Ayurveda teaches that human beings are made up of a mixture of matter and anti-matter, and that it is the constant interaction between those two which determines the state of our physical and mental health. Ayurveda’s most powerful tenet is that nothing functions in isolation and where there is imbalance, the result is illness and disorder. Western science recognises that all matter is fundamentally made up of four basic elements; Nitrogen, Hydrogen, Oxygen and Carbon. Ayurvedic philosophy contends that the universe consists of five basic elements; Fire, Water, Air, Earth and Ether. Comparatively, similarities can be seen between the elements in both sciences. The only element that does not have a counterpart in Western science is Ether. In Ayurveda, Ether (space) is a fundamental element which brings communication to earth, fire, water and air. Further to this, Ayurvedic philosophy believes that there are three principle bio-energies known as doshas that exist in all matter, which are composed of different combinations of the five elements. These bio energies are called: vata, pitta and kapha (tridosha principle), and the understanding is that their influence affects all mechanisms of the human body. Most individuals have a predominant dosha, which thus determines their body type and temperament. Although the concept of the doshas is unique to Ayurveda, it is not unlike the traditional Western idea of three basic body types- ectomorph (lean and delicate), mesophorph (compact and muscular) and endomorph (stocky). Modern psychological theory has tended to the view that our personalities and behavioural characteristics are formed after we are born and cites “conditioning” and “environmental factors” as influencing how we understand ourselves and interact with the outside world. Ayurveda does not make this distinction between the physical and the psychological. It believes in both visible and invisible forces, and embraces science, medicine, psychology and the spiritual as one. In Ayurveda all individuals are recognised as part of the whole; and if we learn to live in harmony with nature (both internal and external), we will enjoy long life and good health. Because Ayurveda is a complete system of healing, encompassing philosophy, psychology and spirituality as well as a deep understanding of the disease process, it often succeeds where orthodox treatment may fail. A unique programme of treatment can be devised for every client, the approach is never narrowly mechanistic. No two clients, even if they appear to be suffering from the same illness, are the same to an Ayurvedic doctor. Ayurvedic practitioners obey the ancient medical injunction to do no harm. Although the remedies they prescribe are highly effective, none have adverse side effects and all are made from natural substances and are non toxic. No artificial materials or chemicals formulated in a laboratory are used to prepare the remedies.