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Ayurveda - the Science of Life
Ayurveda is a traditional healing system originated in India approximately 5,000 years ago. Ayurvedic teachings were composed by the wise men of India, called rishis, into sutras or Sanskrit verses, that were passed down from one generation to another in an oral tradition. Recorded studies of these sutras began appearing around 1,000 B.C.In Sanskrit, Ayu means "Life" and Veda means "knowledge or science." Ayurveda can be interpreted as the Science of Life. This "Science of Life" is a holistic healing system using diet, herbs, aromatherapy, color therapy, exercise (Yoga), meditation and massage to form a customized blueprint of health for each individual. One might wonder how a modern term like "holistic" can be applied to a healing system 5,000 years old. Ayurveda contends that everything in life is connected. What we eat, how we spend our leisure time, our careers, our relationships with friends and family, the environment in which we live — all influence our physical and mental well being. We are all different, we all react to the challenges of life differently and yet, the rishis observed certain patterns to be evident. They believe that life is made up of 5 primal elements: air, space, water, fire and earth. These elements, in turn, form the building blocks of Ayurvedic healing, the doshas. | What Are Doshas? |
Every individual's constitution, their thoughts, their emotions and the way they respond to the world in general is based on three fundamental life forces called doshas. Their Sanskrit names are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Doshas govern specific physical and emotional functions in the body. They have their own easily recognizable characteristics or tendencies. The balance of these doshas is crucial to good health. When there is an excess of one dosha to the detriment of the remaining doshas this equilibrium has been upset. The disturbances that result in the body will take on the characteristics of the dominant or aggravated dosha.Doshas can be influenced by the food one eats, the type of lifestyle one leads or even the season of the year or the time of the day. In Ayurveda, as in many natural therapies, there is a saying, "like results in like." This can be explained most easily by example. Let's take Vata for this example. Some of the qualities of Vata are light, cold, dry and movement. Its governing elements are air and ether. Living in a cold, dry climate would increase or aggravate Vata. Travelling or an excess of physical activity such as jogging would also increase Vata as would eating light, airy foods. Vata governs the emotions fear and anxiety and its seat is in the skin and the large intestine. Therefore, a person who lives in a cold, dry climate, who travels often and tends to eat light foods such as salads and snack on airy food like popcorn may develop an excess of Vata which could manifest itself in that person suffering from insomnia, being generally nervous, having dry skin and a tendency to being constipated. To resolve these health issues, the Ayurvedic approach would be to diminish Vata and increase Pitta and Kapha by eating appropriate foods, possibly taking certain herbs and making changes in lifestyle — thereby bringing the three doshas back into balance. The goal of Ayurveda is to maintain vibrant health by always keeping the three doshas in balance. "Vibrant" health from an Ayurvedic standpoint is not only a body that is free from disease but a mind that is calm and happy. |
A Brief Description of the Three Doshas
 Vata - the term Vata comes from vaayu, Sanskrit for "that which moves things." It governs the circulation of the cells and the fluids in our bodies as well as the activity of the organs, muscles, motor and sensory functions. It also governs feelings and emotions such as nervousness, fear, anxiety and pain. People with a predominantly Vata constitution tend to be thin with smallish eyes and a long, angular face. Their skin is dry. They are imaginative and creative. They might start projects with great enthusiasm and then drop them to start on the next project. Vata people are short on endurance. They walk quickly but tire easily. They grasp an idea in the blink of an eye but tend to forget the concept just as quickly. Vata types are aggravated by noisy environments. They have a tendency to worry and become constipated.The seat of Vata is in the large intestine, pelvic cavity, skin, ears and thighs. If the body has an excess of Vata, the disturbance tends to manifest itself in these areas.
Pitta - the term Pitta comes from pinj, Sanskrit for "to shine." It is often, however, translated as fire, referring to bodily heat-energy. Pitta governs the digestive function, body temperature and other metabolic functions. It also governs intelligence and understanding and the emotions anger, hate and jealousy. People with a predominantly Pitta constitution tend to have a medium build, fair, soft and lustrous skin with a tendency towards freckles or moles. Picture the shining sun, its rays can produce scorching, sometimes destructive heat or a beneficial glowing light. You now have a good image of Pitta. Pitta are hot tempered, passionate people with strong desires. They know what they want and usually persevere until they get it. They can also be warm and caring. When under stress they revert to the typical "A" type personality. They get angry easily, become argumentative and intolerant of others or their opinions. They become victims to ulcers, hypertension and heart disease.The seat of Pitta rests in the small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, skin and eyes.
Kapha - the term Kapha comes from shlish, Sanskrit for "that which holds things together; to embrace; coherent." Kapha provides the body its strength and structure. It provides the emotions their stability, love and compassion. It also guides the immune system - strength against invasion. To understand Kapha, think "salt of the earth," "earthy," "Mother Earth." Kapha people have thick lustrous hair, large, full lips, strong white teeth and voluptuous or solid bodies. They take their time, preferring to be slow and steady. They are kind and charming, cautious and wise. They can, however, become too attached to materialistic things and then they become greedy. Or, they can become too attached to relationships and become obsessive or depressed if the relationships fail. In a weakened state they are susceptible to chest colds and sinus infections.Kapha's seat is in the chest, lungs, and the spinal fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. | How Does the Tri-Dosha System Apply to Achieving Vibrant Health? | In Ayurveda, all functions of the body whether physical, emotional or mental can be characterized in terms of the three doshas. When the doshas are balanced and working together, they produce strong, health bodies, serene emotions, calm and sharp minds, proper functioning senses and abundant energy. The key to Ayurveda is recognizing the different traits of each dosha and knowing which doshas are aggravated and which doshas are depleted. One may then apply the foods, herbs and changes of lifestyle necessary to bring the doshas back into equilibrium and vibrant health. | Which dosha are you? | Now that you've read a little about Ayurveda, you may wish to know which dosha corresponds to your consitution. We've created a Dosha Self Test to give you a clearer vision of your personal profile. If you already know your dosha, visit our Dosha Profile page for hints on what foods and lifestyle changes can bring your constitution into balance. | | References: | | Lad, Vasant Dr., Ayurveda, The Science of Self-Healing (Wilmot, Wisconsin; Lotus Press, 1984) Verma, Vinod Dr., Ayurveda, A Way of Life (York Beach, Maine; Samuel Weiser, Inc., 1995) Morrison, Judith H., The Book of Ayurveda, A Holistic Approach to Health and Longevity (New York, New York;Fireside, 1995) Chopra, Deepak M.D., Perfect Health, The Complete Mind/Body Guide (New York, New York; Harmony Books, 1991) Raichur, Pratima, Absolute Beauty, Radiant Skin and Inner Harmony through the Ancient Secrets of Ayurveda (NewYork, New York; Harper Collins Publishers, 1997) | | |
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