Ayurveda medicines used in ayurvedic retreats are based on an old health system, which is at least 5000 years old. The Ayurveda experts know the qualities of plants and the interactions between them.

The Body represents the Universe

The ayurvedic tradition explains all body functions as relative to the Universe around us. The old wise ones found certain phenomens common to both man and nature. Ayurveda explains all functions of the body in proportion to the sun, the moon and the wind.

The Sun is the energy of transformation and creation represented as fire.

The Moon is the agent of cooling and preservation, represented by the combination of earth and water.

The Wind  is the principle of motion, drive and destruction, represented by the connection of air and ether.

According to Ayurveda all events are subdivided into the three fundamental functions: creation, conservation and destruction. These are also the functions of the three Hindu major gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
The Tridosha theory relates these three functions to three biological conditions or Doshas.

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Vata - the energetic condition, controls destruction

The drive causes the change of the position. In a human being these are e.g. the heart beat, breathing and excretion. Vata is analogue to wind. However not only wind, but every kind of drive. It is the principle of motion. The seat of Vata is the lower part of the large intestine.

Pitta - the warming condition, organizes body activities

If something encounters Pitta, the heat of the sun, it changes its temperature, appearance, form or taste. In the human body food is transformed into tissue etc. and waste. Pitta is essential also for the body temperature and the colour of the skin. Sweat and blood are the major seats of Pitta.

Kapha - the connecting condition, is responsible for the preservation of the creation.

Vata and Pitta are regulated by Kapha. Kapha (rain in the nature) is responsible for new growth (stimulated by water). The nervous system, the bones and the muscle tissue are the seats of Kapha.

The Relation of Elements, Gunas and Doshas

In an ayurveda retreat there are many products specified for calming down Vata, Kapha or Pita. One Dosha should not be stronger than the other ones.