How does Ayurveda work?
Do we really need to know how does Ayurveda work? Is it helpful to know Ayurvedic basics?
The answer is yes.
Whether you are looking to cure some ailments, searching for spa tours or Ayurveda holidays, it pays to know how Ayurveda works.
The unique perspective of looking at the person as a combination of body, mind, senses and spirit is integral to Ayurveda.
The aim of Ayurveda is healthy living in all aspects of life.
It means life style modification plays a role along with various types of treatment procedures. Ayurveda treatment bypasses the symptoms and addresses the real cause of the disease. It is identified and eliminated forever.
It means Ayurvedic treatments are not get in –get out quick procedures. The treatment will take time.
That may raise the question within you – can I try Ayurveda during my few weeks of holidays in Kerala?
Mostly you can. After initial intensive treatments, you may be able to continue medication at home. However, you will need to know more from your Ayurvedic professionals before making travel plans.
Most tourists touring Kerala try Ayurveda wellness in the form of massages, spa and beauty therapies. Ayurvedic centres are mushrooming all over Kerala and unfortunately many are intent on making quick bucks. Research properly, or else you may end up in one of those places where they offer watered down Ayurveda.
Basic principles
Elemental to Ayurveda is the theory of Panchamahabhuthas (Or Pancha bhuthas). As per Ayurveda, there are five basic elements that create all matter. They are earth, water, fire, air and space.
The entire universe and all creatures are made from these elements. No life is possible without them. They form combinations and a balance between them is necessary.
Similar to all other life forms, the human body is also created out of the Pancha bhuthas. There are three essential energies in the human body, all derived out of Pancha bhuthas.
The three basic energies in the body are called doshas. They are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. To be healthy, all these doshas must be in balance.
Vata is the combination of air and space. It is the most important of the three doshas. Vata governs movements in the body and mind. Nervous system, blood circulation and elimination of waste are Vata functions.
Pitta (bile), the fire aspect, is derived from fire and water. It is responsible for digestion, metabolic processes and energy production. More broadly, bio-transformation is pitta function.
Kapha (phlegm) is the combination of water and earth. It deals with the protection of the body. Other functions include the building of tissues and giving structure to the body.
Also, every individual belong to one of the three types of doshas, or its combinations. Prakriti or personal characteristics depend on dosha type. So identifying a person’s dosha type is a prelude to all treatment.
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