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.

Good book

Because this book contains such a wealth of knowledge, it may take a while to really get into it. However, it is highly informative and certainly a good addition to any library, especially for those interested in holistic health.

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.

This book offers a nice introduction on the very complex topic of Ayurveda, particularly as it relates to diet. The best feature of the book is it's inclusion of food recommendations for dual-type doshas (body types). Concepts are explained clearly and in detail. Many of the recipes include spices, legumes and grains, which may be less familiar to many, but are well worth exploring. This book is an invaluable resource for those seeking to improve their health and well-being through a balanced, nourishing, whole-foods diet. It is particularly suited to those interested in yoga, holistic health, and Indian cuisine.

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".

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!