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आयुर्वेदVedic health · the knowledge of life

Ayurveda

The portion of the Vedas that deals with health is known as Ayurveda. It explains that every individual has a unique state of balance in which they experience optimal health.

What is my dosha? What is Ayurveda?
Line drawing of a parent carrying a child on their shoulders, pointing at real forested mountains

Your constitution

The three doshas

Every body is a unique blend of three doshas. Knowing yours is the first step to staying in balance.

VataवातAir + spaceThe energy of movement — breath, circulation and the nervous system.What is Vata? →Diet tips
Pittaपित्तFire + waterThe energy of transformation — digestion, metabolism and body heat.What is Pitta? →Lifestyle tips
KaphaकफEarth + waterThe energy of structure — strength, stability and immunity.What is Kapha? →Lifestyle tips
Not sure which dosha you are?Answer a few simple questions and discover your natural constitution.Take the dosha quiz

Ayurveda basics

Six ideas to know first

What is Agni?Your digestive fire, the root of good health.What is Ama?The residue left behind by incomplete digestion.What is Ojas?The essence of vitality and immunity.The 7 DhatusThe seven tissues that nourish the body.DinacharyaYour optimal daily routine.PanchakarmaAyurveda’s five-part cleansing therapy.

Ritucharya

Live with the seasons

Ayurveda adjusts your diet and routine as nature changes through the year.

Ritucharya: seasonal living →
SpringGuide to spring →SummerGuide to summer →AutumnGuide to autumn →WinterGuide to winter →

Herbs & spices

Nature’s pharmacy

Diet & nutrition

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” — Benjamin Franklin

Keep exploring

More ayurveda knowledge and guides

The portion of the Vedas which deals with health is known as Ayurveda. Our physical and mental well-being plays a vital role in our ability to live productive and happy lives. But what does it even mean to be healthy? The Śuśruta Samhita gives the following definition:

samadosa samagnisca samadhatumalakriyah | prasannatmendriyamanah svastha ityabhidiyate ||

One who is established in the Self, who has balanced doshas (primary life force), balanced agni (digestive fire), properly formed dhatus (body tissues), proper elimination of malas (waste products), well-functioning bodily processes, and whose mind, soul, and senses are full of bliss, is known as a healthy person.

In other words, health is the natural state of the human mind and body when the mental and physiological systems are nourished and balanced. Disease, on the other hand, arises due to imbalance in the body and mind, caused by adverse environmental factors, unhealthy lifestyle choices, or harmful eating habits.

Discover more: Check out our article, What is Ayurveda?

The Doshas

According to the science of ayurveda, all bodies contain a combination of three doshas, or biological humors: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Most of us have a single prominent dosha which determines our physiological makeup, strengths, weaknesses, and overall personality.

Once we gain an understanding of our individual constitution and learn how the doshas interact with one another, we can map out the best-suited diet and lifestyle regime for living a functional and harmonious life.

What is Vata Dosha?

What is Pitta Dosha?

What is Kapha Dosha?

Vata Lifestyle Tips

Pitta Lifestyle Tips

Kapha Lifestyle Tips

Diet & Nutrition

Ayurveda turns the diet and nutrition culture of the West on its head. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Ayurveda begins by looking at the makeup of an individual on a physical and emotional level. With this in mind, specific foods and habits are recommended to harmonize your unique physiological needs. Simply by making small adjustments in your eating habits, you can experience drastic improvements in your overall health and well-being.

Don't Know Your Dosha? Take our simple quiz.

Healthy Food Combinations

Zinc-Rich Vegetarian Foods

Protein-Rich Vegetarian Foods

Iron-Rich Vegetarian Foods

Seasonal Health

Did you ever notice that more people tend to get sick during times of seasonal transitions? This is because our external environment plays a big role in our overall health. It takes time for our internal environment in the body to adapt. Ayurveda offers helpful tips for supporting our body during this time of transition. Take advantage of these suggestions and take extra care of yourself during times of seasonal change so that you can continue to operate at full health!

Guide to Summer

Guide to Autumn

Guide to Winter

Guide to Spring

Herbs & Spices

Herbs are Mother Nature's best medicine. The Ayurvedic science utilizes more than 600 herbal formulas combining more than 250 herbs and spices to treat diseases from cancer to diarrhea. Unfortunately, in the modern age, pharmaceutical companies have no incentive to promote herbal remedies. Why? Because herbs can't be patented and sold at outrageous prices like synthetic medicines. Nonetheless, many scientists have in recent times conducted studies on such Ayurvedic super-herbs as Turmeric, Ashwagandha, and more.

Below you'll find our guides to some of the most popular and effective Ayurvedic herbs. Before adding herbal supplements to your diet, it is recommended to consult an experienced Ayurvedic physician.
Amalaki Arjuna Ashwagandha Bala
Bhringaraj Brahmi Chyawanprash Gotu Kola
Manjistha Neem Pippali Shatavari
Trikatu Triphala Turmeric

General Health

No matter what is your body type or dosha, everyone can benefit from simple lifestyle practices that support a healthy mind and body. Below you'll find articles introducing topics in Ayurveda, as well as articles on basic aspects of healthy living.

Ayurveda Basics

The Doshas

Exercise & Physical Health

Brain & Mental Health

Interpersonal Health

Food & Fasting