The word Ayurveda is made up of two Sanskrit words.  The ‘Ayu’ and ‘Veda’. Ayu means ‘life’ and Veda means ‘knowledge’.   Thus Ayurveda can be thought of as the complete knowledge of life.   Ayurveda understands the world in energetic terms and seeks to balance the three main energies in the body and mind called the three Doshas.

Ayurvedic Doshas

The science of Ayurveda states we are governed by a combined effort of the 5 elements, earth, fire, water, air and ether and the imbalance of these elements within our system can change our physical, mental and emotional being.  Sometimes anger rises (fire), emotions pour (water), lethargy looms (earth), nerves fray (air) and thoughts scatter (ether).  Knowing your individual Dosha,  Kapha, Pitta, Vata is essential knowledge for improving your life and longevity.  Once your dosha is determined, your diet can be altered, yoga asana practiced and life style adjusted to bring your body, mind and spirit back into harmony.