Ayurveda is an ancient traditional holistic system of medicine and health care. It is based on the concept of living with awareness and in harmony with nature. This wisdom of daily life enables one to cultivate health and prevent imbalance.

   The word “Ayurveda” is derived from the terms ayur, meaning life, and veda, meaning knowledge or science. Ayurveda teaches that each of us is a unique expression of cosmic consciousness, and we can fully embrace this idea by deeply learning about ourselves. To create health and vitality, we must understand our emotions, our mind and its relationship to the body, and our tendencies toward imbalance.

   Originating in India almost 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda was preserved and transmitted through the oral tradition of Indian vaidyas (medical doctors) from generation to generation. Rishis, 'seers,' added to this body of knowledge with their insights gained from deep meditation on the external universe and the internal universe of the mind and body. This oral tradition has since been transcribed into three major texts: the Caraka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridayam. Together, these texts chronicle the eight branches of Ayurvedic medicine: internal medicine, surgery, ear/nose/throat diseases, pediatrics, toxicology, psychiatry, rejuvenation and longevity and virilization. Today, Ayurveda is gaining popularity as peoples around the world recognize its inherent ability to improve the quality of life through a holistic approach.

Our Unique Constitution
   Ayurvedic medicine emphasizes the individual. Ayurveda states that each individual is a unique expression of cosmic consciousness manifesting itself through a specific combination of physical, mental and spiritual characteristics. The underlying human constitution, known as prakruti, is the dynamic interplay of three principal energies existing within us and within all of creation. These energies, known as the doshas, are individually known as vata, pitta and kapha. Like our genetic code, our constitution is set from the moment of our creation, the time of conception. These energies, or doshas, are responsible for health in the body (when they are functioning optimally) and disease (when they are thrown out of balance).

   Ayurvedic philosophy describes these doshas as originating from the merging of two of the five elements (space, air, fire, water and earth) that permeate the cosmos, creating three unique doshas. Vata is formed from space and air, pitta from fire and water, and kapha from water and earth. Each dosha has specific functions within the body.

   Vata is the principle of movement and governs respiration, circulation, locomotion and the movement of the mind and nervous system. Pitta is the principle of transformation. It is the fiery energy that is necessary for digestion, absorption and assimilation of food. Kapha, the principle of substance, governs physical structure, stability and solidity. It makes up the dense sturdy structure of the skeletal system, muscles and tendons. Most individuals have one dosha that expresses itself more predominantly in their constitution, which leads to certain inherent physical and mental traits.

   While it may seem impossible to categorize individuals into simple classifications, the following profiles do just that, according to Ayurvedic principles:

Vata Constitution
   Vata (space and air) individuals often have a thin, light body frame, love to exercise and travel, and are dynamic and flexible. They are also creative and expressive. Vata's like to walk, talk and think fast. They are always on the go but easily fatigue and can exhaust themselves. With all this movement, their appetites and digestion tend to be irregular, making them more prone to dry, hard stools and constipation. They easily become unstable or ungrounded when out of balance and are known for being anxious, nervous, insecure or fearful. They are prone to having dry skin, cold hands and feet, insomnia and nervous system disorders. To balance this energy, vata individuals thrive with having regular routine, more sleep and less overexertion. Food should be warm and moist at all meals. By minimizing extreme cold weather, loud noises, over-stimulation and frequent traveling, vatas will feel significantly more grounded and energetic.

Pitta Constitution
With a medium build, pittas (fire and water) have warm, ruddy skin with moles and freckles, sharp facial features and well developed muscles. Because pitta is the energy of transformation, these types have strong, healthy appetites and efficient metabolism. Being fiery individuals, they are motivated, determined, articulate and goal-oriented. They possess a sharp intelligence, memory and concentration. Pittas are susceptible to fiery emotions such as anger, rage, jealousy and impatience. They easily become critical, judgmental, irritable and agitated. They have a tendency toward heat conditions such as migraines, hypertension, heartburn, hyperacidity and diarrhea. They may also have skin disorders or inflammatory conditions. The best way for a pitta to stay balanced is to avoid the heat and stay cool, calm and collected. They should exercise during the coolest part of the day and eat cooling, non-spicy food that will abate the inner fire.

Kapha Constitution
Just as kapha (water and earth) governs substance, these types have bulkier muscles, denser bone structure and heavier frames overall. Kaphas have large, soft features, compassionate and attractive eyes and soft skin. They have slow digestion and metabolism, which makes them more prone to gaining weight. Kaphas are relaxed, mellow and are “go-with-the-flow” types. They have strong stamina and endurance, but don't like to physically exert themselves too much. They are loving, cheerful, tolerant individuals -- naturals at keeping the peace and managing stress. When they become imbalanced, they tend to be attached, have trouble letting go and are prone to grief and depression. They can be difficult to motivate, resistant to change and unfocused. Physical imbalances manifest as congestion and respiratory disorders such as asthma, weight gain and edema. Kaphas stay balanced by being active, getting plenty of exercise and varying their routine. They do well with light, dry foods and by minimizing dairy, fatty foods and oily foods.

Ayurvedic Therapies
Ayurveda's holistic approach to restoring the body and mind to a state of balance involves the confluence of many therapies. An Ayurvedic consultant first makes a diagnosis and treatment plan based on a pulse and tongue diagnosis, observation of physical traits and a thorough interview of the patient. Then the client is educated about relevant therapies for his/her constitution. By seeing an Ayurvedic clinician, imbalance can be detected before it translates into severe signs and symptoms or disease conditions.

Ayurvedic applications include:
• Lifestyle: daily and seasonal routine for health maintenance and disease prevention
• Diet: appropriate for doshic constitution, present imbalance and seasonal influence
• Herbs: balance aggravated doshas and treat symptoms
• Therapeutic Yoga: specific asanas (postures) to balance the doshas
• Meditation and Pranayama (breathing techniques): stress management
• Panchakarma: cleansing and detoxification techniques that eliminate toxins and purify, creating physical and    mental rejuvenation
• Marma Therapy: acupressure points that revitalize, de-stress and increase self-awareness

Ayurveda emphasizes the mind-body-spirit connection and its role in disease prevention. The goal of treatment is to experience increased levels of health and radiance so that the individual may increase self-awareness and ultimately manifest their fullest potential. Thus, Ayurveda is a complementary adjunct to all other medical treatments and systems. Ayurveda is not a substitute for Western medical care. The vata-pitta-kapha framework can easily be applied to Western treatments and medications, allowing Ayurveda to be readily integrated with any holistic health care plan.
Anisha Tambay is an Acupuncturist and Ayurvedic Specialist who consults on diet, lifestyle, stress management, women's health issues, detoxification techniques, meditation and pranayama. She recently co-authored a book with Dr. Vasant Lad called Marma Therapy: The Energy Points of Ayurveda, due out in print in late 2005. She can be contacted at her website www.LotusMedicine.com or by calling (216) 287-6147.