Even though the name Ayurveda sounds very strange to us, it is very common in the Middle East way of life, but most especially in India, its birthplace. If we separate de word, “ayur” means life, while “veda” means knowledge, therefore Ayurveda basically is the knowledge of life, which is something really important to understand if you want to lead a healthy life.
This science was considered to be the very first healing science in the world, which linked the human with three different types of personalities regarding his or her connection with the elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether (space). These elements have several types of combinations, but they always seek for equilibrium in order to have a healthy life.
Around the world
Even though this is an Eastern philosophy and medical practice, more and more people from Europe, Latin America, and the U.S are getting into this way of life, a common phenomenon that had also occurred with Americans refusing the Western way of life and embraced Buddhism. As a universal medical treatment, the only way to properly heal a person would be by knowing first his/her combination. We have three categories: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Which are you?
First off, we have Vata, which is the combination between Ether and Air. A Vata type of person usually has a thin body, they tend to be very active, going from one place to another and having a very changeable way of life. Because of this fondness to change, a Vata person can also be very unsteady; if this person is not balanced, he/she could be agitated or very uncertain when making decisions.
Second, we have the Pitta type. It is the combination between fire and water, their personality and body type is related to summer. Because of their relationship with fire, these people tend to be very hot-hearted. Ironically, they cannot tolerate heat. Also, they are very intolerant to hunger, which means that weather conditions and lack of food can change a Vata´s humor very fast. In addition, they are very cheerful and tend to be the people person kind.
Lastly, we wrap up with the Kapha type; the water and earth type of combination. This is the root of all patience and calmness. They tend to be very easy going and relaxed people, but they have a well-trained memory, so beware of what you do to a Kapha type of person, for he or she may never forget it. However, they are very likely to have very firm decisions and do things at their own rhythm.
Treatment
In Ayurvedic medicine, balance means healthy. A person could have any type of personality, but if it´s unbalanced, that person will be in pain because of it. It is considered a holistic treatment because it results from the combination between body, mind and spirit. This may sound very strange, but Ayurveda treats the person, not the disease. If balanced is achieved, healthiness will be too.
