Ayurveda is a holistic healing system that was developed among the sages of ancient India approximately 5,000 to 6,000 years ago.

Ayurvedic medicine "Ayurveda" is one of the oldest holistic (i.e. from the point of view of the whole body) healing systems in the world. It was "developed" more than 3000 years ago in India.

Ayurveda is based on the belief that health and our sense of happiness depend on a delicate balance between mind, body and spirit. The main goal of Ayurveda is mainly the promotion of good health, not the fight against specific diseases. However, even treatment with the help of Ayurveda can be aimed at specific health problems.

In general, Ayurveda is considered a form of complementary and alternative medicine. Ayurveda emphasizes good health and disease prevention and treatment through lifestyle practices (such as Ayurvedic massage, meditation, yoga, and dietary changes) and the use of herbal remedies.

Ayurvedic medicine is holistic, which means it looks at the body and mind as a whole. Ayurveda not only treats a person's physical problems, but also changes lifestyle practices that help maintain or improve health.

Ayurveda and your life energy

Students of Ayurveda and other alternative therapies believe that everything in the universe – dead and alive – is connected. If your mind, body and spirit are in harmony with the universe, you have good health. When something upsets this balance, then you get sick. Factors that can disrupt this balance include genetic or birth defects, injuries, climate and seasonal changes, age, and your emotions.

Those who practice Ayurveda believe that each person is made up of the five basic elements in the universe: space, air, fire, water and earth.

They combine in the human body and form three life forces or energies, which are called doshas. It controls how your body works. They are Vata dosha (space and air); Pitta dosha (fire and water); and Kapha dosha (water and earth).

Everyone inherits a unique blend of the three doshas. But one is usually stronger than the others. Each of them controls a different function of the body. It's believed that your chance of disease - and the health problems that arise - is related to the balance of your doshas.

Vata Dosha

It controls very basic bodily functions, such as cell division. It also controls your mind, breathing, blood flow, heart function, and the bowel's ability to rid itself of waste. Things that can disrupt it include eating too quickly, fear, sadness.

If vata dosha is your main life force, you are thought to be more likely to develop conditions such as anxiety, asthma, heart disease, skin problems and rheumatoid arthritis.

Air and space represent Vatta. Vatta controls muscle and joint movements, breathing and heart rhythm. Vatta also controls anxiety, fear, pain and other functions of the nervous system.

Pitta Dosha

This energy controls your digestion, metabolism (how well you break down food), and certain hormones that are related to your appetite. Things that can disrupt it are eating acidic or spicy foods and spending too much time in the sun.

If this is your main life force, it is thought that you are likely to develop a disease like Ccorneal disease, heart disease, high blood pressure and infection.

Fire and water represent Pitta, which is believed to govern such bodily functions as digestion, metabolism, intelligence, and skin color. Pitta controls the emotions of anger, hatred and jealousy.

Kapha Dosha

This life force controls muscle growth, body strength and stability, weight and your immune system.

You can disrupt it by sleeping during the day, eating too many sugary foods, and eating or drinking things that contain too much salt or water.

If this is your main life energy, experts believe that you may develop asthma and other respiratory disorders, cancer, diabetes, nausea after eating, and obesity.

Earth and water represent Kapha. The physical structure of the body and the immune system are governed by Kapha. Emotional responses believed to be under the control of Kapha include peace, forgiveness, love, and greed.

Ayurveda and treatment

In Ayurvedic medicine, it is believed that if there is an imbalance in any of the three doshas, disease will occur. Ayurvedic medicine treats disease in many ways, including dietary changes, herbal remedies, and exercise. According to Ayurvedic philosophy, you can also use yoga, meditation and other counseling to treat the disease.

An ayurvedic doctor will always create a treatment plan especially for you. It will take into account your unique physical and emotional makeup, your primary life force, and the balance between all three of these elements.

The goal of treatment is to cleanse the body of undigested food that can remain in the body and lead to disease. The cleansing process – called “panchakarma” – is designed to relieve your symptoms and restore harmony and balance.

To achieve this, an Ayurvedic practitioner might rely on Ayurvedic massages, medicated oils, herbs, and enemas or laxatives.

It works?

Ayurvedic practices such as yoga and meditation are generally very safe ways to promote health. If you suffer from a long-term illness, you can combine Ayurveda with conventional treatment. That's a great way to go.

Ayurvedic herbal medicines, like conventional medicines, can cause side effects, trigger allergic reactions or interact with other medicines or herbs you are taking. Some Ayurvedic medicines may contain high levels of heavy metals that can be harmful to your body. So watch out for that.

Ideally, talk to your doctor about any complementary health practice you'd like to try or are already using. A doctor can help you better understand your health if he knows about all your medical procedures.

What is Ayurveda often used for?

Some people use Ayurvedic practices to maintain health, reduce stress, and improve flexibility, strength, and endurance. Practices such as yoga and meditation can be helpful for people with conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure and arthritis.

Ayurveda emphasizes proper diet for maintaining good health and treating diseases. Herbal medicines are prescribed based on the person's dosha type.