By Dr. Ravish Kamal, Ayurveda

Ayurveda is one of the oldest healing approaches and is commonly used all over the world. It was developed in India thousands of years ago. It is based on the idea that health and well-being are dependent on the fine balance which is maintained among your body, mind and soul. Although treatments are suggested for specific health issues, the primary principle of Ayurveda is to get the body to function to its optimum capacity which automatically eliminates disease-causing factors.

The concept of Ayurveda:

According to Ayurveda, each and everything in the universe is connected. Good health can be achieved if your body, mind and soul are in accord with the universe. Anything that disrupts your physical, spiritual or emotional well-being can get you out of balance with the universe. Such disruptions may include:

1. Birth or genetic defects

2. Age

3. Emotional disturbances

4. Seasonal or climatic changes

5. Injuries

6. Stress

Ayurveda suggests that every human being is composed of 5 elements, namely, ether, air, water, fire and earth. A combination of these elements in the human body leads to the formation of three forces of life or doshas. These three life forces include:

1. Space and Air: Vata Dosha

2. Fire and Water: Pitta Dosha

3. Water and Earth: Kapha Dosha

It is considered that a unique mix of these three doshas is contained within everyone. One of them is usually more dominant. Each of these doshas is responsible for controlling the different body functions. An imbalance in these doshas results in sickness.

Ayurveda Treatment-

Treatment includes examining you for your primary dosha and the balance between that dosha and the other two. Then, ayurvedic medications are suggested accordingly. This may include examining a number of factors such as your weight, urine or stool, pulse, your eyes, teeth and tongue, etc.