Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a traditional Hindu system of medicine which is based on customs, beliefs, and practices of the Hindu culture. From the perspective of Western medicine, it is unproven healing treatment. Ayurveda means "the science of Life": veda - science, ayur - life. The U.K. defines it as a Group 3a "Long-established and traditional systems of healthcare", originating in India, based upon the principle of mind-spirit-body interaction and employing natural herbs, usually mixtures, in treatment. or maintain good health.

Basic principles

One basic concept of Ayurveda is that every human being has certain physical and mental characteristics that can be described by the influences of three basic tendencies, vatha, kapha, and pitta. These three basic types are called doshas, and one or more may predominate in an individual. Before the ayurvedic practitioner begins therapy for a particular ailment, the practitioner will assess the basic constitution of the person in this regard. The treatment will be tailored to the individual.

Doshas are considered to shape the physical body according to a natural constitution established at birth, determined by the constitutions of the parents, as well as the time of conception and other factors. The particular ratio of the doshas in a person's natural constitution is associated with determining their mind-body type, including various characteristics such as physical appearance and personality. These are the natural tendencies of the individual, not absolute mandates, and the practitioner will wisely work with these individual tendencies.