Ayurveda: A Life of Balance: The Complete Guide to Ayurvedic Nutrition & Body Types with Recipes

I found this book to be a very good introduction to Ayurveda -- comprehensive, clear and accessible. I'm somewhat surprised at reviews that found it otherwise. It covers the fundamentals without burying the person who is new to the concepts in an overwhelming amount of intimidating detail. I have purchased several copies as gifts. Though I am adamantly not a religious person, I find much value in the spiritual and mystical readings when viewed as parables, which I think they are, and in this context gain a better understanding of the belief systems underlying the practice. I wholeheartedly concur with those who appreciated the expanded explanations of combination doshas as I believe that stopping with the three dosha types is much too simplistic and the food lists provided for each major and combination dosha types were extremely helpful. I have not remained terribly consistent in my practice, but certain recommendations have proven extremely beneficial to my overall health and sense of well being. And when I feel extremely out of balance, I return to it over and over for motivation.

I disagree with a previous reviewer that this book is mainly a cookbook. I find that it has MUCH more to offer than that. I am currently in a 200 hour yoga teacher training course, and this book is required reading for me. Tiwari goes very much into the philosophy behind Ayurveda and the doshas, yet explains it in a way that the average reader can understand. She gives the best explanations of each dosha that I've ever read, going into aspects such as career and sexuality, diet, exercise, physical and emotional traits. She then gives food charts for the 10 doshas, instead of the usual three doshas that most do. She lists foods that are beneficial, and those that are not. I find this book to be wonderful, and very accessible to the casual reader as well as the experienced person very into Ayurveda.

I had this in my library along with another of Maya's books. This library was large at that time and I simply did not have time to read through it. I ended up giving it away to a friend and a year later read Path of Practice by the same author. I fell in love with the writing and subject and had to purchase this book again. I found it to be a wonderful cookbook but more in that it introduced me to a way of life and a perspective on health that I was unaware of prior. I highly recommend this book to learn about ayurveda and begin to experience it first hand. But be warned, I have been studying Ayurveda since and this could just change your life!

This book is in good condition and was delivered promptly. It is just what I wanted and seems to have the information I want. Haven't had time to dig into it completely yet.

Enjoyed this very much. The introductory and purpose of it. The nutrition information. Learning this perspective. It’s a great read for those who are open minded and holistically minded. My husband and I could see the connection in our chosen careers and healing and personalities as discussed in the book.

I think I should have purchased Ayurveda for Dummies. I'm sure this book is very accurate and it seems very comprehensive. However it was not easy to understand if you are looking for an introduction to ayurveda. I felt like I was reading a text book for a boring class in college even though I am highly interested in the topic. Lots of information and very detailed. Maybe it is just "over my head".

Good book

This is a lovely book recommended by my yoga instructor. The information is easy to understand and the recipes are interesting. Best thing is clear interpretive explanations for everything. I would recommend this book to everyone. Its honestly written and diagrams are easy to follow. The chapters on holistic healing are incredible.

Excelente livro! Sério e preciso em relação ao ensino da Ayurveda.

Il libro è completo delle conoscenze di base dell'Ayurveda. Per neofiti è sicuramente l'approccio migliore (a patto che si conosca bene l'inglese!) poiché non è solo nozionistico ma soprattutto esperienziale.

Happy to buy

Exactly as expect and fast

Beautiful, thorough, in depth book. So excited to go through the body types test with my spouse and dive into this wealth of knowledge. Exciting!