Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine, native to the Indian subcontinent. Ayurveda is made up to two “root” Sanskrit words. “Ayu” means life and “Veda” is knowledge. Ayurveda is therefore “knowledge of life.” Ayurveda is a very comprehensive approach to healing. Ayurveda teaches a holistic path to sound body and balanced mind.  Ayurveda treats the whole person, addressing lifestyle with recommendations for healthy living along with therapeutic measures to balance body, mind and spirit. In Ayurveda therapeutic methods include body treatments, dietary and herbal prescriptions. 

All the teachings of Ayurveda have as their foundation the interplay of the 5 elements in everything in existence, including the human being. The 5 elements of Ayurveda are space/ether, air, fire, water and earth. 

Ayurveda recognizes 3 humours or “doshas”. Each humour in Ayurveda is made up of a combination of the 5 elements. Vata is air and ether, Pitta is fire and water, Kapha is earth and water. When the three doshas are in balance and functioning properly in their specific organ systems, the body and mind are healthy and in balance. When any of the three doshas becomes out of balance dis-ease of body and mind occur.

According to Ayurveda, each human being inherits a particular combination of the three doshas. This is their “prakriti”, their constitutional make-up which is created at the time of conception. One or two of the doshas is usually dominant in a person. Some people however are born with an equal distribution of all three doshas. Being in good health in body and mind, according to Ayurveda, means keeping the doshas as they were when a person was born, as they are according to a person’s “prakriti”.

A consultation with a practitioner of Ayurveda will often begin with a determination of a person’s “prakriti” through a simple but thorough questionnaire. Further questioning allows the practitioner to determine which dosha is out of balance. It is always recommended to see a registered and qualified practitioner of Ayurveda if you wish to treat a particular health condition. However, these days there are many books available on Ayurveda and many websites available on Ayurveda. Often these include a questionnaire to help you determine your particular “prakriti”. You can then adapt your lifestyle accordingly for greater well-being and peace of mind.