Ayurveda is probably the most ancient of all medical systems. It has its origins in India, and is still the most important form of medicine practiced in India.

Ayurveda was practiced during the time of the time of the Buddha (around 520 BC) , and in this period the Ayurvedic practitioners were commonly using Mercuric-sulphur combination based medicines, In this period Mercury and sulphur and other metals were used in conjunction with herbs to prepare the different medications.

The word 'Ayurveda' comes from Sanskrit and means 'the science of life'.
The Ayurvedic practitioner is looking to balance the body and mind, find health problems before they occur or arrest them before they do any real harm.

The five elements - ether, air, fire, water and earth are the main factors on which the Ayurvedic interpretation of all matter and life is based. Each element represents qualities and different types of energies, as well as some form of physical manifestation.
In Ayurveda, a person is viewed as a unique individual made up of five primary elements. The elements are ether (space), air, fire, water, and earth. Just as they exist in nature, we also have these five elements within us. When any of these elements are present in the environment, they will in turn have an influence on us. The foods we eat and the weather are just two examples of the presence of these elements. While we are a composite of these five primary elements, certain elements are seen to have an ability to combine to create various physiological functions.

Ether and air combine to form what is known in Ayurveda as the Vata dosha. Vata governs the principle of movement and hence can be seen as the force which directs nerve impulses, circulation, respiration, and elimination.
Fire and water are the elements that combine to form the Pitta dosha. The Pitta dosha is the process of transformation or metabolism. The transformation of foods into nutrients that our bodies can assimilate is an example of a pitta function. Pitta is also responsible for metabolism in the organs and tissue systems as well as cellular metabolism.

Finally, the water and earth elements which combine to form the Kapha dosha. Kapha is what is responsible for growth. Another function of the Kapha dosha is to offer protection. Cerebro-spinal fluid protects the brain and spinal column and is a type of Kapha which is found in the body. Also, the mucousal lining of the stomach is another example of the Kapha dosha protecting the tissues. We are all made up of unique proportions of Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

These ratios of the doshas vary in each individual; and because of this, Ayurveda regards each person as a special mixture that accounts for our diversity.


There are several aspects to Ayurveda that are quite unique:

When any of the doshas ( Vata, Pitta or Kapha ) become accumulated, Ayurveda will suggest specific lifestyle and nutritional guidelines to assist the individual in reducing the dosha that has become excessive. We may also suggest certain herbal supplements to hasten the healing process. In the case of present toxins in the body , a cleansing process known as Pancha Karma is recommended to eliminate these unwanted toxins.

The basic diagnosis is known as the three-point diagnosis and involves detailed observation of the appearance, examination by touch, and a detailed questionnaire about your life and health. After diagnosis comes treatment, and the range of treatments is wide, however, guidelines for healthy living and diet will be given, which will correct the imbalances in your body type. You may be prescribed a course of cleansing/ detoxification to eliminate toxins from the body and to energize the body's elimination mechanisms. Other ways that can be integrated with ayurveda is Herbal preparation in addition to further healing techniques such as massage, exercise, correct breathing, yoga and meditation.

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