Ayurveda is a system of medicine that has been practiced in India since pre-historic times. The word ‘Ayurveda’ in Sanskrit means ‘Science of Life’. Classical texts of Ayurveda comprise of medical knowledge transmitted from the Gods to the sages who then popularized Ayurveda. As a system, Ayurveda believes in attaining good health by focusing on harmony: a harmony between mind, body and the spirit.
Ayurveda views every individual as being unique and hence a treatment or medicine that is suitable for a person need not be suitable for another. Each person is seen to be composed of three Doshas, each Dosha signifying a type of biological energy.
The core concept of Ayurvedic medicine depends on the theory of Doshas. There are 3 fundamental Doshas that determines the mind-body type of every individual. Vata, Pitta and Kapha Doshas are derived from the five natural elements and the ayurvedic treatment differs for each Dosha. Imbalance in the amount of Dosha in our body may lead to various disorders and diseases. Thus, Ayurvedic treatments focus on alleviating any doshic excesses through medicines, food habits and yoga postures.
Vata Dosha is that which controls functions associated with motion, including blood circulation, breathing and heartbeat.
Pitta Dosha is that which controls digesting, metabolism, absorption of nutrition and regulation of body temperature.
Kapha Dosha is that which controls movement of water and maintenance of the internal organs.
The balance of doshas differ from person to person and it is this balance that determines a person’s body type, behavioural tendencies and susceptibility to ailments. Ayurvedic treatment prescribed to a person will depend on the person’s Dosha balance.
