About Ayurveda

Vata: air & ether

Pitta: fire & water

Kapha: earth & water

Ayurveda

Ayurveda, Sanskrit for "science of life", is based on the wisdom of South Asia's ancient sages as well as practical knowledge gathered by healers throughout the ages. With written records dating back over five thousand years, it is considered by many to be the world's first medical system.

Ayurveda is holistic, and aims to promote health in mind, body and spirit. Based on a unifying philosophy linking together all living and nonliving matter in the universe, Ayurvedic theory describes three functional attributes, or doshas, that govern the various functions of all living beings.

The three doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each dosha has an anatomical, physiological, and psychological expression. They are each associated with two of the five basic elements of nature, which are air, ether, fire, water and earth. The state of harmony or disharmony amongst the doshas is reflected by the state of health in the individual.

The doshas, though not visible to the naked eyes, are considered to exist in the material realm. They are intricately connected with every cell and molecule of life, and respond not only to physical factors, but also to those that exist beyond form.  The doshas are thus highly intelligent, and directly connected to the greater intelligence of all of creation.

The three doshas are said to be the physical manifestation of three subtle forces, which are at the origin of all of creation. Like the doshas, these forces interact in a dynamic shifting of powers, thus giving rise to the infinite universe with its endless possibilities. They are called called Prana, Tejas and Ojas, and they give rise to Vata, Pitta and Kapha, respectively.

While the word dosha can be translated as “fault” or “imbalance”, it is in the continual dance between these three forces that balance, harmony and perfection can be found. By examining the state of the doshas and addressing health problems based on which doshas are out of balance, Ayurvedic treatments can be better tailored to suit each individual's needs.

Attempts to restore health that do not take into account the underlying influence of the doshas will generally only provide temporary symptomatic relief, but will not produce lasting effects due to the all-pervading force of the doshas.

Ayurvedic treatments include herbal remedies, dietary recommendations, yoga and other exercises, meditation, herbal steam baths, and massage or other treatments using medicinal oil preparations.