Ayurveda is based on the primary elements of Earth, air, fire, water and ether, which compose all matter. These elements manifest in the human body as three basic constitutions, called doshas:

Vata: ether and air. Vata relates to movement, such as expansion and contraction, pulsations in muscles and tissues, respiration, nerve impulses and pain. The primary site for Vata is the colon. Individuals with a primarily Vata constitution are usually petite, dislike cold, may suffer from pain and nervous disorders, experience constipation and flatulence, are easily awakened and may experience insomnia.

Pitta: fire and water. Pitta relates to transformation, such as digestion, assimilation, absorption, metabolism, body temperature, skin pigmentation, intelligence and understanding. The primary site for Pitta is the small intestine. Pitta individuals are typically of medium build, have an oily complexion, have a hearty appetite and good digestion, experience loose bowel movements, crave sweet, astringent and bitter foods, sleep soundly, dislike heat and humidity, tend to be competitive and perfectionist, and can be irritable.

Kapha: water and earth. Kapha relates to structure, such as lubrication, healing, memory, immunity, strength and stability. The primary site for Kapha is the lungs. Kapha individuals are often short and stocky, have oily skin, are fair but tan readily, eat slowly, crave bitter, pungent or astringent food, have a soft and plentiful stools, move slowly but possess impressive stamina, love to sleep, may experience depression, dislike cold and damp weather, and suffer from cold, flu and sinus maladies.

These three doshas regulate every biological, psychological and physiological aspect of the body, mind and spirit. When they are in balance, good health manifests; when they are out of balance, disease results. Although every person is primarily one of the three doshas, everyone exhibits a unique combination of Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Prana, or life force energy, manifests as the doshas. In traditional Chinese medicine, life force energy is called qi, pronounced "chee." It is the most subtle yet primary force in the body. It is associated with the soul. Ayurveda also fully understands the body's 14 meridians, or pathways, that channel prana, along with their focal points. These points are called acupoints in acupressure, or marma points in Ayurveda; there are more than 600 of them on the human body! The meridians are called nadi in Ayurveda. Western science has confirmed the existence of the body's energy meridians with sensitive electrical devices.

Electromagnetic energy is continuously generated in the human body through biochemical reactions of food and air assimilation. Applying pressure to marma points releases muscle tension, improves circulation, facilitates relaxation, strengthens resistance to disease, and frees the flow of prana to stimulate the body's self-healing abilities.

Ayurveda aromatherapy massage balances the doshas, improves circulation, aids in nutrition and removes toxins from the body. Ayurveda aromatherapy massage increases circulation, bringing more nutrition to cells; it also removes metabolic wastes and built-up toxins in the system.

Ayurvedic therapies fall into two general categories: building or reducing. Building therapies increase strength. Reducing therapies eliminate imbalances. Reducing therapies are usually applied before building therapies to rid the system of imbalances and toxins, and to prepare the system for regeneration and strengthening.

There are four primary reasons behind Ayurvedic aromatherapy massage: to eliminate toxins or excess; to purify; to rejuvenate; and to maintain strength. Ayurvedic massage is more therapeutically advanced than Western massage. Western massage focuses primarily on different stroke techniques. But Ayurveda focuses on using herbs, oils and scents tailored to each individual's dosha balancing needs.

Generally speaking, essential oils particularly balance the Vata dosha. Ayurveda holds massage in esteem for attaining longevity. Massage controls the vata dosha, which dries us as we age, causing maladies such as wrinkled skin and constipation.

But oils are hard for the body to digest. If you put too much oil on your skin, the body raids the stomach and small intestine fire, and redirects it to the skin to digest the oil. Depleting the central digestive fire is not recommended. That's because the number one Ayurveda principle for good health is eating healthy food and facilitating optimum digestion. As a matter of fact, 70% of the human body's immune system is located in the intestines! Too much oil will cause congestion and toxic buildup in tissues and energy meridians.

Carrier oils improve the body's ability to digest essential oils on the skin, making it easier for the body to assimilate an essential oil's healing power. Ayurveda holds that all levels of digestion, from the body to the mind, must be optimum.

Vata essential oil blend: Carrier oils are organic sesame seed and almond. Essential oils are calming and warming, such as amber, clary sage, clove, geranium, frankincense, lavender, jatamansi, lavender, rose, sweet orange, vetiver and ylang ylang. Herbs include organic ashwagandha root, organic gotu kola leaf, chamomile flowers, organic ginger root, organic licorice root, shataravi root and dong quai root.

Pitta essential oil blend: Carrier oils are organic olive and organic canola. Essential oils are cooling and soothing, such as fennel, jasmine, jatamansi, lavender, mint, peppermint, rose, sandalwood and vetiver. Herbs include organic gotu kola leaf, organic licorice root, fennel seed and peppermint leaf.

Kapha essential oil blend: Carrier oils are almond and organic canola. Essential oils are invigorating and warming, such as basil, cedarwood, clary sage, coriander, eucalyptus, frankincense, juniper, lemon, myrrh, orange, patchouli, rosemary and tulsi. Herbs include organic gotu kola leaf and organic ginger root.

Essential oil formulations for Ayurveda therapeutic applications are utilized for their yogayahi value, meaning their ability to transport healing properties to the body's cells and tissues. Herbs are of crucial importance in the Ayurvedic diet, as they impart health; essential oils are just as important in skin care for overall health.

In the practice of Ayurveda aromatherapy, essential oils are regarded as possessing healing wisdom. Here are a couple of examples:

Rose: Associated with the Pitta dosha, particularly Sadhaka Pitta, which is a subdosha of Pitta that governs the emotional heart. Sandalwood works on this subdosha, too.

Lavender: Associated with the Vata dosha, particularly Prana Vata, a subdosha that governs the mind and the nervous system. Thus, lavender promotes restful sleep.

Aromatherapy is an part of an everyday lifestyle in the practice of Ayurveda. Here's a typical morning routine recommended by Ayurveda. You'll see that aromatherapy is a basic component of optimum health.

Awaken by 6 a.m. or before sunrise.

Empty your bladder and bowels as soon as possible.

Brush your teeth and tongue.

Drink a glass of warm water with 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger, and ½ teaspoon honey. This cleanses the gastrointestinal tract and stimulates the bowels and digestive fire.

Massage your entire body with an essential oil.

Take a warm--not hot--shower or bath within 10 to 30 minutes after your massage.

Conduct gentle stretching, yoga or tai chi breathing exercises and meditation.

Eat breakfast before 8 a.m.

Yoga generates heat, which facilitates the body's absorption of essential oil. You can also apply essential oil after bathing if you like.

Essential oil aromatherapy is a basic and important component of leading a healthy and enjoyable Ayurveda lifestyle.