PRINCIPLES OF AYURVEDA

Tridoshas

According to Ayurveda all activities in the universe and man are grouped into three main basic functions - creation, organization and destruction. Ayurveda says that the balance of three main subtle energies, called Vata, Pitta and Kapha, maintains the health. Biological air humour "Vata" is responsible for all the movements in the body. Biological water humour or Kapha is responsible for strength and immunity. Biological fire humour or Pitta is responsible for digestion and metabolism.

Vata:

Ether and air combine to form biological humour. Vata, which is responsible for controlling destruction. The different sub types of Vata are Prana (means life energy. Main function is respiration and control on all sense organs); Udana (means upward movement from naval-diaphragm. It helps the process of speech and memory); Vyana (responsible for the circulation of blood, nutrients obtained from food to all the cells of the body); Samana (means balance). It brings all the digestive juices from the tissues into the hollow organs for digestion and metabolism and Apana (means downward moving energy. It is responsible for the action of all pelvic organs).

It is considered the prime dosha among the three as it governs the functions of all the other doshas.

Pitta: 

Fire – Pitta, the thermogenic humour, organizes body activities after transformation. The various sub types of Pitta are Pachaka (the main site is the stomach and it helps in digestion); Ranjaka (Main site is liver and is responsible for secondary or tissue digestion); Sadhaka (Resides in heart and brain and is responsible for the digestion of knowledge and preservation of our cognitive memories); Alocchaka( It is in the eye and helps the eye for proper vision); and Bharahaka (in the skin and responsible for digestion and absorption of all massages of oils.

Kapha:

Water and earth combine to form biological humour or Kapha, which is responsible for maintaining the creation. Five sub types of Kapha are Kledaka (in the stomach and it protects the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract from the hot and irritant fluids of pitta secretions); Avalambaka (is in the heart, lung apparatus and vertebral column and also protects them from wear and tear); Bodhaka (is in the mouth and protects the mucous membrane and the tongue to give proper taste to the food); Tarpaka (is in the spinal chord and it protects them. It is also responsible for mental peace); and Shleshaka (is in the joints. It prevents wear and tear of the joints during the movements).

As long as those energies are in equilibrium, the health of the body is maintained. The purpose of Ayurveda and Panchakarma (a treatment method in Ayurveda) is to bring these forces into harmony so that they promote physical emotional and spiritual growth to every living being.