Ayurveda is based on the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. Everything in the world is made up of these forces. Health is an expression of their balance. When there is imbalance, disharmony may be seen on a mental, physical, or spiritual level.
Each individual has a unique constitutional makeup called the prakruti (sometimes referred to as dosha). One’s prakruti is based on the proportion of the elements within them. Once a person’s prakruti is determined, a course of action is developed to correct any imbalance (vikruti) and support them in attaining health. Lifestyle suggestions, herbs, diet, sound, color, and meditation are tools used to guide this path.