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Basic Principles of Ayurveda

The ancient masters of Ayurveda had organized, codified and synthesized the medical wisdom with sophisticated theoretical foundation and philosophical explanations. They adopted the fundamental doctrines of darshana philosophy, particularly the Nyaya, Sankhya, and Vaisheshika which encompassed all sciences – physical chemical, biological and spiritual

The Panchabhootha Philosophy

It is the basic foundation of Ayurvedic anatomy, physio – pathology and pharmacology. According to this in the beginning the world (Universe) existed in an unmanifested state of consciousness. This consciousness was energy that then manifested into five basis elements or Mahabhoothas, Prithvi (Earth), Aap (Water), Teja (Fire), Vayu (Air) and Aakasha (Ether). Man is a microcosm of nature and so all the five elements combine with each other and manifest themselves as there basic principles or humours known as Doshas – vata, pitha and kapha. The dravyas or drugs which are used in Ayurvedic treatment are also constituted of these five basic elements.

The Tridosha Theory:

The three basic principles or doshas- vata, pitha and kapha are collectively referred to as the tridosha. These three doshas govern all biological, psychological and pathophysicological functions in the body, mind and consciousness. Tridoshas generally pervade the entire body and particularly located in the head (kapha) navel (pitta) and below the navel (vata).

Vata - The word vata is derived from the verb root ‘Va’ meaning ‘to move, ‘to inform’ and to impel- which are the natural actions of vata. Enthusiasm, respiration, movement, normal transportation of dhatus (nutrients), proper elimination of excreta are the normal functions of vata. It works mainly through brain and nervous system. Vata rules the basis sensitivity and mobility of the mental field. It energises all mental functions from the senses to the subconscious, it allows us to respond mentally to external and internal impulses.

Pitta - The word is derived from the verb –root ‘tapa’ meaning to heat. Thus pitta is concerned with various physiological functions relating to agni (heat) . The digestion of food, body heat, thirst and hunger, vision, luster, cheerfulness and intellect are the normal functions of pitta. Pitta governs transformation in the body and mind as digestion and assimilation on all levels from food to ideas. It is predominant in the digestive systems, particularly in the small intestine and liver where digestive fire operates.

Kapha - The word is derived from 2 letter ‘ka’ (water) and ‘pha’ (flourishes). Kapha means that flourishes in the presence of water. Also known as slesha from root word ‘slish’ meaning to embrace. Binding, providing firmness, heaviness, virility and strength in the body for bearance, patience and absence of greed are the normal functions of kapha. Kapha governs form and substance and is responsible for weight, cohesion and stability. It provides for proper lubrication and discharge of secretions and cushions the nerves, mind and senses. Kapha predominates in the body tissues and in the upper part of the body head, lungs and stomach where mucus accumulates.

At cellular level, vata moves nutrients into cells and wastes out ofcells. Pitta digests nutrients to provide energy for cellular function and cell’s structure is governed by kapha.

Ayurveda considers health as an equilibrium state of tridoshas and dosha in a disequilibrium state causes disease.

Dhathus

These are seven in number and they are the tissues which are responsible for the entire structure of the body. They are Rasa, Raktha (Blood), Mamsa (Muscle), Medas (fat), Asthi (bone), Majja (Marrow) and sukra (Reproductive tissues). Themmaintainenance of Dhatvagni (digestive fire) is essential for the proper formulation of these tissues.

Malas

The three malas (excretions) are sveda (Sweet), purisha (faeces) and mutra (urine)

Trigunas

On the mental plane, there are three attributes of energy or gunas – sattva, rajas and tamas - that provide the basis for distinctions in psychological temperament and moral disposition.

Prakriti

The three doshas determine prakriti or human constitution. A person’s prakriti is determined through combinations of vata, pitta and kapha and are also influenced by other extrinsic factors such as diet, lifestyle, behavior, emotions etc., Treatment for disease of a patient should be started only after considering his prakriti .

Diagnosis

Ayurveda teaches that the origin of most diseases is found in either an exogenous or endogenous dosha imbalance or in an inherent or acquired weakness of tissues. Disease process is a reaction between the three doshas and dhathus and is influenced by the environment. There are very precise methods for understanding the disease process before all signs of the disease are manifested. Ayurvedic practioner can determine the nature of disease by examining bodily reactions and for this he mainly depends on Ashtasthana pareeksha – They are;

1. Nadi pareeksha (pulse diagnosis).
2. Mutra Pariksha - Examination of urine
3. Mala pariksha - Stool examination
4. Jehwa parikhsa - Tongue examination
5. Sabda pariksha – Examination of sound (body sounds)
6. Sparsa pariksha - Examination by touch
7. Drik pariksha - Examination of eyes
8. Akriti pariksha - Examination of body nature or build.