What Is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda

Ayurveda, meaning ‘Science Of Life’, is the ancient Indian, time-tested system of restoring and maintaining good health. We all have a unique mind-body type, made up of the three doshas in varying proportions, called Vata, Pitta & Kapha.

The Doshas

The three qualities, Vata, Pitta & Kapha are in our food, in our minds and bodies and in nature. We have an innate natural balance of the doshas. Most of us are a combination of two of these types, e.g. Vata/Pitta, with Vata as dominant and Pitta as secondary.

Balance

The key to good health and the feeling of well being is balance. When our doshas are in balance we naturally experience joy, energy and vitality. Imbalance can lead to discomfort and eventually disease.

Vata

corresponds to space and air and is found in all forms of Movement.
Qualities: quick, light, dry, rough, cold
Personality: creative, lively, erratic
Location: in the colon
Time of day: 2am – 6am, 2pm – 6pm
Season: September – mid December
Time of life: over 60 years

Pitta

corresponds to fire and water and is found in all forms of Transformation.
Qualities: sharp, bright, warm/hot
Personality: focused, ambitious, keen
Location: in the stomach
Time of day: 10am – 2pm, 10pm – 2am
Season: mid May – August
Time of life: 20 – 60 years

Kapha

corresponds to water and earth and is found in all forms of Structure.
Qualities: slow, heavy, cold, wet
Personality: consistent, caring, stable
Location: in the upper chest & neck
Time of day: 6am – 10am, 6pm – 10pm
Season: mid December – mid May
Time of life: from birth – 20 years