The principles of Ayurveda are based on the idea that each person is made up of a unique combination of the five elements found in the universe: space, air, fire, water, and earth. The Five Elements All matter is composed of the five universal elements; namely the “panchamahabhutas” (pan cha ma ha boot tas).

They are termed as:

• Ether ‐ Akasha
• Air ‐ Vayu
• Fire ‐ Tejas
• Water ‐ Jala
• Earth ‐ Prithvi

The Ayurvedic understanding of the universe is based on a three‐ fold system called the “tridosha theory.” The five elements integrate into physical form as the three doshas. Everyone is a unique combination of the three dishes known as:

• Vata
• Pitta
• Kapha

Vata, pitta and kapha are found in every cell, tissue and organ in different degrees. Your distinct prakruti or individual constitution is established by pulse diagnosis, observation and personal health history. These are important steps to understanding your basic qualities, tendencies and needs.

There are seven constitutional types:

Vata

• Vata/Pitta
• Vata/Kapha

Pitta

• Pitta/Kapha

Kapha

• Vata‐Pitta‐Kapha (Tridosha)

The five elements manifest from universal consciousness into individual consciousness as three attributes or mental gunas:

• Sattva ‐ Equanimity
• Rajas ‐ Activity
• Tamas ‐ Inertia

The gunas also manifest as behavioral and moral tendencies.

• A sattvic mental constitution is pure minded, compassionate, clear and cooperative.
• A rajasic mental constitution is egotistical, ambitious, aggressive, selfish, competitive, controlling and restless.
• A tamasic mental constitution is lazy, possessive, depressed, sad and dull. As with the doshas, there can be many blends of these attributes, depending on the predominance of the gunas. Various problems involving the mind and the gunas arise from a combination of influences.

The Srotas Srota or srotasmi is another word for pathway or channel and is also described as “ducts”. There are 14 srotas that affect the physical structures:

• Respiratory System
• Digestive System
• Water System (Intake and Distribution)
• Lymphatic System
• Circulatory System
• Muscular System
• Adipose System
• Skeletal System
• Nervous System
• Reproductive System
• Sebaceous System
• Excretory System
• Urinary System
• Menstrual System
• Lactation System
• Mind – Emotions, Sensory Impressions, Thoughts

Agni(The Digestive Fire) is the Vedic term meaning transforming or burning. It is composed of different types of enzymes responsible for good digestion. The digestive fire or agni is of key importance according to the principles of Ayurveda.

There are four types of agni:

• Sama ‐ balanced digestion, no after effects
• Vishama ‐ irregular, gas, bloating, distention
• Tikshna ‐ sharp, hyper, acid reflux, heartburn
• Manda ‐ slow digestion, heavy, dull When agni is not functioning at an optimal level, ama, the by product of undigested food turns to toxic waste clogging the channels. In due time, this will lead to a state of disease. It is of paramount importance to keep your digestive fire strong throughout your entire life.

According to Ayurveda, imbalances in the doshas can lead to illness, so the goal is to maintain a balance of the doshas through lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise, and mental well-being. Here are some key principles of Ayurveda:

1. Understanding of the Doshas: The first principle of Ayurveda is to understand the three doshas and how they influence our physical and mental attributes. Vata governs movement, Pitta governs digestion and metabolism, and Kapha governs structure and lubrication. These doshas are present in everyone, but in different proportions.
2. Individualized Approach: Ayurveda recognizes that each person is unique and has their own specific constitution. Therefore, treatment and lifestyle recommendations are tailored to the individual, taking into account their unique dosha balance, or Prakriti.
3. Mind-Body Connection: Ayurveda emphasizes the connection between the mind and body. It recognizes that mental health and emotional well-being are crucial to overall health, and that imbalances in the mind can lead to physical illness.
4. Balance and Harmony: The goal of Ayurveda is to maintain a balance of the doshas to achieve optimal health and wellness. This can be achieved through various lifestyle practices, including diet, exercise, meditation, and stress management.

Overall, the principles of Ayurveda are rooted in the belief that each person is a unique combination of the elements and doshas, and achieving and maintaining a balance of these forces is essential for overall health and well-being. By understanding one's dosha constitution and making choices that promote balance and harmony, individuals can work toward optimal health and vitality according to the principles of Ayurveda.