What is Ayurveda?

What to expect when you visit a therapist

A Brief History of Ayurveda

What is Ayurveda?

This document provides general information of what to expect when you visit a therapist, and a general theory behind how their discipline works. It must be noted, however, that every therapist works in an individual way, and may subscribe to slightly different theories on how their discipline works. It is always advised that you ask to see relevant qualifications and discuss the treatment offered to you by the practitioner if you are in any doubt whatsoever.

There are, according to Ayurveda, five elements that underlie all living forces. The elements are earth, air, fire, water and ether. Much emphasis is placed on prevention as well as treatment of a huge variety of illnesses, conditions and diseases. The medicines used derive from plants and minerals, yet Ayurveda incorporates various forms of treatment which include yoga, meditation, massage, hydrotherapy and diet, to name but a few.

These five elements go on to make up what are referred to as "doshas". There are three doshas in total, called "vata", "kapha" and "pitta" and each dosha is made up of two of the five elements.

The doshas are constantly fluctuating energy qualities that have their own distinctive attributes that can be recognised in human beings. Therefore, every individual will be governed by one and in some cases, two doshas.

These doshas govern all areas of health and well-being from our physiological strengths and weaknesses, to our intellect, even our personalities. Because the energy qualities are constantly fluctuating, it is this fluctuation that Ayurvedic practitioners try to keep to a minimum.

It is believed that good health depends on "pacifying" excesses in the doshas and keeping the fluctuations as small as possible, thus keeping a state of balance, or life energy will be impeded. If the life energy is in trouble, so too is the 'digestive fire' also called "agni". Low agni results in "ama" - a toxic substance thought to be the main source of illness.

Main uses:

Skin conditions, wound healing, viral infections, allergies and asthma, heart disease, digestive conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, anxiety and insomnia.

Click here to read what to expect when you visit a therapist.

Click here to find a qualified practitioner.