The Science of Longevity
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is the oldest scientific medical system, dating back more than 3,000 years. The word combines Ayur (life) and Veda (knowledge) — the science of longevity.
According to Ayurvedic philosophy, the universe is made of five fundamental elements (Panchabhuta): Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. These condense in the body into three principles — the Tridoshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each person has a unique constitutional balance (Prakruti). Health is dynamic balance among the doshas; disease is their imbalance.
The Tridoshas
Vata · Pitta · Kapha
Vata
Air & Ether
Governs movement, breathing, circulation and the nervous system. When balanced: creativity and vitality. When imbalanced: anxiety, dryness, insomnia.
Pitta
Fire & Water
Governs digestion, metabolism and transformation. When balanced: intelligence and warmth. When imbalanced: inflammation, anger, acidity.
Kapha
Earth & Water
Governs structure, lubrication and immunity. When balanced: strength and calm. When imbalanced: heaviness, lethargy, congestion.
Five Purifying Procedures
Panchakarma
Pre-procedure — Purva Karma
Snehana
Internal and external oleation using medicated oils or ghee to loosen toxins.
Svedana
Steam therapy to open the channels and prepare the body for elimination.
Main Procedures — Pradhana Karma
Vamana
Therapeutic emesis to remove Kapha-related toxins from the upper body.
Virechana
Bowel evacuation to clear excess Pitta from the small intestine and liver.
Vasti
Medicated herbal enema, considered the primary treatment for Vata disorders.
Nasya
Nasal administration of medicated oils to cleanse the head and sinuses.
Raktamokshana
Blood-letting using leeches or needles — targeted release of impurities.