The following is a summary of major beliefs in Ayurveda that pertain to HEALTH and disease.
• All things in the universe (both living and nonliving) are joined together. • Every human being contains elements that can be found in the universe. • All people are born in a state of balance within themselves and in relation
to the universe. • Disease arises when a person is out of harmony with the universe.
Traditional Definitions of HEALTH and ILLNESS Basic HEALTH and ILLNESS beliefs include the following.
The constitution, or HEALTH, is called the prakriti. The prakriti is thought to be a unique combination of physical and psychological characteristics and the way the body functions. It is influenced by such factors as digestion and how the body deals with waste products. The prakriti is believed to be unchanged over a person’s lifetime.