Ayurveda provides knowledge on what is appropriate in life, conditions of happiness and sadness, and what is beneficial for a long and healthy life.

How Does It Work? Purposes and Objectives of Ayurveda

Ayurveda focuses on two main purposes:

1. Alleviating health-related discomfort and suffering.
2. Preserving and promoting health in already healthy individuals, helping them achieve the four principles of life:
   • Artha: Emotional, economic, and social security and abundance.
   • Kama: Satisfaction of desires and pleasures.
   • Dharma: Developing gifts and living according to one’s life purpose.
   • Moksha: Liberation and spiritual self-realization.

The Five Fundamental Elements of Ayurveda

Everything in Ayurveda is composed of the five elements: Ether, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. These elements represent the different states or qualities of energy or matter, influencing physical, mental, and emotional experiences.

What are Doshas? The Three Vital Energies

Doshas are the three vital energies—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that govern all physical, chemical, and physiological processes in the body and mind. Each dosha is a combination of two of the five elements and influences various body functions.

The Constitution: Prakruti and Vikruti

Understanding your Prakruti (birth constitution) and Vikruti (current constitution) is essential for using Ayurveda to maintain health and well-being. Ayurveda aims to restore balance by addressing the elevated doshas in Vikruti, leading back to the natural equilibrium.

Unique Characteristics of Ayurveda

1. Root Cause Treatment: Focuses on healing the root cause rather than just alleviating symptoms.
2. Non-Toxic Medicines: Uses natural herbs and minerals, prepared carefully to avoid toxicity.
3. Applicable to All: Beneficial for both healthy individuals and those with illnesses.
4. Cost-Effective: Primarily uses herbs, which are more affordable than modern synthetic medicines.
5. Psychosomatic Approach: Considers the interconnectedness of body and mind.
6. Preventive Medicine: Emphasizes prevention through lifestyle and dietary recommendations.
7. Natural Remedies: Utilizes herbs, metals, minerals, and animal products like ghee for treatment and prevention.

Benefits and Common Ayurvedic Practices

Ayurveda uses various tools such as diet, daily routines, yoga, oils, and especially medicinal plants to guide individuals toward their natural balance.

Yoga & Ayurveda: Two Ancient Sister Sciences

Yoga and Ayurveda are complementary sciences developed together, aiming to enhance overall well-being. Yoga focuses on self-realization through meditation and asanas, while Ayurveda focuses on self-healing. Together, they provide comprehensive knowledge for transforming existence at all levels: physical, mental, and spiritual.