What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a traditional Indian healing art that is over 5,000 years old. The term is made up of the Sanskrit words "Ayus" (life) and "Veda" (knowledge), which means "science of life". Ayurveda is based on the teaching of the three doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha - which influence the body and mind as bioenergetic principles. The aim is to maintain or restore inner balance through a balanced lifestyle, diet, herbal medicine, massages and yoga.

Vata (energy, nervous system)

In its natural state, Vata is responsible for maintaining willpower, inhalation and exhalation, exercise, impulse delivery, balance of tissues and sharpness of senses. An excess of Vata causes dryness, dark discoloration, craving for warmth, trembling, constipation, loss of strength, insomnia, loss of sensory acuity and fatigue. People with a predominantly Vata constitution tend to be physically underdeveloped. The chest is flat and the tendons and veins are visible. In general, Vata people are neither tall nor short, with a delicate build with protruding joints due to poorly developed muscles. Vata is located in the large intestine, hips, thighs, bones and the sense of touch. Its main location, however, is the large intestine, where it accumulates, causes disease and from where it can be directly excreted from the body.

Pitta (digestion, metabolism)

In the normal state, Pitta is responsible for digestion, heat, eyesight, hunger, thirst, skin shine, intelligence, determination and softness of the body. An excess of Pitta causes yellowing of the urine, stool, eyes and skin. It can lead to heartburn and, independently of this, cause sleep disorders. People with a Pitta constitution are usually of medium stature, weight, bone structure and muscular system. The chest is not as flat as in Vata people and the veins and muscle tendons are not particularly noticeable, which are bluish or brownish-red. The bones are not as prominent as in Vata types. Pitta is located in the small intestine, stomach, sweat, sebum, blood, plasma and the visual apparatus. The main location of Pitta is the small intestine, where it accumulates and from where it can be excreted again.

Kapha (immunity)

In the normal state, Kapha is responsible for firmness and stability, as well as for maintaining body fluids, synovial fluid, and also for such positive emotions as peace, love and forgiveness. An excess of Kapha leads to a loss of digestive power, accumulation of mucus, exhaustion, coldness, difficulty breathing and a feeling of heaviness with an increased need for sleep. Kapha people usually have a well-developed physique. However, they also tend to quickly put on excess weight. The chest is broad and stretched, the tendons and veins are not easily visible due to the strong skin. The muscles are well developed and the bones do not protrude. Kapha is found in the chest, neck, head, pancreas, ribs, stomach, plasma, fatty tissue, nose and tongue. The main seat of Kapha is the stomach. It can accumulate there and cause illness, from there it can be excreted directly from the body.

The three doshas in the plant world

The three doshas are found in the plant world just as they are in the rest of nature. Kapha plants are characterized by lush growth, abundant leaf and sap production. They are dense, heavy, fleshy, succulent and contain a lot of water. Vata plants have few leaves, rough, cracked bark, gnarled branches, are dry and contain little sap. Pitta plants have light colors and light flowers, they are of medium strength and sap production, the latter of which can be poisonous or burning. Soils, climatic and geographical zones and countries can also be classified according to doshas. This allows us to understand the life forms they produce and learn to adapt to them. The roots and bark of plants (which represent the earth and water elements) have a preferential effect on Kapha states. The flowers (as the fire element) have a special effect on Pitta, while leaves and fruits (as the air and ether elements) have a strong connection to Vata.

The meaning of the six tastes in Ayurveda

Ayurveda divides food into six basic tastes (rasas), each of which has a specific effect on the body and mind. These tastes influence the doshas and contribute to harmonization . From an Ayurvedic perspective, the taste of a medicinal plant is not random, but an indication of its effects. Different tastes have different effects. Taste is not usually associated with therapeutic properties. In Western herbal medicine, the taste of a medicinal plant is seen as an identifying feature rather than a means of understanding the plant's effects. While it is generally known that herbs with a spicy, pungent taste tend to be warming and stimulating, or that bitter herbs help reduce fever, this has not provided a basis for classifying medicinal plants according to their taste.

• Sweet (Madhura) : This taste is nourishing and strengthening, promotes the growth of all body tissues and ojas and has a calming effect on the five sense organs and the mind. It balances Vata and Pitta, but can increase Kapha. Excessive consumption can lead to various Kapha-related diseases such as obesity, indigestion, mucus formation, enlarged thyroid gland, etc. Examples of sweet medicinal plants: sesame seeds, dates, fennel, flax seeds, licorice, comfrey root.
• Sour (Amla) : Sour taste promotes digestion, stimulates the appetite by igniting the digestive fire. It has a carminative effect and has a moisturizing effect. It calms Vata, but can increase Pitta and Kapha if used excessively. It also causes sensitive teeth, thirst, goose bumps or a rapid accumulation of toxins in the blood. Example: hawthorn berries, lemons, limes, rose hips. The sour taste can be increased in the corresponding plants by fermentation preparations such as herbal wines or alcoholic tinctures.
• Salty (Lavana) : The salty taste promotes digestion, ignites the digestive fire. It has a calming, laxative effect and fluid absorption is significantly improved. It relieves Vata, softens accumulations and cancels out all other tastes. It promotes salivation, cleanses the vessels and gives food a pleasant taste. Examples: Irish moss, kelp, rock salt, sea salt.
• Spicy (Katu) : This taste cleanses the mouth and ignites the digestive fire. It purifies the food, improves circulation and generally improves all bodily functions while reducing all accumulations of foreign matter and killing worms etc. If spicy is consumed in excess, it reduces virility through its post-digestive effect. This can go so far as to cause loss of consciousness, a burning sensation in the throat which can cause severe trembling or piercing pains throughout the body. It reduces Kapha and Vata but can increase Pitta. Examples: Cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, garlic, ginger, chilli, rosemary, sage.
• Bitter (Tikta) : Although bitter does not taste good on its own, it restores the sense of taste. It has a detoxifying and cooling effect and stimulates liver function. It tones the muscles and skin. Examples are bitter herbs, spinach, turmeric and coffee. It calms Pitta and Kapha, but can increase Vata. If consumed in excess, it causes atrophy of all the tissue elements of the body due to its natural properties of dryness, roughness and clarity. Bitter causes roughness of the vessels, reduces strength, causes emaciation, fatigue and other Vata diseases. Examples: Aloe, barberry, common wormwood, gentian, echinacea, rhubarb etc.
• Herb (Kashaya) : Has an astringent and calming effect. It helps with diarrhea and has an anti-inflammatory effect, which is usually quickly felt in the joints. Astringents promote the absorption of body fluids. Herbal foods include pomegranate, pulses and green tea. It reduces Pitta and Kapha, but can increase Vata.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has its origins in China and is also a holistic healing art with a history of over 3,000 years. It is based on the concept of yin and yang and the life energy "Qi" that flows through meridians in the body. A balance of these energies is crucial for health. TCM methods include acupuncture, herbal therapy, Tuina massage, Qigong and Chinese nutritional theory. This is based on the five elements wood, fire, earth, metal and water , which are closely linked to organs, tastes and certain foods. These elements influence the balance of yin and yang in the body and help to harmonize the life energy Qi .

1. Wood (liver, gallbladder, sour)

• Promotes growth, creativity and flexibility
• Foods: lemons, vinegar, sauerkraut, green leafy vegetables
• Imbalance: irritability, digestive problems
• Balance: Mild acidic foods in moderation, avoidance of stress

2. Fire (heart, small intestine, bitter)

• Represents passion, warmth and mental clarity.
• Foods: Green tea, turmeric, arugula, cocoa
• Imbalance: restlessness, sleep problems, high blood pressure
• Balance: Calming, cooling foods, meditation

3. Earth (spleen, stomach, sweet)

• Symbolizes stability, digestion and nutrient absorption
• Food: Carrots, potatoes, rice, dates
• Imbalance: fatigue, digestive disorders
• Balance: Warm, cooked food, regular meals

4. Metal (lung, colon, sharp)

• Stands for clarity, structure and immune defense
• Food: ginger, onions, radish, hot spices
• Imbalance: respiratory problems, skin problems
• Balance: Spicy, warm foods in moderation, breathing exercises

5. Water (kidney, bladder, salty)

• Promotes calm, regeneration and depth
• Food: algae, fish, legumes, salt
• Imbalance: Anxiety, exhaustion, back pain
• Balance: Warming foods, sufficient fluid intake

Conclusion

Despite their different origins, Ayurveda and TCM pursue similar goals: They strive for balance in the body to promote health and well-being. While Ayurveda relies heavily on dosha types and individual constitution, TCM focuses on the energy flow of Qi and the balance of Yin and Yang. Together, both systems offer a preventative and holistic approach that balances imbalances through targeted nutrition, herbal medicine and lifestyle. Ayurvedic teaching places particular emphasis on the six tastes to harmonize the doshas, ​​while TCM focuses on the five elements and their effect on organs and Qi flow. In Europe, these findings can be integrated into everyday life through conscious diets, medicinal herbs and routines. Anyone who studies Ayurveda or TCM can benefit from an individually tailored lifestyle that not only prevents complaints but also increases general well-being. Both healing systems show that the right diet and a harmonious lifestyle are essential for health - an approach that is also gaining increasing recognition in the West.