Ayurveda: the ancient art of caring for humans and animals

The origins of a sacred medicine

More than 5,000 years ago, in the Indus Valley, under the influence of the Rishis (Indian sages), Ayurveda was born, one of humanity's oldest medical systems. Much more than a science, Ayurveda was conceived as a universal way of life, rooted in a profound observation of Nature.

The earliest medical texts, the Vedas—and more specifically the Atharva Veda—recorded knowledge of healing, nutrition, herbal medicine, and energy. Over time, two major works structured Ayurvedic medicine:

• The Charaka Samhita (internal medicine)
• The Sushruta Samhita (surgery and body treatments)

In the Vedic era, human and animal medicine were one: animals were considered to carry the same vital breath (Prana) as humans. Thus, from its very beginnings, Ayurveda developed as a comprehensive system of life.

1. The philosophical foundations of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is based on a few universal principles:

a) The Five Elements (Panchamahabhuta)

• Ether (Akasha): space
• Air (Vayu): movement
• Fire (Agni): transformation
• Water (Jala): fluidity
• Earth (Prithvi): structure

Every living organism is a unique mixture of these elements.

b) The Three Doshas

The elements combine to form three fundamental forces that govern health:

• Vata (Air + Ether): movement, communication, nervous system.
• Pitta (Fire + Water): metabolism, digestion, intelligence.
• Kapha (Water + Earth): structure, immunity, stability.

Every human being and animal has a unique constitution (Prakriti), a particular combination of these Doshas. The goal of Ayurveda is to maintain or restore their balance.

2. Application of Ayurveda in Humans

a) Diagnosis

Diagnosis in Ayurveda is a subtle art combining:

• Observation (roge pariksha): skin, tongue, eyes, pulse.
• Questioning (prashna): habits, diet, sleep, emotions.
• Touch (sparsha): taking the Ayurvedic pulse (Nadi Pariksha).

The practitioner seeks to understand the origin of the imbalance, rather than just treating the symptoms.

b) Care techniques

The therapeutic approach is multidimensional:

• Phytotherapy: use of thousands of medicinal plants such as ashwagandha (adaptogen), triphala (digestion), or guduchi (immunity).
• Conscious eating (Ahara): diets specific to each Dosha.

Therapeutic massages:

• Abhyanga (full body massage with hot oil)
• Shirodhara (warm oil poured over the forehead to soothe the mind)
• Panchakarma: a deep process of purifying the body in 5 stages (therapeutic vomiting, purgation, enema, gentle bloodletting, nasal instillation).
• Yoga and Pranayama (breathing): harmonization of body and mind.

Everything is personalized according to the person's profile.

3. Application of Ayurveda in Animals

a) Ayurvedic animal diagnosis

Ayurveda considers the animal as a being sensitive to the same natural laws as humans.

Animal diagnosis is based on:

• Behavioral observation: hyperactivity, apathy, nervousness.
• Physical analysis: coat, eyes, body odor, appetite, digestion.
• Emotional behavior: anxiety, aggression, withdrawal.

Each animal also has a constitution dominated by a Dosha:

• Vata type dogs are nervous and light-hearted.
• Pitta type cats are lively and dominant.
• Kapha horses are stable but prone to heaviness.

b) Veterinary Ayurvedic treatments

Pet care includes:

Phytotherapy :

• Neem for skin conditions,
• Ashwagandha for vitality and recovery,
• Triphala to support digestion.

Suitable diet:

• Rich vegetarian diets for Kapha animals.
• Small, light, warm meals for Vata animals.

Massages with vegetable oils:

• Sesame oil for nervous disorders (Vata).
• Coconut oil to calm inflammation (Pitta).

Energy therapies: gentle sounds, burning herbs (such as Indian sage).

Animal care in Ayurveda aims to strengthen the life force, rather than "fight" disease.

4. The global impact of Ayurveda today

Far from being a frozen tradition, Ayurveda is experiencing a real revival:

• Ayurvedic treatment centers worldwide.
• Scientific research confirms the effectiveness of plants such as turmeric and neem.
• Development of veterinary Ayurvedic medicine, with dedicated clinics in Europe and the United States.

Men and animals together rediscover a preventive, gentle medicine that respects living things.

Conclusion: Ayurveda, the science of harmony

At a time when modern societies are rediscovering the wisdom of the ancients, Ayurveda offers a powerful path: returning to listening to the rhythms of nature, restoring inner balance, and caring for the living in its entirety.

For humans as well as animals, Ayurveda is not only a therapeutic system:

It is a philosophy of health, a love song to life.

Ayurveda: Care of the Body, the Soul and the Living

1. Ayurvedic Massage: Ancestral Healing Rituals

1.1 Honey Massage (Madhu Abhyanga)

Origins :

In Ayurveda, honey is considered a "nectar of life": it is nourishing, purifying, and warming. Used in massage, it stimulates blood circulation, unclogs tissues, and removes toxins.

Benefits :

• Deep detoxification (dislodges toxins anchored under the skin).
• Activation of cellular metabolism.
• Skin lightening (thanks to natural enzymes in honey).
• Stimulation of the lymphatic system.

Application :

Honey is applied in a thin layer on the back, thighs and stomach.

The practitioner uses quick, firm movements to create a natural "suction cup" effect.

Then the body is wrapped and warmed.

In the vibrant world of Ayurveda, where every gesture is an offering to the body and soul, the honey massage stands out as a rare and precious ritual.

It is not a simple treatment: it is an intimate dance between nature and the skin, a secret dialogue between the sweetness of honey and the memories buried in the tissues.

We begin by warming the honey slowly, with the same delicacy we would use to awaken a dormant perfume. Golden, alive, the honey becomes fluid, ready to glide like a warm stream over the body's earth.

The practitioner, attentive and centered, then places the honey drop by drop onto the bare skin. From the first contact, a beneficial warmth spreads, as if the entire body were remembering its ancestral connection with the Earth.

The expert hands then draw large circles, inviting stagnant energies to be released, awakening dormant circulation, relieving invisible heaviness.

Little by little, under the effect of rhythmic and precise movements, the honey changes texture. It becomes denser, more sticky – a silent witness to the impurities it draws from the depths of the body.

The palms adhere and then lift in a gentle, repeated breath, creating a subtle suction effect that stimulates deep tissues, drains lymph, and releases deep-rooted tension.

This massage is a ritual of transformation: under the patient gestures, the skin breathes again, the pores open like buds in spring, the soul itself seems lighter.

When the time comes to wipe off the honey – with warm, fragrant cloths – it is like removing an old coat of fatigue and shadows.

The skin, satiny, exudes light. The body, purified, regains supple vigor and a former radiance.

And in the silence that follows the treatment, something within oneself – tiny and precious – is reborn, vibrating gently to the rhythm of Life rediscovered.

Use in animals:

Very rarely used alone, but sometimes mixed with vegetable oils to massage horses' hooves or treat minor injuries (antiseptic honey).

1.2 Herbal Pouch Massage (Pinda Sweda / Kizhi)

Origins :

Used in India and Sri Lanka, pouch massage combines heat, medicinal herbs, and gentle pressure to restore balance to the body.

Types of pouches:

• Navarakizhi: a pouch of medicinal rice cooked with milk and nourishing herbs.
• Elakizhi: a bag of medicinal leaves heated with oil.
• Jambira Pinda Sweda: heated lemon pouch, to treat muscle pain and inflammation.

Benefits :

• Relief from joint and muscle pain.
• Improved traffic flow.
• Nervous relaxation.
• Elimination of excess Kapha (weight, humidity).

At the heart of Ayurvedic tradition, herbal pouch massage – or Pinda Sweda – is an ancient art, a ritual where heat and plants combine their breath to untie the body and mind.

It all begins with the careful preparation of the pouches. Precious cotton fabrics contain sacred herbs: ginger, turmeric, neem, lemongrass, holy basil… Each plant is chosen for its specific virtues: soothing, draining, warming, healing.

The pouches are heated with steam, gradually releasing their intoxicating aromas, their essential oils, their invisible forces.

When the pouches brush against the skin, it is a warm caress, a promise of relief.

The practitioner, in a choreographed gesture, taps them, presses them, slides them in circular or linear movements, following the secret geography of tensions.

The heat penetrates, opens the pores, and causes the body to gently exude its toxins. The muscles, previously tense, surrender into a deep relaxation.

The scent of herbs, carried by the warmth, envelops the mind and invites an inner journey. Pain dissolves like salt in warm water.

Each application of the pouch is like an embrace, a plant blessing that nourishes the skin, soothes the nerves, and balances the Doshas.

When the treatment comes to an end, the entire body seems bathed in a soft inner light. The old fatigue has disappeared, replaced by a feeling of renewal and quiet strength.

And in this vibrant silence, body, soul, and Earth seem to speak with one voice – that of deep healing.

Use in animals:

Suitable for horses, dogs, stressed or injured animals (small warm sachets applied to painful joints).

2. Ayurveda and Pregnancy: The Sacred Journey of Women, From Conception to Postpartum.

In the vision of Ayurveda, pregnancy is seen as one of the greatest blessings of human life:

the passage where the woman becomes the creator of life, a sacred vessel where consciousness materializes.

This process is accompanied with deep respect, infinite care, and a keen awareness that everything the mother experiences – her body, her mind, her soul – weaves the imprint of the future being.

The support takes place in three main stages:

before conception, during pregnancy, and after childbirth – each a ritual in itself.

The pregnant woman is considered doubly sacred in Ayurveda, because she carries life.

Each stage (before, during, after) has its specific rituals.

2.1 Before Pregnancy (Pre-Conception), Inner Preparation (Garbhadhana Samskara)

Objective : to purify the body and mind.

Proposed rituals:

• Light Panchakarma cure (gentle purification).
• Vegetarian diets rich in Prana.
• Meditation practices, gentle yoga (especially breathing exercises).
• Consumption of fertilizing plants (Shatavari, Ashwagandha).

Recommended diet:

• Cooked vegetables, whole grains, ghee (clarified butter).
• Avoid heavy, fermented, aggressive foods (chili, coffee).

Ayurveda teaches that a child's health depends on four fundamental elements:

• The purity of sperm and egg (Shukra and Artava),
• Uterine health,
• The health of the mother's and father's body,
• The mental and spiritual state of the future parents.

Even before conception, the woman is invited to purify her body and strengthen her vital energies.

This preparation ideally lasts 3 to 6 months and is based on:

• A gentle purification cure (mini Panchakarma): massages with medicinal oil (Abhyanga), sweating (Swedana), gentle enemas (Basti) to eliminate toxins (Ama).
• Tonifying medicinal plants such as Shatavari (nourishes female fertility) and Ashwagandha (balances the mind and energy).
• A sattvic diet: natural, fresh, organic, promoting clarity and vitality.
• Refocusing rituals: meditation, recitation of mantras, visualizations of the future soul that will come.

> It is a sacred time when the soil is prepared before sowing the seed, ensuring that it is rich, stable and nourishing.

2.2 During pregnancy, the weaving of the inner world

Objective : to nourish, soothe, protect.

Care :

• Daily Abhyanga massage with warm sesame or sweet almond oil.
• Light Shirodhara from the 6th month to calm the mind.
• Rest, conscious breathing.

Recommended diet:

• Light and nutritious meals: basmati rice, hot milk with mild spices (cardamom, saffron).
• Sweet fruits, root vegetables.
• Natural supplements: amalaki (vitamin C), shatavari (fortification).

Avoid :

Heavy foods (fermented cheeses, excess meat).

Overstimulation (screens, aggressive sounds).

Each month of pregnancy is a world unto itself.

Ayurveda describes in detail the development of the fetus and offers appropriate care to support both mother and child.

The basic principles are:

• Nourish without weighing down,
• Soothe Vata (element of movement that naturally intensifies with the baby's growth),
• Support Ojas (the essence of vitality, deep immune strength).

Recommended care during pregnancy:

Gentle warm oil massages: Abhyanga with oils like Bala Taila or Dhanvantaram Taila, to relax muscles, prevent stretch marks, support the nervous system.

Warm herbal pouches: to relieve lower back or joint tension without overheating.

Specific diet :

• First trimester: favor mild and hydrating flavors to support implantation.
• Second trimester: Strengthen growth with rich and nutritious foods (milk, ghee, rice, almonds).
• Third trimester: promote flexibility and strength to prepare for childbirth (tonic plants, soups, broths).

Energy rituals:

• Chant mantras of peace and blessing (Garbha Sanskara).
• Listen to soft music to raise the vibration of the uterine space.
• Conscious breathing practices (adapted Pranayama).

> During pregnancy, emotion is also a food: joy, peace, love are the most precious nutrients that the mother can offer to her child.

2.3 After Childbirth (Postpartum), The Time of Rebirth (Sutika Kala)

Goal : Restore tissues, calm aggravated Vata.

Care :

• Daily hot oil massage (minimum 40 days).
• Warm herbal bath.
• Restorative food (broths, khichdi — spiced rice/lentils).

Recommended diet:

Warm, easy to digest food.

Ghee, carminative spices (cumin, fennel, sweet ginger).

Avoid anything that cools the body (raw vegetables, cold yogurt).

Ayurveda considers the first 42 days after childbirth as a unique window of healing and reconstruction.

It is a time when the body is still open, fragile, malleable – like fresh clay – and when it can be deeply restored.

Main goals after delivery:

• Seal energy (close open spaces),
• Rebalance Vata, which often becomes excessive after the stress of birth,
• Support lactation and restore vital force.

Traditional rituals and treatments

Daily postnatal massages:

• Rich warm oils (such as Bala Ashwagandha Taila) applied all over the body, focusing on the pelvis, stomach, legs.
• Tight draping (bandhane): the pelvis is wrapped with fabric to support the bones and bring the organs into place.

Restorative food:

Hot, light and nutritious dishes: kitchari, ghee soups, digestive spices (ginger, fennel, cumin).

Natural galactogenic plants (shatavari, fenugreek).

Sacred Rest:

The mother is encouraged to lie down, warm, surrounded by attention, away from noise and outside obligations.

> During this period, we do not only treat the body:

we honor the woman who has become a mother, we cradle her as we cradle our newborn.

Importance :

Ayurvedic postpartum care is seen as fundamental: poor recovery can affect a woman's health throughout her life.

Ayurvedic Maternity Care Program

– Nourish, accompany and enhance the journey of life –

1. Before pregnancy (preconception) – Duration: 1 to 3 months

Objective : to purify, strengthen, balance to prepare the body and mind to welcome life.

Treatment 1 : Gentle Detox Treatment (Mini Panchakarma)

Abhyanga: full body massage with warm detoxifying oil (Triphala, Neem).

Swedana: steam bath with purifying herbs.

Application of hot packs on the lower back and stomach (ginger, lemongrass).

Duration: 90 minutes.

Frequency: 1 time per week for 3 weeks.

Treatment 2 : Fertility Toning

Targeted stomach/pelvis massage with Shatavari oil.

Marma points of the reproductive system gently stimulated.

Guided breathing (pranayama) post-massage.

Duration: 60 minutes.

Frequency: 1 time per week after detox.

Accompaniment:

Fertility herbal teas (shatavari, fenugreek).

Sattvic food (fresh, organic, rich in prana).

Personalized advice on Ayurvedic lifestyle.

2. During pregnancy – 9 months of sacred support

Objective : to soothe Vata, nourish the body, promote emotional serenity.

Treatment 1 : Nourishing pregnancy massage (Abhyanga special maternity)

Very gentle massage, adapted to each trimester.

Oils: Dhanvantaram Taila, coconut oil or sweet almond oil enriched with shatavari.

Enveloping, calm, maternal movements.

Priority areas: back, legs, stomach (from the 4th month), neck, arms.

Duration: 75 minutes.

Frequency: 1 time every 2 weeks from the 1st to the 6th month,

Then once a week from the 7th to the 9th month.

Treatment 2 : Treatment for light legs and lower back pain

Application of warm sachets with decongestant herbs (fennel, basil, coriander).

Gentle leg drainage and lower back massage.

Duration: 45 minutes.

Frequency: alternating with classic Abhyanga if necessary.

Treatment 3 : Mother-Baby Connection Circle (optional)

Guided meditation / mantra chanting for mom and baby.

Light energetic massage around the heart and uterus.

Duration: 60 minutes.

Accompaniment:

Dietary advice according to the lunar months of pregnancy.

Safe plant recommendations (under supervision).

3. After Pregnancy – “The 42 Golden Days”

Goal : Repair tissues, seal energy, restore hormonal and emotional balance.

Treatment 1 : Restorative Postnatal Massage (Sutika Abhyanga)

Full body massage with warm oil (castor oil, Bala Ashwagandha Taila).

Specific work on the pelvis and stomach.

Light pelvic bandage (optional according to the mother's wishes).

Duration: 90 minutes.

Frequency: ideally 3 times a week for 3 weeks, then 1 time a week until 6 weeks postpartum.

Treatment 2 : Special recovery stomach and pelvis treatment

Targeted abdominal massage to tone the uterus and promote a return to hormonal balance.

Warm belly wrap after massage.

Duration: 45 minutes.

Frequency: 1 to 2 times per week.

Treatment 3 : Energy renewal ritual

Head, heart and foot massage to reharmonize vital energy.

Light energy work on emotional refocusing Marmas.

Duration: 60 minutes.

Accompaniment:

Postpartum herbs (shatavari, ashwagandha, natural galactogens).

Advice on restorative nutrition (broths, ghee, kitchari).

Sacred rest supported by gentle routines (breathing, self-massages, home care if possible).

Program summary:

Note: Each treatment must be adapted according to:

The mother's dominant Dosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha),

His emotional needs of the moment,

The evolution of pregnancy and postpartum.

Important :

Care must be validated by medical monitoring in the event of a high-risk pregnancy.

Certain techniques are adjusted or contraindicated in the first trimester.

3. Diets according to Doshas (Humans and Animals)

3.1 For Humans

Ayurvedic Diet: Eating to Nourish the Soul and Balance the Doshas

In Ayurveda, every bite is a sacred act. Food serves not only to nourish the flesh, but to maintain the inner light, to harmonize the invisible energy flows that animate the body and mind.

In Ayurveda, eating means listening to your inner self: choosing foods based on your nature (Prakriti), any imbalances, the seasons, and the time of life.

Each Dosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) requires particular attention to what we ingest, to the way we prepare our meals, to the intention we place on them.

Vata: Soothing Air and Ether

When Vata dominates, the body and mind become like the wind: changeable, scattered, cold, sometimes even brittle.

Food must then provide warmth, softness, stability.

Dishes should be warm and moist. A slow-cooked red lentil stew in a broth flavored with sweet ginger, a bowl of carrot soup topped with melting ghee, or a plate of fluffy basmati rice with tender vegetables will be wonderful allies.

In the morning, a warm porridge with sweet spices (cinnamon, cardamom) and rehydrated dried fruit anchors the mind for the day. Snacks are soft: fresh dates, ripe bananas, soaked nuts.

Vata avoids cold, dry, hard foods: raw salads, dry biscuits, ice cream.

Its balance depends on warmth, softness, and precious vegetable oil in each meal.

Pitta: Refreshing the Inner Fire

When Pitta fire burns excessively, it inflames the mind with irritability, the body with digestive disturbances, and the skin with inflammation.

It is then necessary to refresh, soften, soothe.

Food becomes a fountain of freshness. Warm basmati rice with a mild green vegetable curry (zucchini, green beans, fennel), a mild yogurt whipped with fresh mint, or a bowl of sweet fruits like watermelon, pears, or grapes can calm the inner furnace.

In the morning, we prefer a light meal: a warm pear and almond smoothie, or a slightly warmed fruit soup so as not to upset digestion.

Pitta avoids heating foods: chili peppers, raw garlic, hot onions, alcohol, and anything that exacerbates the body's natural heat.

Kapha: Energizing Water and Earth

When Kapha becomes heavy, it settles like a mist in the body and mind: slowness, stagnation, melancholy can then occur.

It is then necessary to lighten, dry out, energize.

Diet becomes light, vibrant, and stimulating. A bowl of green vegetable soup seasoned with dried ginger, a warm quinoa salad flavored with lemon and black pepper, or a sauté of vibrant vegetables without excess fat will be Kapha's companions.

When you wake up, it is better to drink a hot infusion of ginger and lemon, rather than a heavy or sugary breakfast.

Kapha should be wary of heavy, cooling foods: creams, cheeses, fatty pastries, and fried foods slow down its already fragile digestive fire.

The Seasons and Natural Adjustments

Nature also influences our Doshas.

In winter, dry, cold air aggravates Vata: you need to eat warmer, more nourishing foods.

In summer, intense heat arouses Pitta: you should favor coolness and gentleness.

In spring, the ambient humidity weighs down Kapha: meals need to be lightened and energized.

Eating according to Ayurveda means dancing with the seasons, adapting the quality of the food and its preparation to the ambient energy of the moment.

The Meal Ritual: More than just an act

Finally, how we eat matters as much as what we eat.

In Ayurveda, the meal is a sacred moment:

• Take a few breaths before you begin.
• Eat in peace, without mental agitation.
• Chew slowly, savoring the texture, the warmth, the aroma.
• Finish when mild satiety appears, without overloading the stomach.

Each meal then becomes an offering made to one's own digestive fire (Agni), and to the precious balance of life.

3.2 Feeding animals according to Ayurveda: listening to their deep nature

Ayurveda considers animals as beings animated by the same vital breath as humans, shaped by the universal elements: Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth.

Thus, dogs, cats, horses, like all living beings, have a unique constitution, where one or more Doshas predominate: Vata, Pitta or Kapha.

Respecting their inner nature, offering them food that balances their own energy, is a way of honoring their physical health, but also their emotional and spiritual well-being.

Vata in animals: the energy of movement

A Vata animal is light, nervous, agile.

We recognize him by his sometimes unstable liveliness: he runs everywhere, gets agitated easily, can be a light sleeper, his fur is sometimes dry, his joints are sensitive.

When he is unbalanced, he becomes anxious, chilly, distracted, and his appetite is irregular.

To nourish Vata, one must provide warmth, smoothness and regularity.

Meals will be warm, always freshly prepared.

We will favor foods that are easy to digest and nutritious: well-cooked rice, steamed carrots, mashed sweet potato, a little pure sesame oil.

Gentle proteins like light poultry, or for vegetarian dogs, well-cooked lentils enriched with ghee, will help ground their fickle energy.

Avoid dry industrial kibble, cold food, and raw leftovers: they aggravate their natural tendency to dryness and instability.

A Vata dog, fed with warmth and love, thus regains calm, solidity, and harmonious digestion.

Pitta in animals: the force of fire

A Pitta animal is often robust, lively, intelligent, and sometimes dominant.

His gaze is piercing, his energy lively, his body muscular. But when his inner fire runs wild, he can suffer from inflammation, skin irritations, digestive disorders, and his temper becomes more irritable.

To nourish Pitta, you must bring freshness, softness and calm.

Meals should be lightly refreshed, without excess heavy protein.

We will favor tender green vegetables (green beans, zucchini), white rice cooked with a drizzle of coconut oil, and soft fruits like grated apple or lightly cooked pear.

Lean white meat is preferable to red meat; and for vegetarians, light legumes like mung dal are excellent, seasoned with fresh coriander to calm the digestive fire.

Excessive consumption of fatty, spicy, or acidic foods (such as vinegar or certain human remains) should be strictly avoided, as they exacerbate their inner fire.

Thus nourished, a Pitta animal finds serenity, mental clarity and a calmed metabolism.

Kapha in animals: the stability of water and earth

A Kapha animal is an embodiment of gentleness and stability.

His body is robust, sometimes heavy; his temperament calm, affectionate, patient.

However, in excess, Kapha becomes lethargic, prone to weight gain, respiratory and digestive congestion.

To nourish Kapha, you must stimulate, lighten, dry.

Meals should be light, vibrant and slightly spicy.

We will choose steamed vegetables (spinach, broccoli), warm quinoa, easily digestible legumes, a little grated ginger added to the meal to activate the digestive fire.

Lean meat is allowed in moderation, but always cooked without excess fat.

For these animals, it is important to limit dairy products, sugary foods, heavy grains like wheat, and cold meals as much as possible.

Light infusions of warm ginger (a few drops added to water) can also support the digestion of Kapha dogs and horses.

A Kapha nourished in this way regains its inner liveliness, its capacity for adaptation, and its natural joy.

Adapt food according to the seasons

Just as with humans, the rhythm of the seasons has a profound influence on animals.

In winter, when cold and dryness prevail, all animals, especially Vata, benefit from warm, oily meals.

In summer, Pitta demands cooler, more hydrating meals.

In spring, it is important for Kapha to eat a light diet to prevent spring congestion.

To respect this seasonal dance is to respect the very nature of life.

More than food: a sacred bond

In Ayurveda, feeding an animal is not just about filling a bowl.

It is a moment of sacred connection, a silent dialogue of love and care.

Preparing your meals with care, choosing ingredients according to your deep nature, ensuring freshness, textures and suitable flavours, is strengthening your Prana, your vitality, and building a relationship with it based on respect for Life itself.

Ayurvedic menus and recipes for animal well-being

Conscious Eating: A Daily Art

Feeding an animal in Ayurveda means composing each meal as one would compose an offering: respecting its own energy, listening to the subtle needs of its body, and infusing love and presence into each preparation.

Here are some examples of daily menus, adapted to each constitution :

For an animal with a Vata constitution (light, nervous)

Objective : To nourish, warm, stabilize.

Breakfast (or first ration)

• Very well cooked basmati rice, mixed with a small spoonful of warm sesame oil.
• A few pieces of steamed, mashed sweet potato.
• A spoonful of ripe banana puree for dessert.

Lunch (or main ration)

• Homemade broth made from carrots, zucchini, sweet fennel.
• Well-cooked chicken breast or red lentils for protein.
• A drizzle of ghee added just before serving.

Light dinner

Small portion of rice and stewed squash.

Warm infusion of chamomile or fennel in drinking water (a few drops).

Vata Tip: Always warm, never cold. Introduce natural mild and slightly sweet flavors.

For an animal of Pitta constitution (strong, fast)

Objective : Refresh, soothe, hydrate.

Breakfast

• Warm basmati rice with a spoonful of mild coconut oil.
• Lightly poached diced pears or apples.

Lunch

• Steamed zucchini with rice.
• Small fillet of boiled white fish (e.g. pollock) or crumbled soft tofu.
• Chopped fresh coriander on top.

Light dinner

• Warm cucumber and fennel soup.
• A dash of natural rose water added to drinking water.

Pitta Tip: Absolutely avoid spicy human leftovers or foods cooked in strong fats.

For an animal with a Kapha constitution (heavy, slow)

Objective : To stimulate, lighten, dry.

Breakfast

• No heavy meals: simple warm herbal tea of ​​ginger and lemon in water.

Lunch

• Warm quinoa with green vegetables quickly sautéed in olive oil (spinach, broccoli).
• Small pieces of turkey or mung beans.

Light dinner

• Clear broth flavored with turmeric and dried ginger.
• Little rice, more light vegetables.

Kapha Tip: Ban heavy products (yogurts, cheeses), and favor light, low-fat textures.

Ayurvedic Homemade Recipes for Pets

"Prana" Revitalizing Broth for Dogs and Horses Vata

Ingredients :

1 liter of pure water

2 carrots cut into thin slices

1 zucchini

1 handful of sweet fennel

1 small cinnamon stick

1 spoon of ghee

1 pinch of mild turmeric

Preparation :

Simmer over low heat for 1 hour. Add the ghee at the end. Serve warm, alone or mixed with rice.

Soothing meal for sensitive Pitta dogs

Ingredients :

Cooked white basmati rice

Finely grated cucumber

A few fresh mint leaves

A spoonful of coconut oil

Preparation :

Mix gently. Serve slightly warm.

Detoxifying Soup for Heavy Kapha Animals

Ingredients :

1 liter of water

1 handful of fresh spinach

1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger

A few drops of organic lemon

Preparation :

Bake for 20 minutes. Serve warm and very light.

Practical Tips to Boost Immunity Naturally

• Suitable infusions: a little fennel, tulsi (holy basil) or chamomile tea added to drinking water.
• Small seasonal cures: a spoonful of royal jelly in spring for older dogs; ground coriander seeds to stimulate digestion.
• Medicinal oils: gentle massages with warm sesame or sweet almond oils to support aging joints.
• Adapted exercises: gentle physical activity every day to avoid Kapha stagnation.

The Ayurvedic Philosophy of Animal Care

Feeding, massaging, and watching over the natural rhythms of one's companions is not a constraint in Ayurveda: it is a ritual of gratitude towards Life.

By caring for their physical bodies, respecting their subtle energy, we strengthen not only their longevity, but also their spiritual connection with us.

Ayurvedic medicinal oils for animal care

In the Ayurvedic tradition, oil is considered a living medicine: it nourishes, protects, regenerates.

Applied to the skin, absorbed by the subtle tissues (Dhatus), it soothes the Doshas, ​​supports immunity and heals deeply.

For animals, as for humans, the use of plant-infused oils is an often forgotten ancestral treasure.

Why use oils in animal care?

• Nourish the skin, especially when dry or aging (very useful for older horses and dogs).
• Relax the nervous system (ideal for anxious or stressed animals, especially sensitive dogs).
• Relieve muscle and joint pain (for example after intense physical activity).
• Promote the elimination of toxins through the skin.
• Strengthen the immune system by stimulating the circulation of Prana.

Basics of a Homemade Medicinal Oil

The basis of any Ayurvedic oil is:

A pure vegetable oil (organic sesame, virgin coconut, sweet almond, sometimes jojoba).

Medicinal plants adapted to the animal's Dosha.

A long and patient infusion time, in a bain-marie, so that the plant transmits its vitality to the oil.

Oils adapted according to animal Doshas

For Vata animals (anxious, nervous, sensitive joints)

Base: warm sesame oil.

Infused plants: chamomile, tulsi (holy basil), ashwagandha.

Use: gentle full massage of the back, paws, ears (areas where Vata often attaches).

Sesame, dense and warming, grounds and soothes Vata's natural dryness.

For Pitta animals (lively, prone to inflammation)

Base: virgin coconut oil.

Infused plants: rose petals, fresh aloe vera, coriander.

Use: light massage of the back, stomach, legs after exposure to the sun or during periods of stress.

Coconut, cold and softening, calms the burning fire of Pitta.

For Kapha animals (heavy, congested)

Base: sweet mustard oil (or sometimes castor oil, very slightly heated).

Infused plants: dried ginger, cinnamon, cloves.

Use: vigorous friction on the legs, back, neck to energize Kapha.

Mustard, spicy and warming, stimulates circulation and dislodges Kapha stagnation.

Homemade Ayurvedic Oil

1. Gently heat 100 ml of vegetable oil in a bain-marie.

2. Add 2 tablespoons of suitable dried herbs.

3. Let it infuse for 1 hour over very low heat, stirring regularly.

4. Filter carefully.

5. Store the oil in a dark glass bottle, away from light.

This oil can be stored for approximately 1 month at room temperature.

Small care rituals with oil

• Before a massage, always warm the oil slightly in the palm of your hands.
• Perform gentle circular motions on the large joints.
• Extend to the extremities (legs, ears, tail) with long, soothing strokes.
• Speak softly or remain silent, to create a calming energy field around the animal.
• After the massage, allow the oil to penetrate for 15-20 minutes before cleaning lightly with lukewarm water if necessary.

Oil massage is not just a physical treatment: it establishes a silent soul-to-soul dialogue between the caregiver and the animal.

Natural precautions

• Always test a small drop of oil first to check for any skin reaction.
• Do not massage animals with open wounds or serious skin lesions (consult a veterinarian in this case).
• Avoid pure, undiluted essential oils: they are too powerful for sensitive animals.

Oil: a bond of love and care

In the Ayurvedic tradition, oiling the body is a sacred act that protects the living against the assaults of time and imbalance.

Giving your partner an oil massage is much more than just caring:

It is strengthening one's bond of love, stabilizing one's subtle energy, and inviting healing in its entirety.

Ayurvedic Emotional Rituals to Calm Stressed Animals

The Art of Soothing the Animal Soul: Ayurvedic Rituals for Calm and Confidence

In the vision of Ayurveda, body and mind are inseparable, in humans as in animals.

A stressed, anxious, agitated animal is not simply "difficult": it is suffering internally, its Prana is disturbed, its Doshas are out of balance.

Ayurveda then teaches us the art of soothing gently, without forcing, without dominating, but by bringing the energy of the living back to harmony.

Here's how to establish real emotional care rituals for animals.

1. Create a vibrational space of peace

Even before physically intervening, the environment must be prepared.

The vibration of space powerfully influences the inner state of the animal.

A few simple actions:

• Air out the space for a few minutes to renew the energy.
• Place a few white or natural candles (no chemical fragrances).
• Light a mild natural incense: copal resin, sandalwood powder, or a few dried tulsi leaves.
• Play mantra music or natural sounds (flowing water, light breeze, birds) at very low intensity.

The light must be dimmed and silence respected.

Thus prepared, the space becomes a vibratory cocoon, conducive to the natural calming of the nervous system.

2. Use calming plants

Certain plants, used with respect, accompany emotional stabilization.

• Tulsi (Holy Basil): Soothes anxiety, protects the energy of the heart.
• Chamomile: Soothes the mind and facilitates natural sleep.
• Lavender: calms mental and physical agitations.
• The Rose: deep emotional balance, opening of the heart.

You can prepare light infusions (chamomile, tulsi) and add a few drops to the animal's drinking water (no more than a few milliliters, as their organism is sensitive).

Or lightly soak a clean cloth with the cooled infusion and place it in its resting space.

3. Conscious touch: emotional massages

Ayurvedic massage is not only physical:

It is an energetic dialogue.

Recommended actions:

• First, place your hands on your own heart for a few moments to center yourself.
• Approach the animal slowly, gently, without sudden movements.
• Start with long, light strokes on the back, in the direction of the hair growth.
• Then gently massage the large joints (shoulders, hips) with slow circular movements.
• Finish with gentle pressure on the top of the skull (Sahasrara energy center) and the base of the tail (Muladhara).
• The massage oil should be warm, enriched with chamomile or rose to enhance relaxation.

4. Shared breathing techniques

The animal is very sensitive to the breathing rhythm of its human.

Breathing slowly and deeply during treatment naturally influences your heart rate.

Little simple ritual:

• Inhale slowly through your nose while counting to 4.
• Exhale slowly through your mouth while counting to 6.
• Repeat gently, without forcing, placing a light hand on his back.

Within minutes, the animal's heart rate slows down and its agitation dissipates.

5. Vocal accompaniment

Speaking softly, murmuring long, reassuring sounds, or even chanting very simple mantras (like "Om Shanti," which means "peace") helps the animal reconnect to a calming inner frequency.

It is not about giving orders or injunctions, but about emitting a stable, constant, protective vibration.

Conclusion: Offering a path back to serenity

Calming an animal is not a performance, nor is it training:

It is a sacred act of presence and love.

It is offering a path back to one's deep nature, to that living calm which is inscribed in the heart of each being.

Through the prepared space, the calming plants, the conscious massage, the shared breathing and the soft voice, we can awaken in our companions the memory of a harmonious world, a world where they are seen, heard, respected in their entirety.

Caring for Animals Through the Seasons: Ayurvedic Rituals and Practices

In the Ayurvedic worldview, seasons are not mere divisions of the calendar: they are waves of energy, living movements that powerfully influence the Doshas in every being.

Just like humans, animals are intimately connected to natural cycles: they feel the rising humidity of spring, the burning heat of summer, the dryness of autumn, the heaviness of winter.

Adapting your care to the rhythm of the seasons means dancing with nature, offering the animal a protective cocoon that strengthens its vitality and prevents future imbalances.

Spring: lighten and purify

In spring, the earth warms up and releases its moisture, increasing the influence of Kapha (heaviness, dampness, stagnation).

Animals, especially Kapha by nature, may then suffer from congestion, sluggishness, weight gain or minor respiratory problems.

Spring rituals:

• Introduce lightly cooked green vegetables (spinach, young shoots, asparagus) into the diet.
• Reduce heavy fats (cheeses, excess meat).
• Add a pinch of dry ginger to their meals to awaken Agni, the digestive fire.
• Encourage light exercise outdoors in the cool hours of the morning.
• More invigorating massages with energizing oils (sweet mustard, infused ginger).

Seasonal Ayurvedic Infusion:

A few tulsi leaves infused warm in their drinking water.

Summer: Refresh and hydrate

Summer is dominated by the burning energy of Pitta.

External heat fuels internal fire, which can lead to:

Hustle,

Skin irritations,

Digestive disorders.

Summer rituals:

• Offer fresher, lighter meals: warm rice, tender green vegetables, hydrating fruits (melon, pear).
• Introduce refreshing herbs into your treatments: coriander, sweet mint.
• Massage gently with warm coconut oil.
• Provide a quiet, temperate shaded area for their rest.
• Limit physical exercise to the cool hours of the morning or evening.

Seasonal Ayurvedic Infusion:

Water lightly infused with rose petals to soothe Pitta.

Autumn: Anchor and Humidify

Autumn, ruled by Vata, is dry, cold, and changeable.

Sensitive animals (especially Vata) may become anxious, emaciated, and unstable.

Autumn Rituals:

• Offer hot, nourishing and creamy dishes: root vegetable broths, ghee rice, steamed sweet potatoes.
• Encourage daily massages with warm sesame oil.
• Warm their living space without excessive ventilation.
• Reduce long outings in windy weather.
• Increase food rations slightly to support their energy.

Seasonal Ayurvedic Infusion:

Warm chamomile tea to calm Vata.

Winter: Strengthen and Protect

Winter is a time of natural rest, ruled again by Kapha, but with an influence of Vata if the cold is dry.

Animals may become lethargic, or conversely, suffer from excessive dryness.

Winter rituals:

• Consistent but easily digestible diet: hot soups, whole grains, root vegetables.
• Regular massages with warm, nourishing oils: sesame enriched with shatavari.
• Moments of rest in the warmth, away from drafts.
• Moderate exercises to avoid numbness without straining.
• Enrich drinking water with a few drops of warm fennel infusion.

Seasonal Ayurvedic Infusion:

Fennel and sweet ginger to support winter digestion.

Respect natural cycles to honor life

Accompanying an animal according to the seasons means offering it a fluid path through the movements of the world.

It is understanding that care is alive, that nothing is fixed, that each spring, each autumn, calls for new gestures, renewed listening.

And in this dance, we also learn to respect our own rhythms, to synchronize ourselves, too, with the great breathing of the Earth.

In summary, Ayurveda is a path of harmony between Man, Animal and Nature.

Through this journey to the heart of Ayurveda, we have rediscovered an ancestral, gentle and powerful medicine, capable of supporting the living in all its dimensions: physical, emotional, energetic.

We have seen that every being, whether human or animal, carries within them the imprint of the elements—Ether, Air, Fire, Water, Earth—and that nourishing one's inner balance means honoring the sacred dance of life.

We explored:

• Diet adapted to Doshas, ​​seasonal care rituals,
• The art of massages with honey, precious oils, herbal pouches,
• Gestures of tenderness that soothe, strengthen and heal,
• The importance of respecting natural cycles, throughout the seasons, throughout the ages.

To heal in this way is to weave invisible links between the soul, the body and the entire universe.

This path is not just theoretical knowledge.

It is a living path, made of listening, respect, presence.

And today, I am proud to say that this path has become mine.

After months of training, study and practice, I passed my Ayurveda Practitioner certification.

This step marks for me the beginning of a life dedicated to transmitting this age-old wisdom, to caring for, supporting and celebrating the vitality of life.

May this ancient knowledge continue to live, to heal, and to inspire, for Man as for Animal, in harmony with the deep rhythms of the Earth.