Ayurveda
The Science of Life
Ayurveda is often reduced to a system of constitutional typing - "I'm a vata" or "eat for your dosha." This misses the depth and sophistication of a complete medical system that has been practiced continuously for thousands of years.
The word itself reveals its scope: Ayu (life) + Veda (knowledge). Ayurveda is knowledge of life in its fullness - not just the absence of disease, but the cultivation of vitality, longevity, and fulfillment.
Start Here
New to Ayurveda? Begin with What Is Ayurveda for a complete introduction to the system, its principles, and how it differs from modern medicine. Then take the Prakriti Quiz to discover your constitutional type.
Foundations
Understanding the building blocks of Ayurvedic theory.
- What Is Ayurveda - Introduction to the science of life
- The Three Doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha explained
- The Doshas in Depth - Beyond the basics
- Understanding Prakriti - Your constitutional blueprint
- Understanding Vikriti - Current imbalance patterns
- The Five Elements - Earth, water, fire, air, space
- The Three Gunas - Sattva, rajas, tamas
Digestion and Metabolism
The cornerstone of Ayurvedic health - understanding how food becomes you.
- Agni - The Digestive Fire - The central concept of Ayurvedic physiology
- Ama - Metabolic Toxicity - When digestion fails
- The Seven Dhatus - Tissue layers and their nourishment
- The Six Tastes - How taste affects the body and mind
- Food as Medicine - Principles of Ayurvedic nutrition
- Food Preparation - Cooking for health
Daily and Seasonal Routines
Living in harmony with natural rhythms - the foundation of prevention.
- Dinacharya - Daily routine practices
- Building a Morning Routine - Practical implementation
- Evening Wind Down - Preparing for sleep
- Sleep and Ayurveda - Rest as medicine
- Ritucharya - Seasonal routine
- Spring Practices - Kapha season
- Summer Practices - Pitta season
- Autumn Practices - Vata season
- Winter Practices - Nourishing the cold months
Treatment and Therapies
Restoring balance when imbalance has taken hold.
- Shamana and Shodhana - Palliation vs purification
- Understanding Panchakarma - The five purification actions
- Rasayana - Rejuvenation therapy
- When to Seek Help - Finding qualified practitioners
Living Ayurveda
Integrating the principles into modern life.
- Imperfect Practice - Progress over perfection
- Building Slowly - Sustainable change
- Relationships and Doshas - Understanding others
- Travel and Routine - Maintaining balance on the go
- Screen Time and Vata - Digital life considerations
Suggested Learning Path
For a systematic understanding, read in this order:
- What Is Ayurveda - The big picture
- The Three Doshas - Core framework
- Understanding Prakriti - Your nature
- Agni - Digestive health
- Dinacharya - Daily practice
- Food as Medicine - Eating wisely
Know Your Constitution
Understanding Ayurveda begins with understanding your own nature. Take the free Prakriti Quiz to discover your dosha balance, or get the Personalized Prakriti Guide for comprehensive guidance on diet, lifestyle, and practice.
For personalized Ayurvedic analysis, see written consultations. For quality herbs, oils, and supplies, see our resources page.
Tools & References
Interactive tools and quick references to support your practice.
- Dosha Clock - See which dosha governs the current time
- Seasonal Balance Guide - Personalized seasonal recommendations
- Food Combining Checker - Test food compatibility
- Dosha Comparison Guide - Side-by-side reference
- Six Tastes Guide - Foods organized by taste
Printable downloads:
- Dinacharya Checklist - Morning and evening routine checklists
- Seasonal Practices Calendar - Diet and lifestyle for each season
- Food Combining Quick Card - Single-page kitchen reference
See all tools and resources.
Study Notes
These articles represent ongoing study. Ayurveda cannot be learned from articles alone - it requires study with qualified teachers, practice under guidance, and years of observation.
If you are dealing with health concerns, consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. These writings are for education, not prescription.
Go Deeper
Satyora Foundations brings Ayurveda, Jyotish, and Yoga together in a structured self-paced course. Learn your constitution, recognize imbalance, and build daily routines that work for your nature. Learn more →