Keeping balance in Ayurveda involves the body, mind and consciousness working together. It is believed by many scholars that Ayurveda is the oldest healing science. The name Ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit words meaning "Science of Life." Ayurvedic knowledge originated in India more than 5,000 years ago and is often referred to as "the Mother of all Healing." It descended from the ancient Vedic culture and was transmitted orally for thousands of years from accomplished masters to their pupils. A few thousand years ago, some of this knowledge was recorded, but most of it has not been preserved until now. Homeopathy and Polarity Therapy, which are both drawing on Ayurvedic principles, are now widely used in the West.

          Ayurvedic philosophy states that all of nature is comprised of elements - space, air, fire, water and earth - interplaying together. Combinations and permutations of these five elements manifest in all creation as vata, pitta, and kapha.

          Vata is the subtle energy associated with movement, which consists of Space and Air. It governs breathing, blinking, muscle and tissue movement, pulsation of the heart, and all movements in the cytoplasm and cell membranes. In balance, vata promotes creativity and flexibility. Out of balance, vata produces fear and anxiety.

          Pitta expresses as the body’s metabolic system — made up of Fire and Water. It governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism and body temperature. In balance, pitta promotes understanding and intelligence. Out of balance, pitta arouses anger, hatred and jealousy.

          Kapha is the energy that forms the body’s structure — bones, muscles, tendons — and provides the “glue” that holds the cells together, formed from Earth and Water. Kapha supplies the water for all bodily parts and systems. It lubricates joints, moisturizes the skin, and maintains immunity. In balance, kapha is expressed as love, calmness and forgiveness. Out of balance, it leads to attachment, greed and envy.