Ayurvedic medicine originated in India several thousand years ago and is currently used by approximately 80% of the Indian population. It is also becoming more and more popular in western culture as more access to the ideals is available.

In Ayurvedic principles it is believed the life force of the body is prana and this is made up of 5 elements, earth, water, fire, air and ether. These elements interact in the body and can be split into 3 categories called doshas. Each person has a specific blend of doshas and it is believed illness is caused by an imbalance in a person’s doshas. The doshas are:

The vata dosha which is linked with the air and ether elements, and in the body promotes movement and lightness. Vata people are generally thin and light physically, dry-skinned, and very energetic and mentally restless. When vata is out of balance, there are often nervous problems, hyperactivity, sleeplessness, lower back pains, and headaches.

Pitta is associated with fire and water. In the body, it is responsible for metabolism and digestion. Pitta characteristics are medium-built bodies, fair skin, strong digestion, and good mental concentration. Pitta imbalances show up as anger and aggression and stress-related conditions like gastritis, ulcers, liver problems, and hypertension.

The kapha dosha is associated with water and earth. People characterized as kapha are generally large or heavy with more oily complexions. They tend to be slow, calm, and peaceful. Kapha disorders manifest emotionally as greed and possessiveness, and physically as obesity, fatigue, bronchitis, and sinus problems.

Ayurvedic treatment will involve bringing your dosha back into balance and will usually involve some form of detoxification. You can also find that your daily routine will be analysed and changes will be recommended to bring you back to a natural state and so back into balance. However it is important to point out that therapy will be different for each person depending on their dosha and their condition.

Ayurvedic physicians claim that their methods can help stress-related, metabolic, and chronic conditions. Ayurveda has been used to treat acne, allergies, asthma, anxiety, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, colds, colitis, constipation, depression, diabetes, flu, heart disease, hypertension, immune problems, inflammation, insomnia, nervous disorders, obesity, skin problems, and ulcers. In addition Ayurveda can be a great complement to orthodox medicine and work well alongside it.