Ayurveda is the science, which uses the inherent principles of nature, to help maintain health in a person by keeping the individual's body, mind and spirit in perfect equilibrium with nature.
The aim of this system is to prevent illness, heal the sick and preserve life. This can be summed up as follows:
The term ‘dosha’ denotes ‘that which causes things to decay’ implying that when out of balance, the doshas trigger the disease process. The three doshas are vata, pitta, and kapha.
The doshas are the three primary energetic principles which regulate all physiological and psychological process in the living organism. From the most rudimentary cellular process to the most complex aspects of biological functionality, the doshas regulate everything that occurs, changes and decays. A harmonious state between the doshas results in homeostasis which is the required foundation for good health and a disharmonious imbalance results in various disease conditions.
Vata, composed of air, governs all movement in the mind and body. It controls blood flow, elimination of wastes, breathing and the movement of thoughts across the mind. It is also responsible for the activation of the nervous system, hearing and speech; and expresses as enthusiasm and creativity.
Pitta is said to be composed of fire and water. Pitta regulates all heat processes, metabolism and transformation in the mind and body. It controls how we digest food, how we metabolize our sensory perceptions, and how we discriminate between right and wrong.
Kapha is the watery “humour”. It cements the elements in the body, providing the material for physical structure and maintains the body resistance by lubricating the joints; giving the biological strength, vigor and stability, supporting memory retention.