Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word made up of two parts: Ayur, meaning “life,” and Veda, meaning “knowledge” or “science.” So, Ayurveda literally means “the knowledge of life.” This ancient system originates from India and is more than five thousand years old. Interestingly, Ayurveda is not just a method of healing—it is a complete worldview about the body, mind, and our connection with nature. Its goal is to maintain health and longevity by creating balance among these three aspects.

In Ayurveda, the human body is governed by three fundamental energies, or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha is a combination of natural elements:

• Vata (air and space) is responsible for movement, breathing, and circulation. When balanced, it brings creativity and mental energy. When out of balance, it can cause restlessness, anxiety, or sleep problems.

• Pitta (fire and a little water) governs digestion, metabolism, and body heat. In balance, it supports intelligence, determination, and healthy digestion. In excess, it can lead to anger, inflammation, or digestive issues.

• Kapha (water and earth) provides structure and stability to the body. When balanced, it creates strength and endurance. When too high, it may cause heaviness, sluggishness, or weight gain.

This classification is very similar to the concept of the four humors in traditional Persian medicine. Just as we speak of Safra (yellow bile), Soda (black bile), Balgham (phlegm), and Dam (blood), Ayurveda also organizes the doshas based on physical, mental, and even environmental characteristics. Both traditions believe that health depends on balance, and that illness arises when these forces fall out of harmony.

In Ayurveda, there is no “one size fits all” treatment. Each person has a unique constitution, called Prakriti, which is present from birth. This determines which foods, exercises, and lifestyle choices are most suitable. That is why a diet that works wonders for one person may be harmful to another.

To restore balance, Ayurveda uses a wide range of methods: diet tailored to the doshas, yoga and meditation practices, therapeutic massages with herbal oils, and medicinal plants. It even considers the seasons, time of day, and emotional state of the individual to make treatment truly personalized.

Put simply, Ayurveda is a roadmap for living in harmony with nature—where prevention, self-knowledge, and balance come first, not just the treatment of disease.