What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a vedic science that uses the inherent principles of nature to help maintain health in a person by keeping the individual’s body, mind, and spirit in perfect balance with nature.

Ayurveda is based on the premise that everything in the universe is made up of five elements—Ether (Akash), Air (Vayu), Fire (Tejas), Water (Aap) and Earth (Pruthvi). These elements are represented in humans by three “doshas”, or energies: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Vata governs the principle of movement, responsible for smooth function, physical motion and movement of all kinds. Pitta governs the principal of transformation and governs digestion, conversion and regulation of bodily temperature as well as the ability of the intellect to comprehend. Kapha governs the principal of assimilation and is responsible for building and protecting the body.

When any of the doshas accumulate in the body beyond the desirable limit, the body loses its balance. Every individual has a distinct balance, and our health and well-being depend on getting a right balance of the three doshas Ayurveda suggests specific lifestyle and nutritional guidelines to help individuals reduce the excess dosha. The aim of this health system is to prevent illness, heal the sick and preserve life.