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Ayurveda
translates into English as
the Science of Life (Ayur -
life, veda - science).
Ayurveda is the oldest and
most developed life science
of natural healing in the
world. Life is the outcome
of the union of body (Sharir),
sense organs (Indriya),
Psyche (Mana) and Soul (Atma).
Ayurveda is not merely a
system of Healing, but an
entire way of life that aims
to bring about the perfect
balance of the entire
personality - body, mind and
spirit. Ayurveda is based on
theory of tridosha of the
three Biological forces -
Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Disease arises when there is
an imbalance among the three
Doshas and aim of the
therapy is to bring about
the required equilibrium. |
Ayurveda is a system of
healing that was originated in
India thousands of years ago.
Historical evidence of Ayurveda
could be found in the ancient
books of wisdom known as the
Vedas. In Rig Veda, the oldest
of the vedas, over 60 Ayurvedic
preparations were mentioned that
could be used to help an
individual in overcoming various
ailments. The Rig Veda was
written over 6,000 years ago,
but really Ayurveda has been
around even longer than that.
Ayurveda is more than just a
medical system. It is a Science
of Life.
Ayurveda is a science in
the sense that it is a complete
system. It is a qualitative,
holistic science of health and
longevity, a philosophy and
system of healing the whole
person, body and mind. This
system evolved at a time when
philosophy and medicine were not
separated; hence philosophical
views have strongly influenced
the Ayurvedic way of thinking.
The word, Ayurveda, derived from
the ancient Indian language,
Sanskrit, means "Knowledge of
Life". Ayurveda's basic
principle is the concept that
you are capable of taking charge
of your own life and healing.
As per Ayurveda there are three
main energies that combine to
form all things in the universe.
These are recognized as being
fundamental to all life and are
seen in the processes of growth,
maintenance, and decay. Their
actions are named anabolism,
metabolism, and catabolism in
the western sciences.
Three doshas or three energetic
forces control the activities of
the body are:
VATA
The Vata dosha is the most
important of the three doshas.
In the classic Ayurveda books it
is quoted that other doshas are
lame without the help of vata.
The elements combine with Ether
and Air in dominance to form
what is known in Ayurveda as
Vata Dosha Vata dominates the
lower part of the body, which is
below umbilicus. The movements
of body fluid, metabolism,
elimination of waste products,
relaying stimulus to brain and
response to organs and tissues,
heart beat, respiration, body
movements etc are assisted by
VATA. Vata dominated regions are
intestines, lumbar region, ears,
bones and skin.
PITTA
The elements with Fire and Water
in dominence combine to form the
Pitta Dosha . The Pitta Dosha is
responsible for the process of
transformation or metabolism.
The transformation of foods into
nutrients that our bodies can
assimilate is an example of a
Pitta function. Pitta is also
responsible for metabolism in
the organ and tissue systems as
well as cellular metabolism.
KAPHA
Finally, it is predominantly the
water and earth elements, which
combine to form the Kapha Dosha.
Kapha is responsible for growth,
adding structure unit by unit.
It also offers protection, for
example, in form of the
cerebral-spinal fluid, which
protects the brain and spinal
column. The mucosal lining of
the stomach is another example
of the function of Kapha Dosha
protecting the tissues.
When the three Doshas are well
harmonised and function in a
balanced manner, it results in
good nourishment and well-being
of the individual. But when
there is imbalance or disharmony
within or between them, it will
result in elemental imbalance,
leading to various kinds of
ailments. The Ayurvedic concept
of physical health revolves
round these three Doshas and its
primary purpose is to help
maintain them in a balanced
state and thus to prevent
disease. |
