Ayurveda is much more than a diet. It is a way of life that harmonizes body, mind and soul. Ayurveda can cure illnesses, but it can just as well keep up a strong health to promote a long life. The key to health in Ayurveda is the balance of the three most dominant principles of the body (Doshas), Vata, Pitta and Kapha, astrong digestive fire (Agni) and therefore a high energy of life (Prana).
A weak digestive fire can cause flatulence, colds, and skin problems. Fast and careless eating, overeating, late meals or the wrong foods for your body type will weaken the digestive fire.
The doshas regulate all functions in the human body and each person is born with all three doshas. When they are in balance, the body is healthy. If they are out of balance, for example due to external influences, mental distress, or an unhealthy lifestyle, the body responds with illness.
The doshas are energies made up of the five elements water, earth, fire, air and ether. They determine all physical and mental characteristics of a person. An Ayurvedic doctor can reliably determine the constitution of a person.
