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The public at large has relied on the Internet for medical information for a relatively short time. Ayurveda, however, has been around for quite a bit longer -- more than 3,000 years.
Jaya Daptarda has been teaching and practicing Ayurveda since 1998. "I believe that what Ayurveda really does is to maintain the health of healthy people and to heal unhealthy persons," she says. Ayurveda is the traditional medicine of India. A Sanskrit word that translates into "the science of life and longevity," Ayurveda is an ancient Indian form of health and healing.
There has been a surge of interest in Ayurveda in the United States since Deepak Chopra, M.D., a renowned authority in the field of mind-body healing who combines Western and Eastern medicine, began to popularize it about 10 years ago.
A native of Northern India and a Norwalk resident for the past 10 years, Jaya has a masters degree in healthcare administration and management from California College, as well a degree in Ayurveda from Amarawati University in Maharashtra, India. In addition to her practice, Jaya also teaches weight loss seminars and runs training programs at Stamford Hospital, among other institutions.
Jaya says that according to Ayurvedic practice, good health is a balanced state of three biological humors (doshas), seven tissues (dhatus), three wastes (malas) and gastric fire (agni). These doshas combine with the clarity and balance of the senses, mind and spirit. When all these factors are balanced, it produces good health (swasth).
"What's great about Ayurveda is that it's a holistic approach to health. I don't prescribe anything: I suggest breathing, yoga and meditation techniques, as well as counseling clients about what to eat and what not to eat," she says.
"When a first client visits me, I have them fill out an in-depth questionnaire that determines their physical and emotional states. We will also have a full consultation that includes taking their height, weight, tongue, skin and hair-types so I can determine their 'biological balance,'" she says.
Although Ayurveda is relatively new to Western culture, its ancient roots and enduring popularity make it an appealing complement to a healthy lifestyle.
Fore more information about Jaya Daptardar and Ayurveda, visit her website or call her, at (203) 434-6802.
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