Most of the published studies of Ayurveda are on this type, which concentrates on consciousness and meditation as key in health and healing. The more traditional type of Ayurveda was recently popularized by Dr. Deepak Chopra, a Western-trained endocrinologist. While advocating the use of meditation, this type places more emphasis on the other Ayurvedic mind-body modalities such as yoga, breathing and massage therapy, in an attempt to regain balance. This concept is often neglected in western medicine where thoughts and feelings are often separated from illnesses of the body. It is believed that all life is based on an underlying force or vital energy called prana , which is centered around various energy centers in the body called chakras .
Patients have a personal responsibility in their own health.
It is possible for patients to be healthy, if they maintain a positive perspective and believe in their good health. The Three Doshas Ayurveda states that every living thing in the universe is made of five elements. According to Ayurvedic teachings, these five elements constitute three primary life forces or doshas . The three doshas, called Vata , Pitta , and Kapha , can be found in every cell in every human, in a combination unique to each individual. Such a combination is called a tridosha .