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The word Ayurveda comes from two Sanskrit words:
ayur, which means life, and veda, which means knowledge
or science. In Ayurveda, there are three basic ruling forces,
called doshas. The three doshas are vata, pitta and kapha.
Ayurveda postulates that every individual has been given a unique
blueprint by nature, a body type or prakriti which involves these
three doshas.
According to Ayurveda, it is fundamental that people
understand what is their prakriti as this can help the person
identify what is good or bad for him/her, thus engaging in a
lifestyle and behaviour that is most appropriate for the
individuals' health.
The Ayurvedic practitioner aims to identify this innate
disposition (prakriti) of each patient and then assesses personal
lifestyle, diet, work and life stage. A physical examination is also
involved which may examine urine, stools, sweat, skin, nails, eyes,
tongue and voice.
Treatments prescribed can include dietary changes, fasts,
sun baths, enemas, herbal medicines and so forth. Although emphasis
is mostly on prevention, when disease has already set in the
Ayurvedic practitioner aims to treat the source of the disease
rather than just its symptoms.
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