The Ayurveda way

I was introduced to Ayurveda in my late 20s. I went through a phase of not feeling well, with many digestive issues. I went to a handful of doctors to get a diagnosis but aside from treating some of the symptoms, they all kept saying I was in good health. But I knew I wasn’t. About 18 months into this phase, I joined my parents on a holiday to Ker-ala, three days of which were spent in an Ayurvedic resort. I remember sitting in front of the doctor and explaining my history and my symptoms and without skipping a beat, he told me I had a prolonged imbalance which had come about from dieting, lifestyle, and general stress. He explained how the body works according to Ayurveda, gave me some herbal medicines and guidance on how to balance. Finally, I got better. Ayurveda isn’t a diet as such, it is the science of how to live healthily. Part of the Ayurvedic doctrine is that you’re only as healthy as your digestive system. ThereWhen your Ayurvedic body type is determined, it is called your and is effectively, your natural propensity towards an (elemental) imbalance. literally means a fault. There are five elements which form the human body and all organic matter: earth, air, fire, ether and water. In the body these are grouped together to form three ; is the air body type (air and ether), is the fire body type, is the earth body type (but also encompasses water). Each of us will be born with a certain body type. For example, if you are a (fire body type), it means you have more fire in you than the other elements so you should try to eat foods which are cooling (like coconut) rather than heating (like chillies). When you are balanced, you tend to be focused and driven, when you are imbalanced, you will have a tendency towards anger, towards being controlling. When you are , you are often artistic and a fast thinker. Unbalanced you can be scatty, forgetful, and anxious. , when balanced have great memories but are measured and slow to reach their goals and make great friends. Left unchecked, can become lazy and greedy. Unchecked, all imbalances will eventually lead to ill health. Food is also made of the same five elements and will increase certain elements in our body as these energies are dynamic and constantly changing. For example, chilli will increase heat, beans will increase air and coconut milk will increase (earth and water). If you understand the properties of the foods you eat and what they do once in the body, you are able to eat foods which suit your body type. Your is imprinted in you like DNA, and where you are today shows you the kind of lifestyle you are living. For example, my natural constitution is and . But, over time, I dieted, exercised, and got more stressed and now I am more and . I will always be the healthiest in my original constitution.