The body has certain rhythms, similar to nature. When these rhythms are balanced the body is healthy; when they are imbalanced the body becomes sick - Dosha, biological force or humor, constitution, Prakriti or nature, governs this system. Dosha is the “password” of your body; once you understand your unique password you will be able to understand how your body works and how to keep it balanced.

Ayurveda is a holistic approach. It takes body, mind and soul into consideration, instead of focusing on physical body. Medicines given are prepared from herbs (natural plants). Therefore, have no side effects. Seeing is believing!

Dosha is a Sanskrit word meaning the one which can pollute the body, however all three are needed to create balance in the body. If one is too low or too high this produces imbalance. So this aggravation is called Vikriti and the balance is called Prakriti.

There are three main types of doshas:

1. Vata – the air type, which means all movements in the body and mind - for example, breathing, heartbeat, elimination, pulsation, blood circulation, and thinking. These are all due to air. Our body weight is due to air and the pressure it creates on our bodies. When the air element is too high all of the things listed above will increase and the person will become sick or mentally imbalanced.

2. Pitta – the fire/heat type. This is responsible for the metabolism and digestion in the body. Without adequate heat, your food cannot be properly digested and will become toxic in your system. Pitta dosha is also responsible for keeping the body warm.

3. Kapha – the water type. Our body is made up of 70% water and this is controlled by Kapha dosha. It is also responsible for lubrication in the body and provides stability. Lubrication is needed in the joints, skin and mouth. According to this, people are called Vata type, Pitta type or Kapha type. Everybody is composed of all three doshas; if one of them is predominant the person is called mono–doshic. If two are predominant this is bi-doshic and if all three are dominant then this is tri-doshic or mixed.

Ama is the by-product/waste material of metabolism that can be in any form: solid, liquid or gas.
The body is like a factory, which manufactures a variety of things and produces a range of products. During the process of manufacturing waste products are naturally formed which should be eliminated. If they keep accumulating, disease process results.

A person can consult a practitioner at any time whether sick or not. If they are in a state of imbalance, medicine can be prescribed. If the person is healthy they can be advised on how to keep their body in a balanced state and according to their prakriti be told in what ways their body may react if the balance is not kept.

This depends on the individual condition, severity of the illness and how long the person has had it. After dietary advice and herbal preparations have been given feedback is needed to assess how long the whole process will take.

Generally I have seen that there are no side effects, however if the dose is high some discomfort may be felt. Ayurvedic medicine has many positive effects; it can indirectly help with other conditions apart from the one being treated. This is because the herbs have been chosen due to the fundamental principles of the body.

Most forms of yoga involve physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation.

Practicing yoga is generally safe, but take it easy in your first few classes, there’s no reason to push beyond your limits. Also, if you have back, knee, or other physical problems, gets the go-ahead from your doctor first, since some poses can aggravate injuries. And tell your teacher beforehand about any limitation or concerns you have, so he or she can help you with alternate or modified poses.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School found yoga lowers chemicals in the blood stream associated with anxiety and triggers other physiological relaxation responses, such as reducing muscle tension and lowering heart rate.

Not at all, a good instructor can adapt the poses to fit any level of student. Over time, your flexibility will improve.

It is an adjuvant therapy of Panchakarma