Principles Of Ayurveda

The Ancient Science of Life

To understand Ayurveda it is important to know the Concept of Tri-Dosha In Ayurvedic philosophy. The five elements combine in pairs to form three dynamic forces or interactions called doshas. Dosha means, “That which always moves and keep changing.” In Ayurveda, dosha is also known as the governing principles as every living thing in nature is characterized by the dosha.

Dosha = Related Elements
Vata = Air and Space
Pitta = Fire and Water
Kapha = Water and Earth

VATA :

Vata is a force made up of the elements ether and air. The proportions of ether and air determine how active Vata is. If vata gets imbalanced, as in the ocean, it can forceful such as a hurricane and can destroy the whole body become Vata means, “wind, to move, flow, direct the processes of, or command.” Vata enables the other two doshas to be expressive.The actions of Vata are drying, cooling, light, agitating, and moving.

Vata governs breathing, blinking of the eyelids, movements in the muscles and tissues, pulsations in the heart, all expansion and contraction. Vata also governs such feelings and emotions as freshness, nervousness, fear, anxiety, pain, tremors, and spasms. The primary seat or location of the Vata in the body is the colon. It also resides in the hips, thighs, ears, bones, large intestine, pelvic cavity, and skin. It is related to the touch sensation. If the body develops an excess ofVata, it will accumulate in these areas.

PITTA :

Pitta is a force created by the dynamic interplay of water and fire. These forces represent transformation. For example, too much fire and too little water will result in the boiling away of the water. Too much water will result in the fire being put out.

Pitta governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism, body temperature, and skin coloration, the luster of the eyes, 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.

kapha :

Kapha is the equilibrium of water and earth. Kapha is structure and lubrication. The Kapha force can be visualized as this stirring force in our body. 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.z. and maintains immunity. Kapha is present in the chest, throat, head, sinuses, nose, mouth, stomach, joints, cytoplasm, plasma, and in the liquid secretions of the body such as mucus.

Psychologically, Kapha is responsible for the emotions of attachment, greed, and longstanding envy. It is also expressed in tendencies toward calmness, forgiveness, and love. The chest is the seat of Kapha.

A Complete Way of Life.

Ayurveda is a complete way of life.It is prevention-oriented, is free from harmful side-effects and treats the root cause of a disease rather than just the symptoms.

Ayurveda views illness as caused by an imbalance in a person’s physical or mental constitution and therefore seeks to gently bring a person’s body and mind back into a healthy balance

Balanced Tridosha means a Healthy Person :

Every Person (and thing) contain all three doshas. However, the proportion varies according to the individual and usually one or two doshas predominate.

Within each person the doshas are continually interacting with one another and with doshas in all of nature.

This explains why people can have much in common but also has an endless variety of individual differences in the way they behave and respond to their environment.

(References: Internet and Ayurvedic books)