© 2026 AlchemyAmethyst. Used with permission.
www.etsy.com/shop/AlchemyAmethyst

WHAT IS AYURVEDA?

The Sanskrit term Ayurveda is composed of Ayur which translates to life, and Veda which translates to knowledge/science. This defines Ayurveda as the science of life.

Ayurveda is a medical science and its purpose is to heal and to maintain the quality of our health.

Integral to Ayurveda are the the five elements. These are molecules composed of atoms or basic substances, and are the building blocks of all things, including humans. Each element has their own distinct attributes and qualities, and it is important for each one to be in balance, if good health is to be achieved.

Ayurveda groups the five elements into three basic types of energy or functional principles that are present in everybody and everything. The original Sanskrit words Vata, Pitta, Kapha are referred as the three doshas and there are no known direct translations.

As long as the doshas are normal in quality and quantity, they maintain harmony. The moment they go out of balance, they affect the balance of the body.

THE FIVE ELEMENTS

ETHER

Ether is the first expression of consciousness, and the basic need of the body cells.

AIR

Air is the movement necessary for keeping the body in constant motion and manifests as electrical energy.

FIRE

Where there is movement there is friction and where there if friction there is fire.

WATER

Water is a universal solvent and is necessary in the human body for assimilation and for maintaining electrolyte balance.

EARTH

The solid, dense and hard element is Earth, All solid structures, hard, firm and compact tissues are derived from the earth element (e.g. bones, cartilage, nails, hair, teeth and skin).

The doshas are composed of all five elements.

THE DOSHAS

VATA – In the body, vata, principally composed of Ether and Air, is subtle energy associated with movement. It governs breathing, blinking, muscle and tissue movement, the pulsation of the heart and all the movements in the cytoplasm and cell membranes. In balance, vata promotes creativity and flexibility. Out of balance, vata produces fear, anxiety and abnormal movements.

PITTA – Principally made up of Fire and Water, pitta expressed itself as the body's metabolic system. It governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism, body temperature – all transformations. In balance, pitta promotes understanding and intelligence. Out of balance, pitta arouses anger, hatred, jealousy and inflammation disorder

KAPHA – Is principally a combination of Earth and Water, and is the energy that forms the body's structure and provides the glue or cohesion that holds the cells together. Kapha supplies the water for all bodily parts and systems. It lubricates joints, moisturise the skin and maintains immunity. In balance kapha is expressed as love, calmness and forgiveness. Out of balance, it leads to attachment, greed, possessiveness and congestive disorders.comfortable and supported.