What is Ayurveda?

The Sanskrit term Ayurveda translates into the knowledge or science of life. It is said to be the world’s oldest health system, and is a proactive rather than reactive approach to health. One goal that I appreciate is that of longevity and achieving the best health possible for one’s individual constitution. As I’ve been blessed with 50 years in this body, my goal is to feel as strong and healthy as possible for as long as possible.

Ayurveda recognizes that every individual is unique in his or her makeup and does not use a cookie cutter approach when looking at health. This health system is based on the elements ether, air, fire, water, and earth and asserts that each person is made of these elements in varying degrees to develop an individual constitution, or dosha. We are each made of the doshas in different percentages and generally have one predominant dosha, but some people are dual-doshic and some are tridoshic. We are also born with a unique constitution called a Prakruti and eventually end up with some imbalances which lead to our current state—a Vikruti. Our goal is always to bring the doshas back into balance. The imbalances are what lead to common ailments such as digestive problems, skin conditions, chronic pain and emotional disturbances.

These are the doshas and their associated elements:

Vāta—air and ether

Pitta—fire and water

Kapha—water and earth