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Basis For Ayurvedic Philosophy and Definition Of Ayurveda Ayurveda: A Detailed Outline of Philosophy and Procedures Common Herbs in Ayurveda

Basis For Ayurvedic Philosophy Definition Of Ayurveda Ayurveda is a holistic system of healing which evolved among the Brahmin sages of ancient India some 3000-5000 years ago. There are several aspects of this system of medicine which distinguish it from other approaches to health care: It focuses on establishing and maintaining balance of the life energies within us, rather than focusing on individual symptoms. It recognizes the unique constitutional differences of all individuals and therefore recommends different regimens for different types of people. Although two people may appear to have the same outward symptoms, their energetic constitutions may be very different and therefore call for very different remedies. Ayurveda is a complete medical system which recognizes that ultimately all intelligence and wisdom flows from one Absolute source (Paramatman). Health manifests by the grace of the Absolute acting through the laws of Nature (Prakriti). Ayurveda assists Nature by promoting harmony between the individual and Nature by living a life of balance according to her laws. Ayurveda describes three fundamental universal energies which regulate all natural processes on both the macrocosmic and microcosmic levels. That is, the same energies which produce effects in the various galaxies and star systems are operating at the level of the human physiology--in your own physiology. These three universal energies are known as the Tridosha. Finally, the ancient Ayurvedic physicians realized the need for preserving the alliance of the mind and body and offers mankind tools for remembering and nurturing the subtler aspects of our humanity. Ayurveda seeks to heal the fragmentation and disorder of the mind-body complex and restore wholeness and harmony to all people. The Three Doshas The Five Elements Everything in the universe is made up of combinations of the Five Elements (Pancha Mahabhutas). This includes the human being which also acquires a soul or spirit. These five elements are known as: Space or Akasha Air or Vayu Fire or Tejas Water or Apa Earth or Prithvi These five elements, it should be understood, derive from and are expressions of an unmanifest and undifferentiated Creative Principle, which is One. These five elements are to be understood in a material sense as well as a subtle sense. By earth we are to understand not only the terrain of our planet or the iron in our red blood cells and spleen, but also the quality of steadfastness of mind, strength of one's moral fiber, one's slow and quiet undeterred advancement towards a goal, and the resistance to the manifestations of others. By water we mean to imply the cohesive aspects of reality which flows into and holds things together, perfectly and simply witnessed in the ubiquitous H20 molecule. And the other elements too were intended by the ancient vaidyas (physicians) to communicate the essential universal principle inherent in a particular element. By fire we mean the universal force in nature that produces heat and radiates light; it is our passion to pursue despite obstacles and delays; it is what burns away the cloak of ignorance (avidya) and allows the Truth to shine with brilliance. Fire removes doubt from the mother-substance of human heart and replaces it with joy. Air is that transparent, rarefied, kinetic force which sets the universe in motion; it moves the blood through the vessels, wastes from the body, thoughts through the mind; it moves the birds to warmer climates in winter, it moves the planets around their suns. Space is the subtlest of all elements which is everywhere and touches everything; in the mind it is the vessel which receives all impressions, in the heart space accepts love; space is receptivity and non-resistance to what is true. Thus these Five Subtle Elements (Pancha Mahabhutas) form the basis for all things found in the material creation, from a grain of sand to the complex physiology of every human being. Balancing these elements in just the right way for each unique individual is the key to maintaining health and treating disease should it arise, whether it be physical, mental, or spiritual. The Tridosha The five elements can be seen to exist in the material universe at all scales both organic and inorganic, from peas to planets. When they enter into the biology of a living organism, man for example, they acquire a biological form. This means that the five elements are coded into three biological forces which govern all life processes. These three forces are known as the three doshas, or simply thetridosha.. The tridosha regulates every physiological and psychological process in the living organism. The interplay among them determines the qualities and conditions of the individual. A harmonious state of the three doshas creates balance and health; an imbalance, which might be an excess (vrddhi) or deficiency (ksaya), manifests as a sign or symptom of disease. The three doshas are known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. You can think of these three doshas as fundamental biological energies which regulate all the life processes of an individual. And as we will discuss later, although all individuals are made up of these same three energies, we all have them in unique proportions. The doshas obtain their qualities by virtue of their elemental composition as we can see in the simple diagram below. Each of the three doshas is composed of two elements as shown here: Elements Composing The Tridosha Vata Space (Akasha) Air (Vayu) Pitta Fire (Tejas) Water (Apa) Kapha Water (Apa) Earth (Prithvi) Thus, Vata is composed of space and air, Pitta of fire and water, and Kapha of water and earth.. Vata dosha has the mobility and quickness of space and air; Pitta dosha the metabolic qualities of fire and water; Kapha dosha the stability and solidity of water and earth. Interestingly, the Sanskrit entomology of the word dosha gives it the meaning of "blemish, that which darkens". This alerts us to the fact that when in balance these force are life-supporting but when imbalanced they are the agents of disease and misery. Vata Dosha The term vata stems from a Sanskrit word "vaayu" which means "that which moves things"; it is sometimes translated as wind. It is composed of the elements space and air--the lightest and subtlest of the five elements. It is considered in some ways to be the most influential of the three doshas because it is the moving force behind the other two doshas, which are incapable of movement without it. Vata dosha is responsible for all the somatic activities and sensations. It is the intelligence which channels perceptions (temperature, pressure, sweetness, lightening, violin music, etc.) through the appropriate sensory organs, converts them into internal psychological events, and then orchestrates the appropriate response via the organs of action. it is responsible for all movements in the mind and body: the movement of air in and out of the lungs, the flow of blood through the circulatory system, nutrients through the alimentary tract, and thoughts through the mind. Vata promotes a healthy balance between the thought and emotion and gives rise to creativity, activity and clear comprehension. Because, among other functions, Vata regulates the nervous processes involved with movement, thoughts, emotions, eating, drinking, elimination, and our general functioning, its disturbance can often have far-reaching consequences. Here is a table which summarizes the manifestations of a balanced or unbalanced (excessive) Vata dosha: Effect of Balanced Vata Effect of Unbalanced (Excess) Vata Proper coordination of all body functions Body functions impaired or disorganized. Normal movements associated with eating, digestion, and elimination Movements for eating, digestion, and elimination disturbed (bloating, constipation, gas) Mental activity controlled and precise Mental agitation, confusion; impaired memory Control of the organs of perception and the organs of action Perception and action are inappropriate; senses are dulled; responses untimely Stimulation of digestive juices Deficiency of the digestive juices Desire to lead an active life; vitality, curiosity and natural interest Loss of energy and joy for life Normal drying of occasional mucous discharges Persistent bodily discharges Normal respiratory function Shortness of breath, dry cough, disturbance in respiratory movements Normal sleep pattern Insomnia, light or interrupted sleep Excellent energy level Non-specific fatigue, anxiety, worry, cold-intolerance, depletion of Life Force Pitta Dosha The term pitta comes from the Sanskrit word pinj meaning "to shine" (according to Sir Monier-Williams its exact entomology is a mystery). It carries the meaning of "that which digests" and is associated with the idea of being yellow-tinged or bilious. In its widest sense, Paittika digestive function includes all chemical and metabolic transformations in the body as well as processes which promote heat production (i.e. conversion of iodine to triiodotyrosine in the thyroid gland). Pitta also governs our ability to digest ideas and impressions and to therefore perceive the true nature of reality. It stimulates the intellect and creates enthusiasm and determination. Pitta is often regarded as the "fire" within the body. Think of it as the energy stored in the chemical bonds of all the organic substances which make us up: its encoded in our hormones, enzymes, organic acids, and neurotransmitters. Charaka Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic text, teaches that pitta functions in digestion, heat production, providing color to the blood, vision, and skin luster. Here is a table which summarizes the manifestations of a balanced or unbalanced (excessive) Pitta dosha: Effect of Balanced Pitta Effect of Unbalanced (Excess)Pitta Strong and complete digestion Incomplete digestion; poor differentiation between nutrients and wastes Normal heat and thirst mechanisms Irregular body temperature, disturbed perspiration, unregulated fluid intake Excellent vision Impaired vision Good complexion; healthy facial tone and coloration Variable, blotchy skin color, inflamed; unhealthy appearance Hair lustrous and usually slightly wavy Irritable, anxious, driven, obsessed Courageous, cheerful, focused Loss of energy and joy for life Stimulated, open intellect Dullness of reasoning faculty Steadfast concentration on the truth; disciplined, responsible Spiritually impoverished Efficient assimilation of foods Heartburn, peptic ulcer, irritable bowels, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, alcoholism Kapha Dosha The term kapha derives from the Sanskrit word "shlish" which means "that which holds things together; to embrace; coherent". In fact, one of the other designations for kapha appearing in some of the older literature is shleshma.. It is the force which provides structure to everything from an individual atom or cell to the sturdy musculoskeletal frame. It gives strength, stability, and endurance--both physical and psychological--and promotes human emotions and capacities such as love, compassion, empathy, understanding, forgiveness, loyalty and patience. One very important function of Kapha dosha in the human body is that it governs immunity and resistance against disease; it's energy promotes self-healing and the ongoing processes of self-repairs of which we are largely unaware. Where Vata and Pitta effects become active in the body, Kapha acts to limit and control these two forces and prevent their excessive activity. The two mahabhutas which compose Kapha are water and earth. Together, these two prototypical elements form the fundamental protoplasm of life. Kapha imparts mind-body-spirit stability and resilience. It is the anabolic force in the body which governs the formation of neuropeptides, stomach linings, and all new cells and tissues of the body which are constantly being destroyed and re-created. Here is a table which summarizes the manifestations of balanced and unbalanced (excessive) kapha dosha: Effect of Balanced Kapha Effect of Unbalanced (Excess)Kapha Excellent nutritional status; firm musculature, strong bones Poor nutritional status, flabby, fatigued Adequate moisture and lubrication throughout the body Dry; decreased mucous and saliva Well-knit joints Loose joints, prone to sprains Stable, compact, and strong physique Soft and weakened physique; obese Sexual potency, strong immunity Sexual impotency, sedentary, diminished immunity Calm, forgiving, understanding, patient Intolerant, insecure, jealous, rude Strong digestion, regular appetite Slow digestion, appetite unregulated Physiological amounts of respiratory moisture Excess mucous production

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 changes". It is a word derived from the root dus, which is equivalent to the English prefix 'dys', such as in dysfunction, dystrophy, etc. In this sense, dosha can be regarded as a fault, mistake, error or a transgression against the cosmic rhythm. The doshas are constantly moving in dynamic balance, one with the others. Doshas are required for the life to happen. In Ayurveda, dosha is also known as the governing principles as every living things in nature is characterized by the dosha.

The three active doshas are called Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Vata is a force conceptually made up of elements ether and air. The proportions of ether and air determine how active Vata is. The amount of ether (space) affects the ability of the air to gain momentum. If unrestricted, as in ocean, air can gain momentum and become forceful such as a hurricane.

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, 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 primary seat or location of the Vata in the body is the colon. It also resides in the hips, thighs, ears, and bones, large intestine, pelvic cavity, skin, and is related to the touch sensation. If the body develops an excess of vata, it will accumulate in these areas.

Effect of Constitution Type On Body or Microcosm

CHARACTERISTICS OF PITTA TYPE Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have a predominantly Pitta body type. Medium physique, strong, well-built Sharp mind, good concentration powers Orderly, focused Assertive, self-confident, and entrepreneurial at their best; aggressive, demanding, pushy when out of balance Competitive, enjoy challenges Passionate and romantic; sexually have more vigor and endurance than Vatas, but less than Kaphas Strong digestion, strong appetite; get irritated if they have to miss or wait for a meal Like to be in command When under stress, Pittas become irritated and angry Skin fair or reddish, often with freckles; sunburns easily Hair usually fine and straight, tending toward blond or red, typically turns gray early; tendency toward baldness or thinning hair Uncomfortable in sun or hot weather; heat makes them very tired Perspire a lot Others may find them stubborn, pushy, opinionated Good public speakers; also capable of sharp, sarcastic, cutting speech Generally good management and leadership ability, but can become authoritarian Like to spend money, surround themselves with beautiful objects Subject to temper tantrums, impatience, and anger Typical physical problems include rashes or inflammations of the skin, acne, boils, skin cancer, ulcers, heartburn, acid stomach, hot sensations in the stomach or intestines, insomnia, bloodshot or burning eyes and other vision problems, anemia, jaundice. Physical Features These people are of medium height, are slender and body frame may be delicate. Their chests are not as flat as those of vata people and they show a medium prominence of veins and muscle tendons. 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 cooper-brown and sharp: the eyeballs will be of medium prominence. The nails are soft. The shape of the nose is sharp and the tip tends to be reddish. Physiologically, these people have a strong metabolism, good digestion and resulting strong appetites. The person of pitta constitution usually takes 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 the feces are yellowish, liquid, soft and plentiful. There is a tendency toward excessive perspiring. The body temperature may run slightly high and hands and feet will tend to be warm. Pitta people do not tolerate sunlight, heat or hard work well. Psychologically, pitta people have a good power of comprehension; they are very intelligent and sharp and tend to be good orators. They have emotional tendencies toward 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 luxurio. Signs of Pitta Aggravation Angry, Irritable Hostile, Enraged, Destructive Impatient Critical of self and others Argumentative, Aggressive Bossy, controlling Frustrated, Willful, Reckless Acidity, heartburn, Stomach ulcer Fitful sleep, Disturbing dreams Diarrhea, Food allergies Bad breath, Sour body odor Very sensitive to heat, Hot flashes Skin rashes Boils Bloodshot eyes Acne Weakness due to low blood sugar Fevers, Night sweats When you experience symptoms such as, excessive body heat, digestive problems, a tendency to be hostile or angry and controlling, impatience, a tendency to exert excessive effort to achieve goals, vision difficulties, and being prone to make errors in judgment because of mental confusion or because passion or emotion blurs powers of intellectual discernment, there is a good possibility that you are suffering from pitta imbalance. Indications of balanced pitta influences are strong powers of digestion, vitality, goal-setting inclinations, good problem-solving skills, keen powers of intelligence, decisiveness, boldness and courage, and a bright complexion. General Tips on Health and Wellness For Pitta Persons Pitta constitutions will be upset by alcohol and cigarettes, as well as by overwork, overexertion, and overheating. When out of balance, they are susceptible to feeling such negative emotions as hostility, hatred, intolerance, and jealousy. Therefore it is very important for Pittas to keep cool (literally and figuratively) and to lead a pure and moderate lifestyle. Choose foods, attitudes, behaviors, personal relationships, and environmental circumstances which can be instrumental in balancing pitta characteristics. Because sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes decrease pitta influences, include these in your food plan if pitta characteristics are too pronounced. Complex carbohydrates, milk, and some fruits are sweet; some green, leafy vegetables are bitter; beans and some green vegetables are astringent. Do things that cool the mind, emotions, and body. Avoid conflicts. Cultivate the virtues of honesty, morality, kindness, generosity, and self-control. Kapha is the conceptual equilibrium of water and earth. Kapha is structure and lubrication. One can visualize the Kapha force as the stirring force to keep the water and earth from separating. For example, if we take a pot, fill it half with water and then add sand to it, the sand will gradually sink to the bottom of the pot. (It separates from the water). The only way to keep the sand in equilibrium with the water and separate is to stir the mixture continuously. 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 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.

CHARACTERISTICS OF KAPHA TYPES Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have a predominantly Kapha constitution. Easygoing, relaxed, slow-paced Affectionate and loving Forgiving, compassionate, nonjudgmental nature Stable and reliable; faithful Physically strong and with a sturdy, heavier build Have the most energy of all constitutions, but it is steady and enduring, not explosive Slow moving and graceful Slow speech, reflecting a deliberate thought process Slower to learn, but never forgets; outstanding long-term memory Soft hair and skin; tendency to have large "soft" eyes and a low, soft voice Tend toward being overweight; may also suffer from sluggish digestion Prone to heavy, oppressive depressions More self-sufficient, need less outward stimulation than do the other types A mild, gentle, and essentially undemanding approach to life Sexually Kaphas are the slowest to be aroused, but they also have the most endurance Excellent health, strong resistance to disease Slow to anger; strive to maintain harmony and peace in their surroundings Not easily upset and can be a point of stability for others Tend to be possessive and hold on to things, people, money; good savers. Don't like cold, damp weather Physical problems include colds and congestion, sinus headaches, respiratory problems including asthma and wheezing, hay fever, allergies, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Physical Features People of kapha constitution have well-developed bodies. There is, however, a strong tendency for these individuals to 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 eye is generally very white, large and attractive. Physiologically, kapha people have regular appetites. Due to slow digestion, they tend to consume less food. 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. There 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. Kapha people tend to be wealthy. They earn money and are good at holding on to it. Signs of Kapha Aggravation Sluggish thinking, Dull thinking Groggy all day Apathetic, no desire Depressed, Sad, Sentimental Slow to comprehend, Slow to react Procrastinating, Lethargy Clingy, hanging on to people and ideas Greedy, Possessive, Materialistic Sleeping too much Very tired in the morning, hard to get out of bed Drowsy or groggy during the day Weight gain, obesity Mucus and congestion in the chest or throat Mucus and congestion in the nose or sinuses Nausea Diabetes Hay fever Pale, cool, clammy skin Edema, water retention, Bloated feeling Sluggish digestion, food "just sits" in the stomach High cholesterol Aching joints or heavy limbs When you experience symptoms such as nausea, lethargy, a feeling of heaviness, chills, looseness of the limbs, coughing, mucus discharges, breathing difficulties, and a tendency to sleep too much, you may be suffering from Kapha imbalance. Other symptoms can be inertia, congestion, stagnation, and circulation problems. There may be a tendency toward obesity. Boredom, laziness, and mental dullness may be present. Indications of balanced kapha influences are physical strength, a strong immune system, serenity, mental resolve, rational thinking, ability to conserve and use personal resources, endurance, and adaptability. General Tips for Health and Wellness for Kapha Types Kapha's are prone to lethargy, sluggishness, depression, and overweight, Kaphas need activity and stimulation. Daily exercise is more important for them than for any other type. Getting out of the house and actively seeking new experiences is also valuable. Be receptive to useful change, renounce impediments to progress, be intentional in implementing life-enhancing actions, and choose foods, mental attitudes, behaviors, exercise routines, and relationships and environmental circumstances which can be instrumental in balancing kapha characteristics. Pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes decrease kapha influences. Black pepper, ginger, cumin, chili, and some other spices provide the pungent taste; bitter is provided by some green leafy vegetables; and some green vegetables and beans provide the astringent taste. Note that the taste that decreases a dosha usually increases one or both of the other two. For general purposes, mildly increase the proportion of foods which are helpful while somewhat decreasing the proportions of others-having a sampling of all six tastes at your major meal. Meditation can be more intensive for kapha constitutions than for vata or pitta constitutions. Schedule time every day for prayer and meditation.