The first three are the cornerstones of Ayurveda. Some will argue that this is wellness and, lifestyle, not medicine. Followers believe that medicine and healing does begin with your lifestyle, preventing problems from forming. An Ayurvedic practitioner looks at the individual’s dosha blend before recommending a remedy or program. Western Medicine looks at the fourth and fifth options, steps to MAKE us healthy, correcting problems.

Indigenous nations use diet and herbs around the globe. However, practitioners of Ayurveda apply a more individual approach. In addition to recognizing the importance of seasons and time of day, they thoroughly study the individual, since each person carries their own blend of the dosha energy systems. It is certainly important to know  what is known as your individual  constitution. Most remedies place emphasis on a specific dosha which would be your dominant identifying dosha. However, three recommendations are useful for everyone. The Neem tree provides many individual remedies, created from seeds, leaves and the bark. Both Guggul and Triphala are blended mixtures. Guggul, is a blood detoxifier, and Triphala is an anti-oxidant and digestive aid.

I studied Ayurveda medicine for more than three years and began simplifying the information for the Western individual who wanted the concepts but were not interested in a deep application of the health structure.  In the workshops I began teaching, I found that some people were still uncomfortable with the Sanskrit language. Consequently, I wrote my own book, Ayurveda Demystified converting many of the Sanskrit terms into easily understood English terminology. Here I re-labeled the three dosha energies as VATA=movement, PITTA=processing and finally KAPHA=storage.  This introduces a person to the wellness principles of Ayurveda.

In this Web page though, I will use the Sanskrit terms, with explanations.  

As I said previously, in Ayurveda, the diet is unique to each person, depending upon their composition of the three energy systems or doshas: VATA, PITTA, and KAPHA.

The VATA dosha is governed by the kinetic or movement energy. This energy activates the physical system and is frequently spent freely.  Under the Ayurveda medicinal system, the key words for the VATA energy are: changeable, unpredictable and variable. 

Next, the PITTA dosha manages the energy usage. It makes sure all energy is used efficiently. PITTA is responsible for the metabolism, processing and charging the enzymatic activities. The key words here are organized and predictable.

Lastly, the KAPHA dosha governs the potential use of energy. This force controls the structure of bones, muscle, and fat. It also controls the function of the mucous membranes. The key word here is relaxed.

Diet can be as complex as you wish in Ayurveda. Therefore, for more details, I suggest reading my book on Ayurveda, - Ayurveda Demystified - or one of the many others on the market.  Your choice will be your desire for complexity or simplicity. 

One of the secrets to keep the body balanced is identifying your dominant dosha and incorporating the “tastes” in each meal. It is possible to bring your  dominant dosha back into balance by  consuming foods with these tastes.

VATA people prefer sweet, sour and salty tastes. PITTA people prefer sweet, astringent and bitter.  KAPHA people like pungent, astringent and bitter tastes. 

Ayurvedic practitioners and physicians believe that most imbalances and ailments are correctable through diet.  If not, then the next step is using time tested herbs.

In addition to changing your diet, I found three key herbal blends that keep us healthy. Guggul, also known as Guggulu, is an effective purifying herb blend for controlling obesity and cholesterol.

Ayurvedic physicians consider Triphala as a “wonder remedy” It contains herbs that keep all doshas in balance. 

Each part of the Neem tree, an evergreen, has medicinal benefits. These range from cosmetics to leprosy.

Ayurveda is a comprehensive system but I find it is also one that the layman can utilize basic knowledge to manage their personal health.

To find out more, go to the Dosha Quiz page  to find out your DOSHA Constitution.