Ayurveda views the human being as a holistic entity composed of interconnected layers of existence, including the physical body, mind, emotions, and spirit. According to Ayurveda, health is not merely the absence of disease but a state of vibrant well-being that encompasses harmony within all these dimensions. Central to this understanding is the concept of “prakriti,” which refers to an individual’s inherent constitution or nature, determined by the unique combination of the three fundamental energies or “doshas” known as vata, pitta, and kapha (more on this in Ayurveda 102!).
Illness, from the perspective of Ayurveda, arises when there is an imbalance or disturbance in the equilibrium of these doshas, which govern various physiological and psychological functions in the body. This imbalance can be caused by external factors such as diet, lifestyle, environment, or internal factors such as emotions, thoughts, and beliefs. Ayurveda recognizes that stress, negative emotions, unresolved trauma, and unhealthy lifestyle choices can disrupt the balance of doshas, leading to the manifestation of disease.