Ayurveda Frequently Asked Questions

Ayurveda is a traditional system of health that originated in India thousands of years ago. The word Ayurveda is commonly translated as the “knowledge of life”.

It considers the individual as a whole and traditionally places importance on constitution, digestion, food, daily routine, sleep, environment and the changing seasons.

No. Herbs are an important part of Ayurveda, but Ayurveda is much broader than herbal medicine.

Traditional Ayurvedic practice also includes diet, daily routine, massage, oils, exercise, sleep, seasonal living and other lifestyle practices.

No. Ayurveda can be introduced gradually.

Many people begin with simple changes such as eating more regularly, cooking with Ayurvedic spices, cleaning the tongue in the morning, introducing oil massage or becoming more aware of seasonal changes.

Many people incorporate aspects of Ayurveda into everyday life alongside conventional healthcare.

Ayurvedic practices and herbal products should not be used as a substitute for appropriate medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have a medical condition or take medicines, professional advice may be needed before using herbal products.

Ayurveda describes three fundamental principles known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Vata is traditionally associated with movement, Pitta with transformation, and Kapha with structure and stability.

Everyone contains all three doshas in different proportions.

Most people are not simply one dosha. You may have one dominant dosha, two that are relatively prominent, or a more balanced combination.

Ayurveda also distinguishes between your underlying constitution and your current state, so the qualities you are experiencing today may not necessarily represent your natural constitution.

Prakriti is the Ayurvedic term for your underlying natural constitution. It refers to the characteristic balance of Vata, Pitta and Kapha traditionally considered to be present from birth.

Vikriti describes your current state of balance.

It may be influenced by factors such as diet, sleep, stress, climate, season, activity and daily routine.

Your underlying constitution, or Prakriti, is traditionally regarded as relatively stable. However, your current doshic balance can change.

This is why Ayurvedic recommendations may vary according to circumstances rather than being based only on your constitutional type.

This is one of the simplest principles used in Ayurveda. Qualities similar to one another are traditionally considered to reinforce each other, while opposing qualities may help restore balance.

For example, cold and dry conditions have qualities associated with Vata, so warmth, nourishment and regularity may be used as balancing influences.

No. Ayurveda does not prescribe one identical diet for everyone.

Food choices may traditionally be adapted according to constitution, digestion, season, climate, age, appetite and current needs.

Agni is an important Ayurvedic concept relating to digestive and transformative capacity.

Ayurveda therefore considers not only what is eaten but also appetite, meal timing, preparation, portion size and how a person feels after eating.

Ayurveda traditionally recognises six tastes:

• Sweet
• Sour
• Salty
• Pungent
• Bitter
• Astringent

A varied Ayurvedic meal may contain several of these tastes, with the proportions adjusted according to the individual and the season.

No. Ayurvedic principles can be applied to many different styles of cooking.

A simple freshly prepared soup, stew, vegetable dish or cooked grain meal can reflect Ayurvedic principles even if it is not an Indian recipe.

Traditional Ayurveda often favours warm, freshly prepared foods because cooking changes the texture and qualities of ingredients and is traditionally considered supportive of digestion for many people.

This does not mean that raw food must always be avoided. The appropriate amount depends on the individual, digestion and season.

Kitchari is a traditional dish usually made from rice and split mung dal cooked together with spices and sometimes vegetables.

There are many different versions, ranging from very simple preparations to more substantial meals.

Dosha food lists are best treated as guides rather than rigid rules.

The overall pattern of your diet, digestion, season and current state is generally more useful than trying to classify every individual food as permitted or forbidden.

Well-known herbs and botanicals used within Ayurveda include Ashwagandha, Amla, Brahmi, Shatavari, Guduchi, Haritaki, Tulsi, Turmeric and Ginger.

Ayurveda also uses many culinary spices such as cumin, coriander, fennel, cardamom, cinnamon and black pepper.

Triphala is a classical Ayurvedic combination of three fruits:

• Amalaki or Amla
• Haritaki
• Bibhitaki

It is one of the best-known examples of a traditional multi-herb Ayurvedic formulation.

Trikatu is a traditional combination of three pungent ingredients:

• Dried ginger
• Black pepper
• Long pepper or Pippali

Its name means “three pungents”.

Not necessarily. Natural substances can still have significant effects and may not be appropriate for everyone.

Some herbs may interact with medicines or be unsuitable during pregnancy, breastfeeding or with particular medical conditions.

Traditional Ayurvedic formulas often contain several ingredients, but that does not mean that unrelated supplements should automatically be combined.

If you are considering several herbal products, especially alongside medicines, it is sensible to seek appropriate professional advice.

A traditional herb powder generally contains the dried, ground plant material. An extract is processed to concentrate particular constituents and may therefore provide a different amount of plant material in a much smaller serving.

Always follow the directions for the specific product rather than assuming different forms are interchangeable.

Abhyanga is the traditional Ayurvedic practice of oil massage.

It may be carried out professionally or as self-massage at home, usually using comfortably warm oil before bathing or showering.

The choice depends on constitution, skin type, season and personal preference.

Sesame oil is particularly prominent in traditional Ayurveda and is commonly associated with Vata. Coconut oil has more cooling qualities and is often associated with Pitta. Kapha-oriented massage may use lighter application and a more stimulating approach.

There is no single frequency suitable for everyone.

Some people practise oil massage regularly, while others prefer once or twice a week. Even a short foot or hand massage can be a practical introduction.

Massage oil is commonly used comfortably warm, particularly during cool weather.

A simple method is to place the closed bottle in warm water for several minutes. The oil should never be uncomfortably hot.

Padabhyanga is traditional Ayurvedic oil massage of the feet.

It is a simple practice that can be incorporated into an evening routine when a full-body massage is impractical.

No. Traditional Ayurvedic herbal oils are generally carrier oils in which herbs have been prepared according to a particular formulation.

Essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic substances and normally require appropriate dilution. They should not be used interchangeably.

Dinacharya means daily routine.

Traditional Ayurvedic routines may include regular waking and sleeping times, oral hygiene, tongue cleaning, appropriate meals, exercise, oil massage and a gradual transition towards rest in the evening.

Classical Ayurvedic routines often recommend rising early, but a modern routine should also take account of individual circumstances and the need for adequate sleep.

For most people, a regular waking time and sufficient rest are more useful than forcing an unrealistically early start.

Tongue cleaning is a traditional part of Ayurvedic morning oral hygiene.

A tongue cleaner is gently drawn from the back of the tongue towards the tip several times and rinsed between uses.

No. A simple routine can be enough.

You might begin with regular waking, cleaning the teeth and tongue, drinking according to thirst, eating at regular times and including some daily movement.

Begin with the basic principles rather than trying to change everything at once.

A useful learning order is:

1. Getting Started with Ayurveda
2. What is Ayurveda?
3. Understanding the Doshas
4. Ayurvedic Daily Routine
5. Ayurvedic Diet & Nutrition
6. Ayurvedic Herbs
7. Ayurvedic Oils & Massage
8. Seasonal Living in Ayurveda

A straightforward beginning might be:

• Eat meals at more regular times.
• Introduce a few Ayurvedic herbs and spices into everyday cooking, such as Vata, Pitta or Kapha Churna.
• Establish a more regular morning and evening routine.

You can then explore other practices gradually according to your interests and needs.