Ayurvedic medicine describes energy rhythms or “doshas” that maintain health. In most people, one of the doshas is out of balance, leading to stress, fatigue, and disease. Ayurvedic treatments aim to correct that imbalance and restore health.
The Ayurvedic system of medicine comes from ancient times. It's based on the ancient belief that the body is made up of five basic elements. These elements are ether, air, fire, water, and earth. Ayurveda harnesses these elements along with six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent), which combine to form three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha).
Vata governs movement, Pitta governs fire, and Kapha governs water. When any of these elements are out of balance, it affects a person’s physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.
Vata is the air element, and is characterised by cold, dry, and light energies. Vatas are restless, easily aggravated, and prone to insomnia and nervousness.
Pitta is the fire element, and is characterized by heat, light, and movement. Pittas are prone to anxiety, anger, and jealousy.
Kapha is the water element, and is characterized by cold, wet, and heavy energies. Kaphas are slow to anger, but prone to laziness and obesity.
Ayurveda prescribes diet and lifestyle changes to balance these 3 elements and maintain complete balance – both internally and externally.