How does Ayurveda relate to modern life?

The familiar scenarios of modern life - excessive travel, late nights and general over stimulation of the mind, all contribute to what we in Ayurveda, the oldest form of natural healthcare in the world, call vata imbalance. Vata is one of the three doshas- the fundamental rhythms that occur in all of nature, including our own physiology - and the trouble is if vata goes out of balance it pulls the other two - which are called pitta and kapha- with it.
Vata, being airy governs all movement in the body. Pitta fiery is responsible for digestion and metabolism, while Kapha, earthy is the structuring force that holds everything together. Each dosha has differing qualities and functions and reflects these within both the physique and personality. We are a combination of all three doshas, but one predominates in each of us.
When all three doshsas are in balance we enjoy good health, but when this balance becomes disturbed then a general loss of vitality and enjoyment, and eventually ill health, is the result.
A vata - predominant person in balance has a clear, alert mind, is enthusiastic and creative, and enjoys excellent health and vitality and sound sleep. But once out of balance, vata predominant people get easily tired, restless and anxious, and have a tendancy to worry and insomnia. An imbalance in vata can make a person prone to illnesses such as arthritis and rheumatism. Fear, grief and fasting all aggravate vata, as do cold weather, cold foods and salads. Skipping meals and suppressing natural urges add to the problem.
Balanced pitta-predominant people are ambitious and focussed and they have soft lustrous skin, good digestion and a keen intellect. These are the achievers in life, and if successful they are content with themselves and those around them. But once out of balance, they can be physically prone to heartburn, hyperacidity, ulcers and skin diseases, and premature hair greying or loss. Impatience or anger are sure signs of imbalance in these characters. So what irritates them? Well, too much heat, strong sunshine, hot spicy food and irregular meals for a start. And alcohol.
What about kapha predominant types then? At first sight these may seem the most attractive personalities - relaxed, easy- gong, strong, stable and calm. But once out of balance, kapha can manifest as a tendency to be lazy, inflexible, stubborn and possessive. An imbalanced kapha has only to look at food to put on weight, and that relaxed nature you found so sympathetic may turn out to be hiding a confirmed couch potato! Out of balance kapha types also have a tendency to all diseases of the chest and lungs - asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis; they are evn more prone to the common cold that other dosha types.
Whatever our particular dosha type and our particular imbalances, we will all benefit from adopting a good routine, regular meals with food that is unprocessed and fresh, taking enough exercise and getting enough rest. Added to these general treatments, a diet and lifestyle tailored to your specfic dosha type will act to redress imbalances and return you to normal good health.
The beauty of Ayurveda is that not only is it 100 per cent natural, it is also effective because it is tailored to each one of us individually. By taking into account our body, mind and surroundings, it locates us as a spiritually participating part of the wider cosmos, and aims at unfolding our full poential in the light of this connection. This ancient science of life thus extends the concept of good health far beyond any current allopathic paradigm, while forming a perfect antidote to the pressures of modern living.