PRINCIPLES OF AYURVEDA

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Principles

Now that we have a better understanding of what comprises life, let's look at

some of the principles of Ayurveda and how they might affect us.

In Ayurveda we view a person as a unique individual made up of five primary

elements. The elements are ether (space), air, fire, water, and earth. Just as

in nature, we too have these five elements in us. When any of these elements

are present in the environment, they will in turn have an influence on us. The

foods we eat and the weather are just two examples of the presence of these

elements. While we are a composite of these five primar y elements, certain

elements are seen to have an ability to combine to create various physiological

functions. Ether and air combine to form what is known in Ayurveda as the Vata

dosha. Vata governs the principle of movement and therefore can be seen as the

force which directs nerve impulses,

circulation, respiration, and elimination. Fire and water are the elements that

combine to form the Pitta dosha. The Pitta dosha is the process of transf

ormation 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. Finally, it is pr edominantly the water and earth elements which

combine to form the Kapha dosha. Kapha is what is responsible for growth,

adding structure unit by unit. Another function of the Kapha dosha is to offer

protection. Cerebral-sp inal fluid protects the brain and spinal column and is

a type of Kapha found in the body. Also, the mucousal

lining of the stomach is another example of the Kapha dosha protecting the

tissues. We are all made up of unique proportions of Vata, Pitta and Ka pha.

These ratios of the doshas vary in each individual; and because of this,

Ayurveda sees each person as a special mixture that accounts for our diversity.

 

Ayurveda gives us a model to look at each individual as a unique makeup of the

three doshas and to thereby design treatment protocols that specifically

address a persons health challenges. When any of the doshas ( Vata, Pitta or

Kapha ) become accumulated, Ayurveda will suggest specific lifestyle and

nutritional guidelines to assist the individual in reducing the dosha that has

become excessive. We may also suggest certain herbal supplemen ts to hasten the

healing process. If toxins in the body are abundant, then a cleansing process

known as Pancha Karma is recommended to eliminate these unwanted toxins.

Conclusion

This understanding that we are all unique individuals enables Ayurveda to

address not only specific health concerns but also offers explanation as to why

one person responds differently th an another. We hope that you will continue to

explore Ayurveda to enhance your health and to gain further insights into this

miracle we call life.

 

 

Dr.ANU V.S