Curious about Ayurveda? Here’s everything you need to know.
Ayurveda – which literally means “the science of life” – is a 5,000-year-old holistic healing system originating in India and foundational in countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka. Rooted in the balance of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), it is widely considered the oldest healing science, offering a time-tested roadmap for better health for your mind, body and soul.
Now – as wellness and longevity become intrinsically more important to all of us – Ayurvedic principles are gaining global popularity.
So, whether you’re curious about Ayurvedic dosha balance, daily self-care routines, or how to adapt diet and beauty practices the Ayurvedic way – our beginner’s guide walks you through everything. We spoke with leading Ayurvedic therapists and skincare experts to bring you practical, respectful tips to embrace Ayurveda with appreciation, not appropriation.
What is Ayurveda?
“Ayurveda is a 5,000 year old healing system from India, that is increasingly backed by scientific studies on longevity,” says the co-founder of Mauli Rituals, Anita Kaushal, whose father-in-law was a respected Ayurvedic doctor. “Translating to the ‘science of living’ Ayurveda is profound in its simplicity, and offers a way to live in harmony with one’s true nature, rather than forcing societal ideals of perfection.”
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“Ayurveda can be described as the art of adding life to your years, not just years to your life”, agrees the Ayurvedic skin expert and founder of Purearth, Kavita Khosa. “The Ayurvedic system of medicine looks to the cause, not just the effect, and it is described in a way that is codified and works on the principles of being in balance with nature.”
What does Ayurveda mean?
“The word Ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit language and combines two words: Ayur, which means life, and Veda, which means knowledge,” further explains the Ayurvedic therapist Amrita Ma Devi. It’s no wonder then that many of its principles focus on prolonging not only the length of, but the quality of your life.
What are the Ayurvedic doshas?
One of Ayurveda’s most integral concepts is the ‘doshas’ – three energy types that govern physical, mental, and emotional health. Ayurvedic medicine is based on the idea that the world is made up of five elements – aakash (space), jala (water), prithvi (earth), teja (fire) and vayu (air). The three doshas are the results of a specific combination of each element.
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These three doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Individuals tend to lean naturally more towards one of them, which influences their natural appearance and behavioural qualities. “Doshas are very elemental and are at the core of understanding how your health and your system works if you want to follow the Ayurvedic system of health,” reveals Khosa. “Doshas are basically the elements of nature (what is in nature you will find within you), and ‘like attracts like’.”
It can also be helpful to think of each dosha being like a two-way scale, which, when out of balance, can cause physical and emotional problems. “For example if you are Vata (air-dominated), you need to avoid things that will aggravate or increase your Vata,” says Khosa, which means focusing on stabilising influences and routines.
“If you are Pitta (heat and fire dominant), you need to bring it down with cooling principles and cooling foods,” Khosa continues. And, with Kapha – the water-dominated dosha that ‘binds things together’ – routines need to avoid sluggishness and encourage movement. The aim is to get all your doshas back to their natural levels for your body.
How to find out your dosha
One of the first things you should do to properly engage with Ayurvedic principles is to have your dosha read. The simplest way to do this yourself is through an Ayurvedic dosha quiz, which asks about your body type, digestion, sleep, and personality traits. You can find lots of free dosha quizzes online, and you might be surprised how much you learn about yourself.
For deeper insight though, it can be most beneficial to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner, who will assess your pulse, tongue, and lifestyle patterns too.
“The word ‘dosha’ literally translates to fault, or rather imbalance of body and mind,” reveals Kaushal. “An understanding of your mind/body type unlocks the knowledge of the optimal foods, self-care rituals, exercise, meditation and breathing techniques that will bring balance to you. It’s not a one-size-fits-all and empowers you to take charge of your own healing.”
“For example, if you have a pimple, Ayurvedic principles will identify it according to doshas – whether it is caused by dryness, excess mucus, water or heat,” continues Khosa. “It is then treated according to what the dosha imbalance is in that person, so there is no cookie-cutter way of treating a pimple.”
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What qualities define the three doshas?
Vata Dosha
Elements: mostly air and space.
Qualities: cold, light, dry, rough, flowing.
Appearance: slim, energetic, easily distracted.
Strengths: quick-learners, multitasker, flexible, creative.
Weakness: forgetful, anxious, digestive issues, prone to colds.
Recommended routine: rigid morning and nighttime routines, grounding meditation, consume warm food and hydrate often.
Pitta Dosha
Elements: mostly fire and water.
Qualities: hot, light, sharp, oily, mobile.
Appearance: muscular, athletic, strong leaders.
Strengths: highly motivated, intelligent, goal-orientated, strong, quick metabolism.
Weakness: overcompetitive, aggressive, impatient, always hungry, prone to acne.
Recommended routine: cooling activities such as cold showers, walks by the river, avoid spicy food, encourage spontaneity in the routine and work-life balance.
Kapha Dosha
Elements: mostly water and earth.
Qualities: steady, stable, slow, cold, soft, caring.
Appearance: strong, thick-boned.
Strengths: calm, supportive, grounded, forgiving, strong bones and joints.
Weakness: jealousy, sluggishness, weight gain, breathing issues.
Recommended routine: build a routine based on self-care including breathwork, regular exercise, avoid oily foods in favour of fresh fruit and vegetables, establish a regular sleep routine.
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What are the concepts of Ritucharya and Dinacharya in Ayurveda?
Doshas aren’t the only concept you are likely to come across in Ayurveda. There’s also Ritucharya and Dinacharya.
‘Chaya’ means ‘behaviour’ or ‘discipline’ in Sanskrit, while Din’ means ‘day’ and ‘Rut’ means ‘seasonal’. Therefore, Dinacharya is the traditional Ayurvedic daily routine, and Ritucharya means living in harmony with a ‘seasonal regime’.
“Ritucharya is how we work in harmony with nature when it comes to seasons,” summarises Khosa, “and Dinacharya is how we work in harmony with nature when it comes to the Ayurvedic clock or times of day and what elements of nature govern those times of day.”
Significantly, the Ayurvedic clock has the same 24 hour period as a traditional timepiece, but it is further divided into cycles of 4 hours over that period, which are all divided into doshas (one day zone and one night zone for each of the three). At sunrise cool Kapha is influential, the middle of the day belongs to hot Pitta and the lightest of the afternoon is Vata, with the cycle then repeating throughout the night. That means an Ayurvedic daily routine is designed to adapt accordingly.
The seasons are also said to have predominant dosha qualities. Winter is neutral, spring favours Kapha, summer favours Pitta and autumn favours Vata. For that reason, the seasons, for example, hot qualities in the summer versus the cooler months in winter, can lead to imbalances that need to be addressed throughout the year. Shifting your diet, daily activities, and approach to exercise can thus create a healthier seasonal transition.
These changes are said to be most obvious during seasonal transitions, so while the source of said imbalances may be defined differently, the concept can feel quite similar to the Western concepts of ‘spring cleaning’ and seasonal skincare changes.
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How does Ayurveda differ to ‘Western’ medicine?
“Ayurveda differs from Western medicine in that it views health as a balance between the individual and their environment. In contrast, Western medicine focuses on treating specific symptoms with medication,” explains Ma Devi, a point supported by Kaushal: “What I appreciate is the way Ayurveda recognises the interconnectedness of all people and things,” she says. “Our bodies are a microcosm of nature. Just as there are plants that are dry, others that are lush, some that thrive in sunshine and others in shade; so too, we as individuals have an elemental make-up that is suited to different products and lifestyles.”
Ingredients-wise, there are differences too. Western skincare techniques, for example, tend to adhere to the ‘Dalton rule’, “which talks about the molecular weight of an ingredient and how it can penetrate into the skin or bloodstream,” says Khosa. “Ayurveda, however, talks about ingredients not just based on molecular weight, but on the potency power of the ingredient; how sharply and deeply it can penetrate regardless of its molecular weight.”
Is there any controversy?
Nowadays, Ayurveda is sometimes described as pseudoscientific, because it is centred on healing through spiritual concepts such as the doshas, rather than provable medical principles like germ theory. Traditional Ayurvedic teaching, for example, suggests that certain plants and remedies can help slow or cure cancers and other serious diseases, although recent research suggests minimal or lacking evidence, especially in comparison to modern surgery.
For that reason, while there is a surgical aspect to traditional Ayurvedic teaching, modern healers tend to increasingly work alongside modern medicine – and that is what is being increasingly promoted in the West. In this way, Ayurveda is used to boost wellbeing and health when serious disease such as cancer is absent or already being treated with modern medicine.
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What ingredients are integral for Ayurveda?
“Ayurvedic products are known for their use of natural tropical plant ingredients, such as turmeric, ashwagandha, ginger, and ghee,” says Ma Devi. “These ingredients have been used for centuries for their powerful healing properties and are often found in Ayurvedic remedies and treatments. For example, many teas with herbs have been known to improve digestion problems such as bloating or constipation.”
Top recommendations:
Shatavari: Shatavari translates loosely to ‘she who has 100 husbands’. It is excellent for managing estrogen levels and is also used in modern medicine to control menopause and period pains. It is also good for the skin.
Neem: one of the five sacred plants. It is antibacterial, antimicrobial, well-researched and a potent blood purifier – every part of it is useful.
Cow Ghee A2: from a particular cow breed. Ghee is interesting as it takes every property of the ingredients it is formulated with, but it will never give up its own property. Ghee is cooling and sweet in Ayurvedic potency and is remarkable for every skin type and issue.
Ashwagandha: also known as the herb of strength, it is used to boost immunity and reduce stress.
Ginger: the universal healer, has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including nausea and inflammation.
Ghee: a form of clarified butter, has one of the highest smoke points of all oils and is used in many Ayurvedic preparations.
Turmeric: known for its vibrant colour, turmeric is said to help balance all three doshas, so has been used for generations for thousands of ailments.
How to easily incorporate Ayurvedic practices in your daily life?
1. Morning oil pulling
“Start in the morning with Gandusha which means ‘oil pulling’,” suggests Khosa. “It is very much at the core of Ayurvedic daily rituals.” Oil pulling involves holding oil in your mouth for around five minutes before gargling and spitting out – coconut oil is popular due to its better-than-most taste. It is recommended first thing in the morning, before you have eaten and is said to benefit your oral health, enhance skin quality and improve voice quality.
2. Herbs and spices
“A simple way to access the benefits of Ayurvedic practices is incorporating herbs and spices into your diet,” continues Ma Devi. “You should ensure that your daily routine follows nature, you eat seasonally, eat locally, and eat according to your dosha type. Practice mindful eating, which involves paying attention to the taste, smell, and texture of your food, as well as the physical and emotional sensations that arise while eating.”
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3. Move your body: 100 steps
“You can also do Shatpavali which means 100 steps,” says Khosa. “After your meal, Ayurveda recommends that you walk 100 steps which helps digest your food.” This is an especially important reminder for any office workers who tend to move very little during the working day, and who might have a tendency to eat at their desks.
4. Find product rituals
Incorporating product rituals inspired by Ayurvedic principles into your daily routine is an easy way to start exploring the practice. Look to brands that are rooted in Ayurvedic heritage and traditions, such as Mauli Rituals and Purearth. These small rituals can transform indulgent skincare moments into grounding practices, helping you connect with Ayurveda’s wisdom without feeling overwhelmed.
5. Wellness retreats and coaching
Another option is the rise in Ayurvedic-focused wellness retreats and coaching, where you can immerse yourself in the concept more fully. That includes Ma Devi’s Sacred Vitality Collective, which gives you access to live monthly coaching, yoga classes, meal planning and further courses.
In India, Ayurveda’s heartland, there are treatment centres like Soukya, where Ayurveda is used to help people stay healthy, recover from illness, and feel more energetic and balanced. “Every person is different, so treatments – such as herbal medicines, oils, diet changes, and therapies – are customised to your unique body type and needs,” explains the founder Dr Issac Mathai. “The goal is to strengthen your natural immunity and support your body’s own ability to heal. Even small changes, such as adjusting your diet, using simple daily routines, or practicing mindful breathing, can bring your body, mind, and spirit into better balance.”
The Anantara’s luxury hotels and resorts also have a host of short Ayurvedic packages in the countries where the practice originated. The standout is Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle‘s Inner Harmony programme in Sri Lanka, which includes one-to-one consultations and sessions with experts, as well as indulgent tailored spa treatments. Then, for a taste of Ayurvedic principles in London, you can head to Knightsbridge’s Bulgari Spa, where Mauli Rituals offer a nurturing ritual designed to balance using Ayurveda’s healing principles.
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How can we ensure cultural appreciation, not appropriation?
Of course, with any philosophy, it is important to acknowledge and understand the roots of Ayurveda, instead of seeing it as just another wellness trend. The simplest way to make this happen is to see an Ayurvedic expert who has a strong heritage-based link to the principles, or at the very least extensive training and travelling to understand its roots in India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Many practitioners come from generations of Ayurvedic doctors, meaning they benefit from knowledge acquired and passed down for decades.
“I hope the industry becomes more careful and mindful about how they talk about Ayurveda,” says Khosa. “For example, showing on Instagram that you are making turmeric tea doesn’t make you an Ayurveda specialist or mean that you are following Ayurvedic principles. So many people talk about Ayurvedic recipes with cooked honey in them but honey should never be eaten hot for example.”
“My view is that even Indians, even brand founders, chemists, cosmetic chemists also misappropriate,” Khosa continues. “You don’t have to be from another culture to misappropriate. For example, if an Indian person is running yoga classes and calling them wine yoga that is misappropriation; calling a product Bakuchi Oil without fully understanding holistically what the plant is all about is too. It is things like that which are misused or overused. We need a little bit more respect and mindfulness when it comes to Ayurvedic ingredients and principles.”
“When it comes to Ayurveda, it is crucial to maintain cultural appreciation and avoid appropriation,” agrees Ma Devi. “This involves showing respect for the practice’s origins and avoiding any misrepresentation or exploitation. By practising Ayurveda in a culturally sensitive and respectful manner, we can ensure that we honour its history and traditions.”
The final word on Ayurveda
It is important to understand that Ayurveda is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and requires time and effort to fully understand and implement its principles.
“It is also about understanding at what stage you are in life to get the best out of Ayurvedic principles, which leads to you being very healthy, disease-free, and – when it comes to beauty – to have healthy skin that radiates vitality,” confirms Khosa.
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Lead photo credit: Shantanu Pal
