I had an interesting experience in February when I flew to Southern California to spend time with my dying father. As soon as I arrived in California my digestion and elimination functioned perfectly – even with a less than optimum diet. This idea is expressed in Ayurveda as Satmya. The concept of Satmya can be translated as a “A thing or substance or habit that is useful for the body”. Or another definition could be “A substance conducive to a person is called Satmya”.

This concept in Ayurveda is sometimes called the law of adaptation or habituation. This definition is actually represented by the term : OKASATMYA. This indicates the possibility of the body to adapt to substance or climate different from their natal diet and climate.

I was surprised how quickly my body recognized and enjoyed to be home in Los Angeles. After 8 years living in Hawaii, 8 years living in India, and 17 in France I thought that my body would now be adapted to Europe or at least a more humid climate. Not so, my whole metabolism enjoyed being in my natal environment – even if I personally do not like it so much myself !!!

This illustrates the importance of adapting the treatment to the person and their Satmya. A failure to adapt the treatment will result in a failure therapeutically.