Ayurveda

Ayur = Life Veda = Knowledge

Ayurveda is the "Knowledge of Life" with its main goal being to alleviate human suffering by treating Body, Mind, and Spirit as one. At the heart of Ayurveda are the three doshas (faults). These three basic types of human constitutions are formed from the five elements: Air, Ether, Fire, Water, Earth.

Air + Ether = Vata dosha

Fire + Water = Pitta dosha

Water + Earth = Kapha dosha



Qualities of Vata are like wind: dry, cold, light, mobile, erratic, rough, bitter, astringent, pungent. Dislikes cold climates. Likes heat. Ability to pick up new information quickly, also quick to forget. Restless. Speaks quickly. Thin frame, irregular features. Dry skin and hair.

Qualities of Pitta are like fire: hot oily, light intense, fluid, fetid, sour, pungent, salty. Dislikes humid summer weather. Sharp mind but also sharp words. Medium frame, gains weight evenly. Susceptible to premature graying or baldness.

Qualities of Kapha are like water: oily, cool, heavy, stable, dense, smooth, sweet, sour, salty. Likes heat; damp weather is bothersome. Steady, calm, slow and deliberate. Strong, compact, wide frame. Generally overweight. Soft skin and hair.