Ayurveda originated in India and is thousands of years old!
Sometimes I can tell that clients get overwhelmed by all the “new” terms, so I often explain new concepts both in Sanskrit and in modern terms.
Just the other day, I was talking to Charlie, SimpleVeda’s Health Counselor, about when and how I typically translate for clients.
So I thought I’d share a few of the most common examples here:
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what you might know as: microbiome
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ayurveda calls: agni
But agni is more than gut bacteria.
Agni is your capacity to digest on every level – physical, emotional, mental, energetic. When your agni is strong, the nutrients from what you eat turn into healthy, vibrant tissue, and you’re better able to process emotions and experiences.
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what you might know as: inflammation or toxins
- ayurveda calls: ama
But ama directly translates to “unripe” or “undigested.” It’s anything the mind or body hasn’t fully processed. That indigestion creates heaviness and stickiness in the body’s channels, which is when we start to see inflammation or toxins accumulate.
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what you might know as: immunity
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ayurveda calls: ojas
But ojas actually is a concept that explains why we get sick. Ojas is the body’s reserve of vitality, which is the outcome of agni working well. When you have a strong reserve, you have mental contentment and clarity, and it’s easier to bounce back from illness or stress.
Don’t worry if the terms feel unfamiliar! That’s what your Ayurvedic practitioner is here for – to bridge the language and help you connect the practices with your daily life.
