What Is Ayurveda? Doshas, Lifestyle and the Role of Neem
Holistic approaches that look at body, mind and lifestyle together are more popular than ever. One of the best known is Ayurveda. Many people have heard the term, but what is actually behind it? Here you will find out where Ayurveda comes from, what the three doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha mean, how you can bring Ayurvedic ideas into your everyday life and what all this has to do with neem and your skin.
In brief: what is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is a traditional system of health from India. The name comes from Sanskrit and means “knowledge of life”. Ayurveda sees body, mind and lifestyle as one and describes three basic forces, the doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha, which should be in balance. To achieve this, Ayurveda relies on diet, daily rhythm, exercise, relaxation and plants. In India, Ayurveda is a recognised medical system; in Germany it is regarded as empirical medicine that does not replace medical treatment.
Where does Ayurveda come from?
Ayurveda comes from India and is one of the oldest traditional systems of health in the world. The most important classical texts, such as the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita, are over 2,000 years old, and the roots of the teaching go back even further. The word “Ayurveda” is made up of the Sanskrit terms “Ayus” (life) and “Veda” (knowledge).
The basic idea: body, mind and soul are closely connected and together determine how we feel. Every person is unique, which is why there is no one-size-fits-all solution in Ayurveda. The focus is on prevention and staying in balance.
The three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha
Ayurveda assumes that every person has their own mix of three fundamental forces, the doshas. They are made up of the five elements space, air, fire, water and earth. Usually one dosha or a combination of two is particularly pronounced.
| Dosha | Elements | Qualities | Stands for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vata | Air and space | cold, light, dry, rough, mobile | Movement in the body, creativity |
| Pitta | Fire and water | hot, light, liquid, sharp | Heat, metabolism, energy |
| Kapha | Earth and water | cold, heavy, moist, soft, stable | Stability, physical building processes |
According to Ayurvedic thinking, wellbeing arises when the doshas are balanced. If they get out of balance, for example through stress, diet or the season, this can affect how you feel.
Doshas and skin from an Ayurvedic perspective
In Ayurveda, the skin is also linked to the doshas. Dry, rough skin is considered typical of too much Vata, redness and a feeling of heat are attributed to Pitta, and rather oily, thick skin to Kapha. This is a traditional classification, not a medical diagnosis. For skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, a dermatologist remains the right point of contact; Ayurvedic ideas can at most complement this.
Ayurveda as a lifestyle
Ayurveda is less a therapy than a way of living. Diet plays a major role. If you know your predominant dosha, you adapt your food to it. The rule is: fresh, seasonal, as natural as possible and eaten calmly.
People with a lot of Pitta, for example, are advised to opt for cooling, easily digestible foods and to rather avoid very spicy or fatty dishes. Fresh herbs such as mint and coriander are considered balancing. If you have a lot of Vata, according to Ayurvedic teaching you benefit more from warm, cooked meals.
Add to that regular exercise, enough sleep and a fixed daily routine, called “Dinacharya” in Ayurveda. Herbs and spices are used in a targeted way, and yoga and meditation are seen as ways to calm the mind and reduce stress. Reducing stress in particular is also interesting for irritated skin, because many people with atopic dermatitis or psoriasis notice that their skin reacts to stress. You can read more about this in the article Mental health and psoriasis.
Neem: the skin plant of Ayurveda
Hardly any plant has such a firm place in Ayurveda as the neem tree, “Nimba” in Sanskrit. Its leaves, bark and seeds have been used in India for centuries, especially in skin and oral care. Today, research is also interested in the constituents of neem leaves, for example their antioxidant properties. What exactly neem is, we explain in the article What is neem?.
The difference between neem oil and neem leaf extract is important: the oil is pressed from the seeds, has a very intense smell and can irritate sensitive skin. Leaf extracts have a different profile. Why we at natüür rely on the leaves, you can read in Neem oil vs. neem leaf extract.
Ayurvedic tradition, modern skincare
Our active ingredient NEEMAVERA® is a concentrated extract from neem leaves from our own plantation in Paraguay. We combine knowledge of the neem plant with modern formulation: vegan, without parabens and silicones, dermatologically tested with the rating “very good” and specially developed for very dry skin prone to psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. What the extract does for your skin, you can find out in the article NEEMAVERA®: effects, studies and experiences.
Ayurveda in everyday life: 5 simple tips
You don’t have to change your whole life right away. Even small rituals bring a bit of Ayurveda into your everyday life:
- Drink warm water in the morning: In Ayurveda, a glass of warm water after getting up is part of the morning ritual and is said to gently get your digestion going. Many people simply find it good to start the day warm.
- Start the day with yoga: A few calm yoga exercises in the morning gently wake up the body, help reduce stress and sharpen your focus for the day.
- Oral care with a tongue scraper and oil pulling: In Ayurveda, the tongue scraper is part of the morning routine alongside the toothbrush. In oil pulling, a tablespoon of vegetable oil is moved back and forth in the mouth for a few minutes and then spat out, ideally into the bin rather than the sink. Oil pulling is a traditional ritual, but it does not replace brushing your teeth.
- Eat regularly: Fixed mealtimes help digestion and prevent cravings. In Ayurveda, the main meal is at midday, when the “digestive fire” Agni is said to be at its strongest.
- Wind down calmly in the evening: A light, early dinner and afterwards something that does you good without using much energy: a walk, a good book or a short meditation.
Tip for sensitive skin: The Ayurvedic oil massage Abhyanga is a lovely ritual. With sensitive skin or atopic dermatitis, however, you should choose a mild, well-tolerated oil, avoid essential oils and leave out irritated or open areas. Which plant oils are suitable, you can read in our guide The 6 best plant oils for the skin.
What does science say about Ayurveda?
Individual elements of Ayurveda are well researched and sensible, such as regular exercise, yoga, relaxation, a fixed sleep rhythm and a diet with plenty of vegetables and spices. Individual plants such as neem or turmeric are also being researched. However, the concept of the doshas itself cannot be proven scientifically, and good studies are lacking for many Ayurvedic treatments.
Caution with Ayurvedic preparations
Caution is advised with Ayurvedic medicines and dietary supplements, especially when ordering online. In a US study, around one in five Ayurvedic preparations bought online contained lead, mercury or arsenic (Saper et al., JAMA 2008). So only buy such products from trustworthy sources, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking them and never stop taking prescribed medication. This applies especially during pregnancy, for children and with chronic illnesses.
Ayurveda can be a lovely inspiration to treat yourself, your body and your skin more mindfully. Start with a ritual that feels good to you and see what it does for you.
Frequently asked questions
What does Ayurveda mean?
Ayurveda comes from Sanskrit and is made up of “Ayus” (life) and “Veda” (knowledge). Translated, it therefore means “knowledge of life”.
What are the three doshas?
Vata, Pitta and Kapha are the three basic forces in Ayurveda. Vata stands for movement, Pitta for heat and metabolism, Kapha for stability. Every person has their own mix, usually with one or two predominant doshas.
How do I find out my dosha type?
There are many self-tests online that give a first impression. A consultation with a trained Ayurveda practitioner is more precise. A dosha test is not a medical diagnosis, though.
What role does neem play in Ayurveda?
Neem, “Nimba” in Sanskrit, is one of the most important plants in Ayurveda and is traditionally used above all in skin and oral care. At natüür, we use an extract from neem leaves as the heart of our skincare.
Is Ayurveda scientifically proven?
Partly. Exercise, yoga, relaxation and a balanced diet are well researched. However, the dosha concept itself and many Ayurvedic treatments are not scientifically proven. Ayurveda does not replace medical treatment.