Ayurvedic Principles:

Ayurveda is a science based on detailed theories and principles. These theories explain evolution and define the environment, human beings, and how they relate to each other. The main principles are:

Three primordial forces (Triguna):
The three forces (gunas) represent the phases of creation, as well as the qualities of the mind. Everything in the universe is influenced by the triguna (sattva, rajas and tamas). In the theory of evolution, sattva brings into creation and is pure consciousness, rajas is a maintaining and moving force and tamas represents the cohesive unity or destructive force. In the human mind, sattva is purity or goodness, rajas is action and passion, and tamas is ignorance or darkness.

Five Elements (Panca Mahabhuta):
The universe is composed of five elements. Everything in the universe, including human beings, are made up of different combinations of the same five elements. These elements are earth (prithvi), water (apa or jala), fire (tejas or agni), air (vayu) and space (akash).

Three biological forces (Tridosa):
In humans, the five elements combine to produce three primary life forces, or three "biological humors". The Ayurvedic term for this is dosa. As there are three, they are referred to as the tridosa (tri meaning three). The three dosas are vata, pitta and kapha. Each dosa is made of the five elements, however each has a predominance of one or more elements. Vata has a predominance of the elements of air and space and is responsible for movement, Pitta has fire as the dominant element and controls transformation, and Kapha has predominance of water and earth and represents cohesion.All humans have the three dosa present in different proportions. This unique combination of tridosa is responsible for our unique natures. Knowing your constitution assists both in preventing as well as curing the diseases. (see fact sheet on constitution for more information).