘Veda’ meaning science. It is true that Ayurveda is ancient. It is approximately 5000 years old. Ayurveda understands health as the relationship between our physical, mental and emotional state, and the environment in which we live. It takes into consideration the five elements to understand the internal and external world and to help find solutions for bringing them into balance. Ayurveda has been passed down through oral tradition, like Yoga, and great reverence is given by many Indian practitioners to the ancestry of their teachers.

The British Empire

Britain arrived in India in the 1600s and gradually took power in India. The British crown ruled the Indian subcontinent from 1858- 1947, but before this the ‘East India Company’ ruled. It set up its own armies, claimed Indian territory, and took complete control of trade. British officials viewed Indians and their traditions as savage and primitive. These views supported their aim to extract resources from India. It is said that much of the Industrial Revolution was the result of the dissemination of India. It is believed that in the centuries that Britain rules, the wealth the British took from India is close to $45 trillion is today’s money.

As Britain positioned itself as superior and disenfranchised Indians, Ayurveda received less support. Ayurveda stopped being taught in colleges in 1833. As Western medicine developed, the British East India Company employed only European doctors and surgeons. Indians were not allowed senior roles, only to be assistants. Western medical facilities were not even open to Indians and were reserved only for Europeans. The marginalisation and death of Indigenous classes because of British brutality meant Ayurveda declined.

Ayurveda Today

Today Ayurveda is popular globally and easily accessible. However, information most popularly diseminated in the West adapted to fit the capitalist values for quick recovery and increased productivity. The most marketable aspects of Ayurveda, which appeal to Western tastes, are those which have been propagated.

Extraction of resources was the primary aim of the British Empire; to put a stop to this we can change our focus when we practice traditions from other cultures. From an attitude of appropriation, which is based on selecting the most palatable parts of other cultures’ traditions, the ones which simply make us feel good, we can move towards fuller appreciation of these traditions, which is based on curiosity, durational learning, and understanding of history. After all, the main aim of Ayurveda is to move away from avidya, or 'ignorance', and towards a deeper understanding.

If you’re interested in learning more about Ayurveda, look into the philosophy, not just the treatments. Consider taking a course from a teacher, or reading a book by an author who is of Indian heritage. Learn from a wider variety of resources, not just from short videos or articles which may give a limited perspective. Below is a small list of South Asian teachers I have learnt from and recommend. There are many more out there. Keep studying and enjoy learning, unlearning, and relearning!

www.ayushkama.com
www.kallieschut.com

www.susannabarkataki.com