Ayurveda principles state that everything in life is composed of the ‘Panchamahabhutas’, meaning the Five Great Elements. They are:
Apo – water/ liquid. Taste. Sensory organ: the tongue.
Theejo – fire/ heat. Sight. Sensory organ: the eyes.
Vayo – air. Touch. Sensory organ: the skin.
Pruthuvi – earth. Smell. Sensory organ: the nose.
Akasha – space. Hearing. Sensory organ: the ear.

The Ayurvedic concept of creation is based on four inter-related factors. These are: body, mind, soul (or consciousness) and the Panchamahabhutas. These four elements blend into three bio-energetic forces that govern the health and determine the physical constitution of living beings.

According to ayurveda principle, everyone has a unique mixture of these three bio-energetic forces, better known as ‘Trishodas’. They are: Vata dosha, Pitta dosha and Kapha dosha.

Vata dosha – The energy of internal and external movement, directing nerve impulses, circulation, respiration, and elimination. People with a lot of Vata dosha tend to be thin, light and quick of mind and deed. Change is an important aspect of their lives. When Vata is balanced, they are creative, flexible, enthusiastic, and lively. However, when Vata becomes excessive they may develop anxiety, insomnia, or irregular digestion.

Pitta dosha – Responsible for the generation of body heat and metabolism in the organ and tissue systems and certain psychological attributes of the individual. People with Pitta dosha are vivacious, smart, and determined. If the Pitta energy is balanced they tend to be warm, understanding and intelligent. When excessive it can create irritability, jealousy, and aggression.

Kapha dosha – Responsible for growth. Its main function is to maintain healthy body tissues and the balance of fat, water, and other fluids. Those with Kapha dosha tend to be leisurely and stable. When Kapha is balanced, they are calm, sweet, and loyal. When unbalanced, it can result in greed and attachment.

All these elements must exist in dynamic equilibrium to help maintain the original balance of the individual’s dosha. Any disturbance to any of the doshas causes an imbalance, resulting in disease and that is when treatment is required. Body constitution is checked before any major treatment. It is advisable to have medical records available should you wish to undergo lengthy or serious Ayurvedic treatment.

Principles of Panchakarma (The Ayurvedic `Detox’ )

‘Panchakarma’ is the Sanskrit word for the five vital purification therapies used in Ayurveda. Toxins are eliminated by special diets and herbal treatment. Another word to describe Panchakarma is "detoxification."

There are three stages of Panchakarma treatment. They are:

Poorva Karma – Preparatory measures before the main treatment. Lasts from five to 10 days and sometimes longer depending on the seriousness of the illness.

Pradhana Karma – The main treatment, consisting of the five cleansing actions listed below.

Paschata Karma – Measures to be taken after the main treatment, such as diet, medicine, and daily routine.

The above three karmas are essential in improving the body’s own natural mechanisms.

The five cleansing actions of the Pradhana karma are:

Virechana/ Vireka – The process of purgation using laxatives to clear impurities from the small intestine and excesses in the Pitta Dosha.

Bastis/ Vasti – The procedure of using herbal and/ or oily decoction enemas to cleanse and establish the correct functioning of the large intestine and excesses in the Vata Dosha.

Vamana – Induced vomiting to clear the impurities if the stomach and excesses in the Kapha Dosha.

Nasya – Nasal drops are used to clear impurities from the head.

Rakta Moksha – The procedure of blood purification using herbs.