The mother of all healing. The science of life. The oldest healing science.[1] All these statements allude to the same concept. A concept which to many is unknown, but to some is more significant than modern day medicine. This concept is known as Ayurveda. Originating more than 5000 years ago from India [1], Ayurveda literally means the ‘science of life’ in Sanskrit. But what does it do, you may ask. Ayurveda is a medical system which involves a natural and holistic approach to achieving perfect health.2 This may sound too technical but it just means it focuses on treating the whole person (mind, body, and spirit) by using natural remedies and lifestyle changes to address root causes, not just symptoms.
The foundational concept in Ayurveda is that there are three principle energies in your body: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These are also referred to as Doshas.[1] A balance and harmony in all three doshas is needed to embrace perfect health according to Ayurvedic medicine. However an imbalance in either of three doshas is when diseases and illnesses arise, with an imbalance in one dosha subsequently causing an imbalance in another dosha.[3] To fix this problem, Ayurvedic medicine prescribes the use of many natural remedies such as natural herbs, nutrition, stress management techniques and exercise. The natural herbs used include turmeric, ginger and ashwagandha. In addition, given that each individual is unique, the natural remedies that are used to treat an illness differ from person to person.[2]
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But you may still be wondering what each dosha actually means and how it impacts our day to day life. Vata, which means ‘wind’ or ‘air’ in Sanskrit1, is the principle energy which controls movement within your mind and body. For example, it manages blood flow, breathing and the movement of your muscles and joints.[2] A perfect balance in Vata means you are quick, energetic and creative [2] whereas an imbalance means that you are constantly in fear and anxiety.1 In order to achieve the perfect balance, Ayurvedic medicine promotes routines like a good sleeping pattern, where you are consistently sleeping around 8 hours each night and going to bed at a suitable time. Rest and relaxation are also encouraged to achieve perfect harmony. Furthermore, this medical system advocates for meditation, which is focusing the mind to train attention and awareness, as a method to gain harmony.[2]
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Following on from that, Pitta, which loosely translates to ‘fire’ from Sanskrit, is the principle energy[2] which governs the body’s metabolic system.[1] To illustrate, it controls the digestion of food within your body, whilst also ensuring your hormone levels are properly regulated. A perfect harmony in Pitta means that you are focused and competitive whereas an imbalance means that you are easily excited and also easily irritable and quick to make reckless decisions. Not only this, an imbalance and lack of harmony in Pitta could also lead you to experience inflammatory issues, such as acne, and digestive problems, like diarrhoea. The strategy to achieve perfect harmony and balance is to engage in cool calming activities, such as deep breathing exercises, yoga and walks in nature. Additionally, a Mediterranean diet, which is rich in nutrient rich plants, lean fish and poultry but low in red meat, helps overcome the inflammation experienced as part of the imbalance.[2]
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Finally, Kapha, which is associated with the element of earth in Ayurveda, is the principle energy that controls structure and lubrication. For instance, it helps hold everything together from your muscles to your bones to your ligaments.[2] Additionally, this dosha governs stability and strength. A perfect balance in Kapha means that you are calm, strong and loyal whilst also maintaining a stable life whereas an imbalance and lack of harmony in Kapha could result in you being extremely fatigued, sluggish and disinterested with any activities. In order to overcome this imbalance, essential oils, which are concentrated plant extracts, can be used through methods such as aromatherapy. Furthermore, reducing comfort foods, which are more likely than not unhealthy for us, whilst increasing the intake of both fruits and vegetables and also exercise is another way to create harmony in Kapha.2[]
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Although Ayurvedic medicine is widely used with 80% of India’s population of 1.2 billion using the medical system,[2] Ayurveda is not an alternative to western medicine. It is actually a complement to western medicine and should be used alongside it. Also, there are a few dangers associated with it. Some of the natural herbs and minerals used as part of the medical system contain toxic metals such as lead, arsenic and mercury. Therefore it is essential to ensure the safety of the natural herbs and minerals prescribed as part of Ayurvedic medicine, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, a child, a person with ongoing health issues or an elderly individual.[3]
Additionally, there are other issues associated with Ayurvedic medicine. As mentioned before, essential oils are used as part of Ayurvedic medicine. However, according to some individuals in western medicine, essential oils are considered pseudoscience. What this basically means is that even though these practices are presented as scientific, they lack scientific evidence to prove its worth. Furthermore, some say Ayurvedic medicine is largely outdated with concepts such as genetics and modern day microbiology (the study of microscopic organisms) disregarded by the medical system. Finally due to the absence of regulation, there is a lack of qualified Ayurvedic practitioners.
Having said this, there are numerous advantages of this medical system. The holistic and individualised approach is widely appreciated as the treatment is specific to each individual and treats the whole person (body, mind and spirit). Adding on, Ayurveda focuses on prevention so the long-term wellness of an individual using Ayurvedic medicine is much better. In addition, the use of natural remedies has been seen as beneficial, especially with rising awareness about the environment, as their plant-based origins and biodegradable nature reduces carbon emissions and the use of harsh chemicals due to the lack of industrial processes. Lastly, Ayurvedic medicine focuses on both physical and mental health, which is invaluable given the increasing incidence of mental health problems among the population.
All in all, while Ayurvedic medicine has the framework for a great medical system, its dangers and problems cannot be ignored. If you’re drawn to its benefits, tread carefully ensuring you seek the guidance of medical professionals whilst using Ayurveda.
Edited by Jenna M
References
Lad V. What Is Ayurveda? Introduction & Guide | the Ayurvedic Institute [Internet]. Ayurveda. 2021. Available from: https://ayurveda.com/ayurveda-a-brief-introduction-and-guide/
Cleveland Clinic. What Is Ayurveda and Does It Work? [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2022. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-ayurveda
John Hopkins Medicine. Ayurveda [Internet]. Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2024. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ayurveda
Jellybee. tesco everyday value honey mustard bottle [Internet]. Unsplash.com. Unsplash; 2021 [cited 2025 Dec 29]. Available from: https://unsplash.com/photos/tesco-everyday-value-honey-mustard-bottle-u1oTVA9Fkbc
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