How does Ayurveda work?

The Doshas

According to ancient Indian philosophy, everything in the universe is composed of five basic elements: ether (space), air, fire, water and earth.
The elements can be seen in nature and in ourselves, constantly fluctuating and bound by the laws of cause and effect.

These five elements combine with prana (life-force) to produce three mind-body forces called doshas.

Vata (air & ether) imparts energy, movement and creativity

Pitta (fire & water) creates heat and light and governs transformation and clarity

Kapha (water & earth) contains, supports and nourishes and provides form and compassion

Your Unique Constitution

Ayurveda is not a 'one size fits all' system as it recognises that we are not all the same. We have the all three doshas within us but the amount varies in each individual. We have a unique mind-body constitution known as Prakriti. This is determined at the moment of conception and never changes. It reflects a person's main energies and qualities, their habits, emotional responses and tendencies to health or disease.

Imbalance

The combination of our fast pace of life in the modern world along with imbalanced lifestyles, poor diet, an inability to relax and a disconnection with nature, often results in the accumulation of toxins (ama) in the body and mind. The doshas then increase and become imbalanced which lead to a state of disease or illness, called Vikriti.

An Ayurvedic Consultation works by assessing the Vikriti and Prakriti of a person. The practitioner then implements a programme of nutritional and lifestyle advice to restore the equilibrium of both body and mind.

In this sense, Ayurveda is truly holistic in its approach to health and well-being.

Cause and effect

The laws of Ayurveda are firmly based on the principles that there is no effect without a cause. Whatever our illness or disease, there is a reason for it.

The most important lesson Ayurveda has to teach us is that our health is in our hands. This means that we bring about and are responsible for our own condition in life. It also means that we have the means to correct it. This is a positive thing!

It does not allow you to be passive in your treatment. It is you who must learn to consciously observe your mind and body in order to recognise symptoms of imbalance and disease in your body.