What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda literally means “knowledge of life.” It understands health as a dynamic state of balance, in which both individual constitution and external influences are continuously brought into alignment to support long-term well-being.

As one of the world’s oldest systems of medicine, Ayurveda combines experiential knowledge with a refined understanding of body, mind, and lifestyle. Today, it is widely used as a complementary approach – particularly in the context of chronic conditions, lifestyle-related factors, and the cultivation of self-regulation.

In my work, I integrate the classical principles of Ayurveda with modern insights from metabolic health, nutritional science, and Yogatherapy.

Ayurvedic herbs — Amalaki, Indian gooseberry, usually applied to balance Pitta in the body.

Ayurveda-Practioner and Pharmacist Anja Orttmann-Heuser

How does Ayurveda work?

In Ayurveda, a person is considered healthy when physiological and mental processes are in balance – and when the body is able to respond flexibly and appropriately to internal and external stimuli.

Key concepts include:

The Dosha model, which describes an individual constitution. The three doshas – Vata (movement), Pitta (intensity/heat), and Kapha (structure/stability) – are present in every person in a unique combination.

The concept of Agni, which refers to the body’s capacity to digest, process, and transform not only food, but also sensory impressions and experiences.

Early signs of impaired regulation may include:

digestive discomfort
fluctuations in energy
difficulty sleeping or persistent fatigue
increased sensitivity to stress

My approach is integrative, tailored to the individual, and practical for everyday life.

In Ayurveda, the focus is not on a single diagnosis, but on a central question:
What is bringing your system out of balance—and how can it be regulated again?

Based on this, we develop a personalized, multimodal approach together—one that can be sustainably integrated into your daily life. The aim is to strengthen your self-regulation, both physically and mentally.

Possible components of the support include:

Individualized nutritional guidance, tailored to your metabolism, lifestyle, and symptoms
Herbal medicine, using both Indian and European medicinal plants
Daily routines & regulation (e.g., sleep, rhythm, self-care)
Oil applications (in collaboration with Ayurvedic massage specialists) & self-massage
Yoga and breathing practices to support the nervous system and metabolism

Praxis für Ayurveda-Medizin: Gesundheit erhalten und neue Kraft bekommen

Whom can be supported by Ayurveda?

Ayurveda offers valuable approaches, especially for chronic and functional conditions — particularly where lifestyle, stress, and regulation play a central role.

Areas of focus in my work:

Metabolic Health & Internal Medicine