This therapy takes account of your whole being and lifestyle, it is a completely holistic approach for harmonised change to improve health and well being.
The word itself is derived from two Sanskrit words: Ayu (meaning life) and veda (meaning knowledge). This science focuses on living life naturally and in balance. Ayurveda not only addresses illness and treatment, but is a complete way of life which includes diet, lifestyle, activity levels and appearance.
According to Ayurvedic texts, the human body is made up of the five elements of nature: air, fire, water ether (space) and earth. Each one is associated with different parts of the body and internal messaging between these parts. These elements are used to represent the structure of the body.
The structural aspects are then combined to create the three Doshas (Sanskrit for "forces that disturb") which are responsible for the functional aspects of the body and how it reacts to the world around it. The three doshas are each a combination of two elements and are used to determine the individuals' primary constitution. Each dosha type also has factors that contribute or are detrimental to harmony in the body.
The doshas are distinguished by physical and temperament characteristics as well as remedies that naturally help to balance the constitution. Physical attributes include eyes, hair, skin and physique whereas temperament includes energy levels, bodily functions such as appetite and mental characteristics like moods, learning ability and memory. The remedies for harmony cover things such as exercise, taste and food. The qualities of the three doshas are present in everyone but to different extents. However, one Dosha usually predominates and best describes our basic physical appearance, behaviours, attitudes and emotions.
