What is Ayurveda and what are its fundamental concepts?

• A. Ayurveda emphasizes balance of Qi and uses acupuncture, herbal medicine, mind-body practices, and dietary/lifestyle guidance.
• B. Ayurveda emphasizes balance of doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), digestion, and lifestyle/dietary practices to maintain health and prevent illness.
• C. Ayurveda focuses on meridians and qi flow.
• D. Ayurveda denies digestion's role in health.

Answer: (B)

Ayurveda organizes health around three life forces called doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each person has a unique mix of these doshas (a constitution), and health means keeping that balance so digestion, energy, mood, and immunity all function well. Central to this system is digestion—the strength of the digestive fire (agni) determines how well food is transformed into nourishment and how wastes are eliminated. Because of that, daily habits, diet, sleep, and seasonal routines are tailored to an individual’s dosha balance to prevent illness and support well-being. This perspective is distinct from approaches that focus on qi and meridians or that negate the role of digestion; Ayurveda’s emphasis on balancing doshas through diet, lifestyle, and digestive health best matches the correct idea.