What is Ayurveda

INTRODUCTION:
Ayurveda, which literally means "the science of life", is the natural healing system used throughout India. Ayurveda was originally known to have been first developed and established by the great sages who developed India's original systems of meditation and Yoga. The study of Ayurveda includes herbal medicine, dietetics, body work, surgery, psychology and spirituality. It not only deals with medical science, but also with the social, ethical, intellectual, and spiritual life of man. Ayurveda amalgamates the accuracy of science and the sublimity of philosophy, poetry, and art. According to Ayurveda, a living creature is composed of soul, mind and body. It is the compound of these three elements that constitutes the science of life.

The human body is composed of the three fundamental elements called doshas, dhatus and malas. The doshas govern the physio-chemical and physiological activities of the body, while the dhatus enter into the formation of a basic structure of a body cell, thereby performing some specific actions. The malas are impurities partly excreted in a modified form after serving their physiological functions. These three elements are said to be in a dynamic equilibrium with each other for the maintenance of health. Any imbalance of their relative importance in the body results in disease and illness.

PANCHA MAHABHUTAS THEORY:
A person perceives the external world through the five senses he possesses. The sense organs are the ears, skin, eyes, tongue, and nose. These five types of senses are the basis on which the entire universe is divided, grouped or classified, known as the five mahabhutas. They are named as akasha (sky), vayu (air), agni (fire), jala (water), and prithvi (earth).

As discussed, the body of an individual is composed of the five mahabhutas. Even extraneous matters are said to be made of these five mahabhutas. In the human body, these five mahabhutas are represented in the form of doshas, dhatus, and malas. Outside the body, they form the basic ingredients of the drugs and food ingredients . The mahabhutas remain in proportion inside the human body. However, this does tend to get disturbed due to the various chemical activities.The body then maintains harmony by accepting or rejecting the required mahabhutas in the form of food and drinks.

UNDERSTANDING TRIDOSHA:
According to Ayurveda, understanding the three doshas is the basis to healing. The concept of vata-pitta-kapha is unique to Ayurveda and it holds the potential for revolutionizing the healing systems of the West. However, the concept of the three principles and the Sanskrit words, vata-pitta-kapha, are very difficult to translate into Western terms.

Tridosha Concept: The three doshas which control the physio-chemical and physiological activities of the body are vata (from ether and air), pitta (from fire and an aspect of water), and kapha (from water and earth). The three doshas can be recognized by their attributes:

Each individual has a unique constitution acquired at birth that remains constant through life. Through Ayurvedic books, teachers, and courses, one could determine one's individual constitution and knowing which direction to take for self-diagnosis.

VATA is dry, cold, light, mobile, subtle, hard, rough, changeable, and clear. It is the most powerful of the doshas, being the life-force itself, the strongest to create disease. It governs all movement, and carries both Pitta and Kapha.
Vata constitutes movement. The bodily air principle. However, air in the external atmosphere is not the same as the air in the body. Bodily air, or vata, rules the subtle energy that governs biological movement. This promotes metabolism. The two elements Ether and Air form vata.

Vata governs breathing, blinking of the eyelids, movements in the muscles and tissues, pulsation's in the heart; all expansion and contraction, the movements of cytoplasm and the cell membranes and the movement of the single impulses in nerve cells. Vata also governs such feelings and emotions as freshness, nervousness, fear, anxiety, pain tremors, and spasms. The large intestine, pelvic cavity, bones, skin, ears, and thighs are the seats of vata. If the body develops an excess of vata, it will accumulate in these areas.

PITTA is hot, light, subtle, sharp, malodorous, soft and clear. It governs heat, temperature, and all chemical reactions.
Pitta is fire, although the term does not literally mean "fire". The fire of a candle or the fire in a fireplace may be seen; however, the bodily heat-energy, the pitta-dosha, which manifests as metabolism is not visible. Pitta governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism, body temperature, skin coloration, the luster of the eyes; and also intelligence and understanding. Psychologically, pitta arouses anger, hate and jealousy. The small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, fat, eyes and skin are the seats of pitta. Pitta is formed from the two elements; Fire and Water.

KAPHA is cold, wet, heavy, slow, dull, static, smooth, dense and cloudy. It maintains substance, weight and coherence in the body.

The translation of Kapha is biological water, and its bodily principle is from the two elements, Earth and Water. Kapha cements the elements in the body, providing the material for physical structure. This dosha maintains body resistance. Water is the main constituent of kapha, and this bodily water is responsible physiologically for biological strength and natural tissue resistance in the body. Kapha lubricates the joints; provides moisture to the skin; helps to heal wounds; fills the spaces in the body; gives biological strength, vigor and stability; supports memory retention; gives energy to the heart and lungs and maintains immunity. Kapha is present in the chest, throat, head, sinuses, nose, mouth, stomach, joints, cytoplasm, plasma and liquid secretions of the body such as mucus. Psychologically, kapha is responsible for emotions of attachment, greed and long-standing envy; it is also expressed in tendencies toward calmness, forgiveness and love. The chest is the seat of kapha.

A balance among the tridosha is necessary for health. For example, the air principle kindles the bodily fire, but water is necessary to control fire, otherwise the bodily fire would burn the tissues. Vata moves kapha and pitta, since kapha and pitta are immobile. Together, the tridosha governs all metabolic activities; anabolism (kapha), catabolism (vata), and metabolism (pitta). When vata is out of balance, the metabolism will be disturbed, resulting in excess catabolism, which is the breakdown or deterioration process in the body. When anabolism is greater than catabolism, there is an increased rate of growth and repair of the organs and tissues. Excess pitta disturbs metabolism, excess kapha increases the rate of anabolism and excess vata creates emaciation (catabolism).

In childhood, anabolism and the kapha elements are predominant, since this is the time of greatest physical growth. In adulthood, metabolism and the element of pitta are most apparent, because at this stage the body is matured and stable. In old age, catabolism and vata are most evident, as the body begins to deteriorate.

DETERMINING THE INDIVIDUAL CONSTITUTION

VATA CONSTITUTION

People of vata constitution are generally physically underdeveloped. Their chest is flat and their veins and muscle are visible. The complexion is brown, the skin is cold, rough, dry and cracked. There usually are a few moles present, which tend to be dark.

Vata people are generally either too tall or too short, with thin frames which reveal prominent joints and bone-ends because of poor muscle development. The hair is curly and scanty, the eyelashes are thin and the eyes lackluster. The eyes may be sunken, small, dry, active and the conjunctiva is dry and muddy. The nails are rough and brittle. The shape of the nose is bent and turned up.

Physiologically, the appetite and digestion are variable. Vata-people crave sweet, sour and salty tastes and like hot drinks. The production of urine is scanty and the faeces are dry, hard and small in quantity. They sweat less than other constitutional types. Their sleep may be stripped and they sleep less than the other types. Their hands and feet are often cold. These people are creative, active, alert and restless. They talk fast and walk fast but they are easily fatigued.

Psychologically, they are characterized by short memory but quick mental understanding. They will understand something immediately, but will soon forget it. They have little willpower, tend toward mental instability and possess little tolerance, confidence or boldness. Their reasoning power is weak and these people are nervous, fearful and afflicted by much anxiety.

Each constitutional type also exhibits certain patterns in interactions with the external environment. Vata people tend to earn money quickly and spend it equally so.

PITTA CONSTITUTION

These people are of medium height, are slender and of a delicate body frame. Their chests are not as flat as those of vata people and they show a medium prominence of veins and muscle tendons. They have many moles or freckles which are bluish or brownish-red. The bones are not as prominent as in the vata individual. Muscle development is moderate.

The pitta complexion may be coppery, yellowish, reddish, or fair. The skin is soft, warm and less wrinkled than vata skin. The hair is thin, silky, red or brownish and there is a tendency toward premature graying of hair and hair loss. The eyes may be gray, green or copper-brown and sharp; the eyeball will be of medium prominence. The conjunctiva is moist and copper-colored. The nails are soft. The shape or the nose is sharp and the tip tends to be reddish.

Physiologically, these people have a strong metabolism, good digestion, and healthy appetites. The person of pitta constitution usually consumes large quantities of food and liquid. Pitta types have a natural craving for sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes and enjoy cold drinks. Their sleep is of medium duration but uninterrupted. They produce a large volume of urine and faeces are yellowish, liquid, soft and plentiful. There is a tendency toward excessive perspiring. The body temperature may run slightly high and hands and feet tend to be warm. Pitta people do not tolerate sunlight, heat or hard work very well.

Psychologically, pitta people have a good power of comprehension; they are very intelligent , sharp and are usually good orators. They have emotional tendencies towards hate, anger, and jealousy.

They are ambitious people who generally like to be leaders. Pitta people appreciate material prosperity and they tend to be moderately well-off financially. They enjoy exhibiting their wealth and luxurious possessions.

KAPHA CONSTITUTION

People of kapha constitution have well-developed bodies. However, they tend to put on and carry excess weight. Their chests are expanded and broad. The veins and tendons of kapha people are not obvious because of their thick skin and their muscle development is good. The bones are not prominent.

Their complexions are fair and bright. The skin is soft, lustrous and oily; it is also cold and pale. The hair is thick, dark, soft and wavy. The eyes are dense and black or blue; the white of the eyes is generally very white, large and attractive. The conjunctiva does not tend to be red.

Physiologically, kapha people have regular appetites, the digestion functions relatively slow and food intake is less. They tend to move slowly. They crave pungent, bitter and astringent foods. Stools are soft and may be pale in color; evacuation is slow. Their perspiration is moderate. Sleep is sound and prolonged. Their is a strong vital capacity evidenced by good stamina, and kapha people are generally healthy, happy and peaceful.

Psychologically, they tend to be tolerant, calm, forgiving and loving. However, they also exhibit traits of greed, attachment, envy and possessiveness. Their comprehension is slow but definite; once they understand something, that knowledge is retained for good. Kapha people tend to be wealthy. They earn money and hold on to it.

Error! Bookmark not defined.Error! Bookmark not defined.

IN SUMMARY:

VATA TRAITS:

· You perform activities very quickly.

· You are not good at memorizing things .

· You are enthusiastic and vivacious by nature.

· You have a thin physique - you don't gain weight easily.

· You always learn new things very quickly.

· You tend to have difficulty making decisions.

· You tend to develop gas or become constipated easily.

· You tend to have cold hands and feet.

· You become anxious or worried frequently.

· You don't tolerate cold weather as well as most people.

· You speak quickly and friends think that you are talkative.

· Your mood changes easily and you are somewhat emotional by nature.

· You often have difficulty in falling asleep or having a sound night's sleep.

· Your skin tends to be very dry, especially in the winter.

· Your mind is very active, sometimes restless, but also very imaginative.

· Your movements are quick and active; your energy tends to come in bursts.

· You are easily excitable.

· Left on your own, your eating and sleeping habits tend to be irregular.

· You learn quickly, but you also forget quickly.

PITTA TRAITS:

· You consider yourself to be very efficient.

· In your activities, you tend to be extremely precise and orderly.

· You are strong-minded and have a somewhat forceful manner.

· You feel uncomfortable or easily fatigued in hot whether.

· You tend to perspire easily.

· Even though you might not always show it, you become irritable or angry quite easily.

· If you skip a meal or a meal is delayed, you become uncomfortable.

· One or more of the following characteristics describes your hair; easily graying or balding; thin, fine, straight hair; blond, reddish, or sandy-colored hair.

· You have a strong appetite.

· Many people consider you stubborn.

· You are very regular in your bowel habits - it would be more common for you to have loose stools than to be constipated.

· You become impatient very easily.

· You tend to be a perfectionist about details.

· You get angry quite easily, but then quickly forget about it.

· You are very fond of cold foods, ice-cream, and ice-cold drinks.

· You are more likely to feel that a room is too hot than too cold.

· You don't tolerate foods that are very hot and spicy.

· You are not as tolerant of disagreements as you should be.

· You enjoy challenges and are very determined.

· You tend to be quite critical of others and also of yourself.

KAPHA TRAITS:

· Your natural tendency is to do things in a slow and relaxed fashion.

· You gain weight more easily than most people and lose it more slowly.

· You have a placid and calm disposition - you are not easily ruffled.

· You can skip meals easily without any significant discomfort.

· You have a tendency towards excess mucus, phlegm, chronic congestion, asthma, or sinus problems.

· You must have at least hours of sleep in order to be comfortable the next day.

· You sleep very deeply.

· You are very calm by nature and not easily angered.

· You don't learn as quickly as some people, but you have excellent retention and a long memory.

· You have a tendency towards becoming plump.

· Weather that is cool and damp bothers you.

· Your hair is thick, dark and wavy.

· You have smooth, soft skin.

· You have a large, solid body build.

· The following words describe you well: serene, sweet-natured, affectionate and forgiving.

· You have a slow digestion, which makes you feel heavy after eating.

· You have a very good stamina, physical endurance and a steady level of energy.

· You generally walk with a slow measured gait.

· You have a tendency towards oversleeping, grogginess upon awakening, and are generally slow to get going in the morning.

· You are a slow eater and are slow and methodical in your actions.

Error! Bookmark not defined. | Error! Bookmark not defined. | Error! Bookmark not defined. | Error! Bookmark not defined. | Error! Bookmark not defined. | Error! Bookmark not defined. | Error! Bookmark not defined.