Commencing with the macroscopic viewpoint, Lad describes our connection to the universe through the five elements, the three doshas, and the twenty qualities. He provides guidelines for discovering your mental and physiological type, and describes the factors in health and illness and how to maintain health and restore balance using techniques for cleansing and purification, rejuvenation and rebuilding. He describes the Ayurvedic lifestyle that is in tune with nature, and emphasizes breathing techniques, meditation and mental discipline, and dietary awareness. Ayurvedic remedies are presented in an encyclopedic fashion. Appendices describe the use of metals, gemstones, colors and aromas for healing, preparing and using herbs, ghees, and oils, special ayurvedic procedures, and yoga asanas, as well as a useful glossary of terms.