Ayurveda Basics and Q&A

The meaning of Ayurveda is vast—as the science of life, Ayurvedic philosophy and its principles can be applied to every aspect of your life, from how you structure your day to what you eat, what activities best support your well-being, how your environment influences your state of balance, and how to keep your equilibrium, no matter what life presents.

Knowing just how all-encompassing Ayurveda is, it’s understandable that the sheer depth and breadth of this ancient modality can feel overwhelming, and it can be hard to know where to start. These articles keep it simple and begin with the basics! Some topics include:

• An exploration of the gunas of sattva, rajas, and tamas
• The energetic forces of nature (known as the mahabhutas)—earth, water, fire, air (or wind), and space (or ether)
• How these energetic forces combine to create all life—including the doshas, your constitution (or prakriti), and your state of balance (or vikriti)
• The importance of the six tastes
• How to establish a healthy, balanced daily routine

And more!

Whether you landed here because you’re looking for an answer to a common question (like “Do I have a dosha imbalance?” or “What is the best breakfast for vata?”) or you’re here to build your Ayurvedic knowledge, these Q&A’s, Ayurveda videos, and all of our AskBanyan content are the perfect introduction to Ayurveda.

As you continue your Ayurvedic journey, you may find that what once felt overwhelming is actually quite intuitive and simple upon application. Because Ayurveda uses principles that honor our inherent connection with nature and the elements, the essence of this ancient modality honors the inherent wisdom of our bodies and helps us align with our souls.

Every person’s journey is unique. And that’s the beauty of Ayurveda—it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to health and wellness. While this does require more active participation from you to figure out what this means for your particular journey, it’s that much more exhilarating, empowering, and ultimately rewarding.