• Akaasa (Ether/Space/Sky)
• Vaayu ( air )
• Tejas ( Fire )
• Ap ( water )
• Prithvi( earth )

Ayurveda defines a human as the assemblage of the five great elements plus the "immaterial self".

These five elements in turn combine with each other to give rise to three bio-physical forces (or Doshas) - Vatha (air & space), Pitta (fire & water) and Kapha (water & earth). Every individual has within them all three bio-physical forces, but it is the dominance of any one or two or all three that makes up a person's individual constitution.

Literally translated this defines the signs and symptoms of a healthy person; ( Balanced humours (doshas), healthy digestive fire (agni), and a good state of tissues (dhatus and malas), lead to a balanced state of the senses, mind and spirit, all of which lead to the ultimate state of health and well-being.)

In order to acquire a better understanding of the above statement, it is essential to understand and analyze the meaning of these words

Samadoshah - Dosha means 'that which changes'. The Pancha mahabhutas or five elements that dictate and form the governing principles of everything in nature combine in pairs to form the doshas or the three bio-energies, which control and perform all the physical and physiological functions in the human body.

The three active doshas are called : - Vatha, Pitta and Kapha

The combination of Vatha, Pitta, and Kapha that was present in the individual at the time of conception is maintained throughout his lifetime. A balance among the tridoshas is necessary for health. Your constitution or Prakruti is unique to you just as your fingerprint and DNA. Thus, in order to understand a person, it is necessary to determine his or her Prakruti. When their actions in our mind-body constitution are balanced, we experience psychological and physical wellness. When they are unbalanced discernible symptoms of sickness can be observed and experienced. Ayurveda recognizes that different foods, tastes, colors, and sounds affect the doshas in different ways.

It is considered as prime among the three as it governs the function of all other doshas

Samagni

Agni refers to the biological fire that governs metabolism. It covers the whole sequence of chemical changes and interactions in the body and mind. A balanced agni therefore is vital for health. The body's immunity and physical strength are related in direct proportion to the heat energy produced in the body. According to Ayurveda, there are thirteen types of agni in the mind and body as per the conversion and activity in the body.

Samadhatumala

There are seven dhatus ( elements) that form the pillars of the body and form the means of nourishment and growth while providing support to the body as well as the mind. They are Rasa (fluid), Rakta (blood), Masma (muscle), Medas (fat), A shti ( bone), Majja (bone marrow) and Shukra (reproductive tissue).

Malas are the waste products generated as a result of metabolic activity in the human body. The three primary Malas are Purisa (faeces), Mutra (urine) and Sweda (sweat).

All three, the doshas, dhatus and malas in balanced measures are necessary and sufficient to live a healthy life. Any disproportion in them can lead to disease and decay. While most western medical philosophies consider the body and mind as separate and independent, Ayurveda considers human beings as an essential part of the great universe. Health is therefore considered to be a dynamic balance within a person's body, mind and spirit, with the environment outside.

Prasanna Atmendriya Manaha

When all the physical aspects of the human body are balanced, then and only then will the mind and soul be in a state of equilibrium and health. Disturbances in the mental equilibrium can manifest as physical ailments.

Hence the interplay of the body, mind, senses and the soul result in the final state of the human being - be it balanced or imbalanced.

The sole aim of Ayurveda is to provide a holistic insight into the state of one's, body, senses, mind and ultimately soul and offer solutions in order to attain equilibrium within oneself and with nature itself.

Treatments in Ayurveda

Ayurvedic treatments involve in first identifying the individual's constitution and the nature of the imbalance and then seeking to return the individual's body to a state of healthy balance. The treatments consist of the use of:

• Specialist massages using herb-infused massage oils
• Nutritional advice tailored to bring balance to a person's individual constitution
• Advice on lifestyle habits
• Specially selected yoga exercises

Specialist Ayurvedic treatments also include:

• Panchakarma (five step detox treatment) - this highly effective treatment involves a five step programme of internal cleansing. It restores and maintains good health, strengthens the immune system and protects the body against diseases by removing toxins and rejuvenating your body's internal systems.

For information regarding our Personal Consultation Service with our experienced lead Ayurvedic physician