Ayurveda is an intricate system of medicine that originated in India thousands of years ago.

In Sanskrit (India's classical language), Ayu means life, in the combination of mind, body, senses and the soul. And Veda in a simplified sense means "knowledge".
Therefore, to know about life is Ayurveda.

There are several aspects to Ayurveda that make it a unique system of alternative healing:

* Its recommendations will often be different for each person regarding which foods and which lifestyle they should follow in order to be completely healthy. This is due to its use of a constitutional model.

* Everything in Ayurveda is validated by observation, inquiry, direct examination and knowledge derived from the ancient texts.

* It understands that there are energetic forces that influence nature and human beings. These forces are called the Tridoshas.

* Because Ayurveda sees a strong connection between the mind and the body, a huge amount of information is available regarding this relationship and the wellness of the mind is an integral part of any Ayurvedic therapy.

THE THREE DOSHAS

In Ayurveda, all bodily processes are said to be governed by a balance of three elements called the doshas. The 3 main doshas (medical humors) are Vata (resembles the classical element air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (water).

Each is present in every individual, but the extent varies, creating hundreds of differing constitutions. Whichever dosha appears to dominate a person's behavior and physique is called his constitution type. Each constitution type has particular strengths and susceptibilities.

Vata

Vata, composed of air, governs all movement in the mind and body and must be kept in good balance. Too much vata leads to "worries, insomnia, cramps and constipation. Vata controls blood flow, elimination of wastes, breathing and the movement of thoughts across the mind." Vata activates the nervous system, hearing and speech; and expresses as enthusiasm and creativity. Vata also controls the other two principles, Pitta and Kapha, and is usually the first cause of disease.

Pitta

Pitta is said to be composed of fire and water; it governs all heat, metabolism and transformation in the mind and body. It controls how we digest food, how we metabolize our sensory perceptions, and how we discriminate between right and wrong. Pitta must be kept in balance, too. Too much Pitta can lead to anger, criticism, ulcers, rashes and thinning hair. A balanced Pitta mind makes one a good leader with a warm personality.

Kapha

Kapha is the watery humour. Kapha cements the elements in the body, providing the material for physical structure. This dosha maintains body resistance and lubricates the joints. It provides moisture to the skin; it helps to heal wounds and fills the spaces in the body; it gives biological strength, vigor and stability; it supports memory retention; it gives energy to the heart and lungs and maintains immunity. Kapha is responsible for emotions of attachment, greed and long-standing envy; it is also expressed in tendencies toward calmness, forgiveness and love." Too much Kapha leads to lethargy and weight gain, as well as congestion and allergies.