Ayurveda 101

What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda, meaning “knowledge of life,” is a holistic healing system from ancient India. It teaches us how to live aligned with nature, using diet, lifestyle, herbs, and spiritual tools to maintain balance.

The Five Principles of Healing

  1. Personal Constitution (Prakriti) — your inherent dosha type

  2. Current Imbalance (Vikriti) — what’s out of balance now

  3. Natural Elements & Cycles — seasons, rhythms, environmental influence

  4. Diet & Digestion — what and how you eat matters

  5. Lifestyle & Behavior — habits, routines, stress, rest

Understanding the Doshas

  • Vata — changeable, airy, light; qualities of creativity and movement

  • Pitta — dynamic, fiery, metabolic; associated with digestion and clarity

  • Kapha — stable, grounded, calm; qualities of structure and endurance

Why Ayurveda Matters Today
Modern life often pulls us out of alignment — late nights, screen use, processed food, constant stress. Ayurveda gives us simple, effective tools to re-balance and thrive.

Kinds of Illnesses Ayurveda aids:

  • Anxiety, Stress and Insomnia

  • Asthma, Sinusitis

  • Acne

  • Digestive Disorders (Constipation, IBS, Acid Reflux)

  • Diabetes, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure

  • Migraines, Eye Disorders, Paralysis

  • Menopause

  • Reproductive Disorders (Infertility)

  • Joint & Muscle Pain & Arthritis

  • Weight Management

Glossary

Ayurveda: The Science of Life

The 5 Eternal Elements: Space, Air, Water, Fire & Earth

The Doshas: Subtle bio-physical energies in the body that maintain & control the metabolic activities of the body.

Vata: Space & Air

Pitta: Fire & Water

Kapha: Earth & Water

Prakriti: Your Natural Constitution

Vikriti: Your Current State

Agni (The Digestive Fire): The metabolism of the digestive system. All diseases are caused by an imbalance of Agni.

Ama (Toxins): Improperly digested toxic particles that clog the channels in your body bringing on disease. They can be physical (Ama) as well as non-physical (Nadis) energy channels.

Further Reading:

The Complete Book of Ayurveda Remedies - Dr V Ladd (1999)

A Pukka Life- Sebastian Pole (2012)

Ayurveda Teach Yourself Guide - Sarah Lie (2007)

Ayurvedic Cooking Inspiration:

Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing- Usha & Dr V Ladd (1997)

The Sivananda Cookbook