Ayurveda places great emphasis on preventative measures that will enable one to maintain and improve health. Of course, Ayurveda defines health a little differently than what most of us are accustomed to. According to the principles of Ayurveda, Swastha (a healthy person) is defined as such:

• A person who has maintained their Prakriti (body`s natural state of being).

• Has their three Doshas functioning properly.

• Has proper Agni (digestive power).

• Proper functioning of Dhatus (the seven tissues in accordance to the principles of Ayurveda).

Abhyanga is very highly recommended in Ayurveda. It is one of the single most important routines one can incorporate into their daily routine to help maintain a healthy body. Translated it means application of oil to the body. In this article I will discuss the procedure and the many benefits associated with Abhyanga.

Quite often people ask me What is West Coast Ayurveda all about? My answer can be summed up quite simply with an ancient sanskrit hymn. It holds within it the philosophy we at West coast Ayurveda have firm belief in. I wish to share it with you in a few ways today as part of our first blog post:

Aum
Sarveham svastir bhavatu
Sarvesham shanti bhavatu
Sarvesham poornam bhavatu
Sarvesham mangalam bhavatu

Sarve bhavantu sukhinah
Sarve bhavantu niraamayaah
Sarve bhadraani pashantu
Mah kash chid dukha bhag bhavet