Ayurveda treats patients using mostly herbal medicines (though these may also have mineral and metal content), which are taken orally or applied on the body. It also uses oils as carriers of such therapeutic agents. It has a comprehensive system of massages and body treatments that gives relief in a wide range of illnesses from migraine and sinus to arthritis to paralysis. Ayurveda helps to detoxify and cleanse the body via controlled emesis, purgation, sinus- cleansing, or making you sweat; which makes the body receptive to further treatment. Today Kerala Ayurveda and its relaxing and healing oil massages are one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country.

From observing the universe, macro-cosmos, climate differences in various geographical locations and seasons the Rishis discovered that these principles can be applied to the human body. We are a micro-cosmos living in macro–cosmos. They realized that the body has certain rhythms, similar to nature. When these rhythms are balanced the body is healthy; when they are imbalanced the body becomes sick - this system is governed by Dosha, biological force or humor, constitution, Prakriti or nature. Dosha is the “password” of your body, once you understand your unique password you will be able to understand how your body works and how to keep it balanced.

Dosha is a Sanskrit word meaning the one which can pollute the body, however all three are needed to create balance in the body. If one is too low or too high this produces imbalance. So this aggravation is called Vikriti and the balance is called Prakriti.

To get an accurate assessment you should consult an Ayurvedic practitioner or you can go through the dosha analysis chart. These charts may or may not be accurate. This is because you may select certain traits that are more a result of dosha imbalance influencing your decision, than your actual constitution.  Even if two people have the same dosha they can be different, therefore it is best to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner.