What is Ayurveda?

For over 3000 years, ancient practitioners of healthy living have turned to Ayurveda. Derived from the Sanskrit word Ayur (meaning life) and veda (meaning knowledge and science), Ayurveda literally translates to the science of living.

The central premise of Ayurveda is that a person experiences complete wellness when the mind, body and spirit in sync. It is this belief that makes Ayurveda a holistic practice encompassing techniques of yoga, mindfulness, massages, herbal remedies and a special diet. The unique thing about Ayurveda is that it’s one the most personalized form of ancient living that is known to mankind. Here are no exact remedies and strictly prescribed diets. Instead, each person’s Ayurveda journey needs to be designed especially with their needs in mind.

But how is this journey designed?

Ancient Indian knowledge believes that everything on earth is a combination of five elements – Vaayu (air), Jal (water), Agni (fire), Akash (Space) and Prithvi (earth). These five elements combine in a unique way to form three basic functioning principles called Doshas –Kapha, Pitta, Vata. Every living being on the planet will have these three doshas but some may be more dominant than others.

A life based on Ayurvedic principles brings these three in balance. So the first step in beginning your Ayurveda journey is to understand your body and its doshas. Ayurvedic practioners who have studied the ancient texts, will prescribe diet and exercise that are unique to your doshas and bring them in perfect harmony and bliss with each other.