What is Ayurveda? In summary, Ayurveda is combination of a holistic lifestyle and daily self-care practices focusing on the prevention of possible health issues rather than addressing symptoms. Ayurvedic treatments are based on many principals, individualized for each person. The now well known Panchakarma detox/treatment is also based on the five elements of Ayurveda: Air, Fire, Water, Earth, and Ether. These elements work together to form the doshas and gunas in Ayurveda. Each person has a different doshic composition and the six tastes of Ayurveda can have aggravating or pacifying effect on each dosha.