Frequently Asked Questions
Having originated in India, Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of holistic medicine which integrates & balances the mind, body and spirit. The term ‘Ayurveda’ is derived from Sanskrit word meaning ‘the science of life’ - ‘Ayur’ meaning ‘life’ and ‘Veda’ means ‘science’ or ‘knowledge’.
According to Ayurveda, the universe is an interplay of 5 elements related to energies such as: Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether (Space). The human being is a microcosm of the macrocosm (the universe) and is made up of the 5 elements as described below:
- Earth: fat, muscles, skin, nails and hair
- Water: plasma, blood, mucus, and saliva
- Fire: metabolic activity, the eyes, intelligence and body temperature
- Air: movement of the lungs, heart, stomach, intestines and joints
- Ether: cavity in the nostrils, mouth, ears, throat, lungs, and stomach
According to Ayurveda, the 5 Elements can form only 3 stable combinations which are:
- Air + Space = Vata
- Fire + Water = Pitta
- Earth + Water = Kapha
Vata, Pitta and Kapha are called the Tri (3)-Doshas.
| Vata | Pitta | Kapha |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Body Heat | Stability |
| Breathing | Temperature | Energy |
| Natural Urges | Digestion | Lubrication |
| Transformation of tissues | Perception | Unctuousness |
| Motor Functions | Understanding | Forgiveness |
| Sensory Functions | Hunger | Greed |
| Speech | Thirst | Attachment |
| Secretions | Intelligence | Accumulation |
| Excretions | Anger | Holding |
| Fear | Hatred | Possessiveness |
| Emptiness | Jealousy | |
| Anxiety |
The Tri-Doshas can be combined into the following types of Doshas:
- Only Vata
- Only Pitta
- Only Kapha
- Vata and Pitta
- Vata and Kapha
- Pitta and Kapha
- Vata, Pitta and Kapha
Ayurveda believes that everyone is different and requires customisation of therapies. Based on individual pulse analysis known as Nadi Parikshana, Ayurvedic physicians come up with a solution purely based on each Prakriti (body constitution).Whereas, Western Medicine follows a ‘one size fits’ all approach and treats symptoms rather than the root cause of the ailment, unlike Ayurveda .Ayurvedic therapies includes Herbal Medicines, Body Therapies, Diet Control, Lifestyle Management, Yoga, Meditation and Pranayama while Western treatment includes Pills, Surgeries and more steroid based pills.
Failure to abide by the process will not give you desired results and potentially have adverse effects on the system. Since this is a remote program where high motivation and commitment levels are required you are expected to sign the consent form. Please feel free to speak to the physician discuss the said consent form and its implications on the program management.
If you do not fill the prakriti questionnaire correctly leading to wrong diagnosis of the predominant dosha, which will cause imbalance of Tridoshas and lead to further ailments.
If you do not give regular feedback on the progress or do not keep in touch with the physician it can lead to wrong judgement of the metabolic rate as at every step it needs to be monitored. Each person is different and hence the medicine dosage might change too depending on your symptoms.
You have to reveal every detail about your health conditions, habits like smoking, drinking etc. To decide whether you are eligible or any changes needed in your program. If you hide information relevant to the program that might have adverse effects.