|
Therapies
Ayurvedic Medicine
Fundamental Principles of
Ayurveda
Three 'Doshas' (Humour)'
Every living body possesses three vital energies
known as VATA, PITTA, KAPHA, in unique
individual
proportions, known as 'PRAKRITI' (the proportion you are born with).
VATA
This is the driving force within the body, and its functions are similar
to the functions of
the nervous system. When vayu is in balanced form they hold plenty of
energy, happiness etc. When vayu is low
it leads to accumulation of fluids, bowel infections, tiredness and
poor circulation etc. When vayu is in excess, it leads to dry skin,
brittle hair, bone problems, gas, bowel
disorders such as Irritable bowel syndrome, and mentally, worry, fear,
anxiety, insomnia
and depression.
PITTA
This is the metabolic force or fire in the body. It controls the appetite,
warmth, digestion
and absorption. When balanced, people can eat and drink well without
causing overweight or underweight and
hold body energy. When it is low it can cause indigestion, poor
appetite, weight loss and lethargy etc. When it is high it can cause
acidity, stomach ulcers, inflammation,
skin disorders (acne/excema), liver, pancreatic or gall bladder disorders,
burning stools and urine, hot temper, anger and irritability etc.
KAPHA
This is the phlegm, moisture, water and body fluids. Excess of Kapha leads
to asthma,
sinus, fluid retention, obesity, high cholesterol disorders etc. Low Kapha
leads to weight
loss, dry chest, dehydration, thirst etc.
Every individual possesses the above Doshas in
certain proportions and a combination of the
constituents (two or three doshas) exhibit a
combination of the above traits. No one dosha is
preferred over another constitution, what is important is maintaining a
balance of your own
dosha levels of 'Prakriti'.
Five Elements - 'Panchabhuta''
According to Ayurveda tile whole world is made
out of five elements: water, fire, air, earth and
space. These five elements together with our
own spirit make a unique individual. All three doshas
consist of these five elements:
Vata - Air and Space
Pitta -Fire and Water
Kapha - Water and Earth.
Therefore Ayurveda very clearly explains how our
physical body forms a part of our environment
and earth.
Seven Body Tissues - 'Sapta Dhaatu'
Ayurveda describes seven tissue types existing in
our bodies. They are:
Chyle - 'Rasa'
Blood - 'Rakta'
Muscles 'Mamsa'
Fatty Tissue - 'Medas'
Bones - 'Asthi'
Bone Marrow - 'Majja'
Sperms or Ova 'Shukra'.
Three Qualities - 'Guna''
Ayurveda explains the three main qualities
possessed by every plant, medicine and in our'
body. They are known as:
SATTVA (vegetables) -
calming and friendly
RAJAS (protein
food) - energising
TAMAS (drugs,
alcohol, chemicals) - harmful, mind distorting, stimulating.
return to top
This page was last updated on 30 November 2006 13:53:12
|
|
