Ayurvedic Medicine or Ayurveda is not a treatment. It is an entire medical system whose goal is the prevention of disease through the proper balance of three doshas: kapha, pitta, and vata.

Kapha people are most often healthy, content, calm and soft-spoken. They tend to have a large frame and well-developed body and, of the three types, have the most trouble maintaining a desirable weight. They have a tendency to become possessive, greedy and envious when under stress. They are believed to be more prone to colds, flu and allergies.

Pitta people typically have a moderate body size and level of physical activity. They are strong-willed and ambitious. They may become short-tempered, irritable and aggressive when under stress. They are believed to be more prone to skin problems.

Vata people are usually physically active and have a thin body type. They may become indecisive, insecure, fearful and anxious when under stress. They are believed to be more prone to develop problems of their digestive system.

The Ayurvedic practitioner's job is to identify the individual's combination of the three doshas, and prescribe dietary patterns, exercises, lifestyle changes, and therapies designed to bring the person into balance.

The patient is evaluated using such techniques as observation, interview, and pulse diagnosis to determine the imbalances that are present in the body and make recommendations according to the patient's body type.

Dietary and herbal recommendations make up a large part of their treatments; but many other techniques such as meditation, hatha yoga, aroma therapy, and music therapy are also employed.

Find Out Your Ayurvedic Constitution
Your constitution determines your unique set of attributes, tendencies and personal traits. It also explains your personal needs for health and happiness, dietary requirements, types of exercise and climate.

Vata types, for example, benefit from simple, nourishing food and a regular routine. Vata is cold, dry, light and mobile by nature.

Pitta types need to balance their schedules with leisure time. Pitta is warm, oily and intense by nature.

Kapha types need a spicier diet and more stimulating activities. Kapha is cool, damp and slow by nature.

[ THE AYURVEDIC CONSTITUTION TEST ]

Mental Constitution - Astrology is also used in Ayurveda to provide additional insights about individual gifts. It can also be useful as a guideline for compatibility between two individuals.