An Introduction to Ayurveda (Spring 2025)

Dr Aileen O’Kane

Ayurveda is the ancient system of healing which originated in India more than 3,000 years ago. It is rooted in the principle that spirit, mind and body are inextricably linked. According to Ayurveda, each of us has a unique psycho/physiological body type, our constitution, which determines our individual traits and tendencies.

Many factors, internal and external – our thoughts and emotions, our lifestyles and our diets, our relationships, the weather and the seasons etc. – create balance or imbalance in our constitutions leading to symptoms and disease.

Day 1

• We will study the background to the 3 basic Ayurvedic constitutions and you will begin to understand yours
• We will look at the effects of foods, environment and life experiences on mind and body and see how each constitution reacts differently
• You will be helped to recognise the symptoms that are created when each constitution becomes imbalanced and learn what you can do to balance your constitution

Day 2

• Ayurveda has taught for centuries that “All illness begins in the Gut”, a belief now backed by scientific research. You will gain an understanding of Agni (the digestive fire), the microbiome, the gut/brain axis, leaky gut etc. This will help you understand how dysfunction in the gut is the root cause of most modern inflammatory illnesses and we will address our need to optimise digestion and detoxification.
• Ayurveda and the Mind – we will look specifically at Mental and Spiritual 10 dispositions as related to our different Constitutional type

The knowledge of Ayurveda is profound but simple. It puts a system on knowledge you already have. It empowers you to make sound decisions for your health and well-being.

To get the full benefit it is necessary to do the 2 days.

When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use.
When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.

Dates:

Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th February

Time:

10.00am – 4.00pm (registration 9.15-9.55am)

Cost:

Your place with lunch is secured by a £20 booking fee. VSS subsidises the rest of the cost for participants who meet the criteria. The cost is £60 for those who do not qualify for VSS.

Note:

Prior booking is essential. Places will be offered on a first come first serve basis. Book your place by contacting reception on 028 8225 0024.