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About Ayurveda |
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Ayurvedic concept of Constitutional Types To understand how Ayurveda works, it is first necessary to understand the three fundamental biological principles called doshas. Three different principles determine the constitutional type In Ayurveda everything in creation has its own kind of constitution. Each individual has a particular physical and spiritual make-up that distinguishes them from others. After becoming familiar with these principles, even a beginner will be able to understand his metabolism, behaviour, moods and characteristics. The three doshas (VATA, PITTA, and KAPHA) are the principles that underlie and regulate all bodily functions. Our body is self-regulating and with the help of a complex feedback system continually strives to compensate for disturbances it experiences. For example, the body will try to counterbalance a constant Vata stimulus by activating its own reserves of Kapha and Pitta . If these reserves have been used up, then a health disorder will develop. We must understand that the doshas operate within a natural range. This is a continual and extremely dynamic regulating activity. Good health is not a state, it is a process. Our body is continually regenerating itself. Toxins overload the Mind and Body We are constantly interacting with our environment. We absorb toxins from the air and from our food. These are then absorbed into our cells and tissues. Incorrect digestion of our food, negative moods and emotional pressure can create toxins. These toxins impede healthy metabolism and hinder the supply of nutrients to the cells, which is necessary for healthy functioning. This impairs the normal efficiency of our organs. These deposits, combined with an imbalance of the doshas, are responsible for almost all illnesses. How does illness arise? Hippocrates once said that illness does not fall from the sky but is the result of all the small mistakes we make each day. For example, when a permanent stimulus of the Vata dosha occurs, causing the Vata principle to divert from its normal pattern, then an imbalance occurs in that dosha. This could be experienced, for instance, as nervousness, headache, high blood pressure or digestive problems. Such symptoms do not occur overnight but develop over a long period of time. The body will try to eliminate this disorder by activating the Vata-balancing properties of the Kapha and Pitta doshas. If, however, these reserves are used up, then this natural process fails to remedy the situation and the signs of Vata imbalance begin to appear. This Vata imbalance can be further increased by outside influences that the body is unable to combat. It could be compared to a steel spring, which over a long period of time is flexible enough to maintain its shape, but when overstretched loses its elasticity and form. Imbalance of the three doshas is not the only cause of disease; an accumulation of toxins can also impede good health. Toxins may be produced through bad digestion, be absorbed into the body from the environment, or even be created by mental strain. Toxins gather in the cells and tissues, hindering their development, purification and proper nourishment. Six stages in the development of disease Ayurveda recognises six stages in the development of disease. An experienced doctor can identify these stages with the help of pulse diagnosis. Modern medicine only has methods to detect the last three stages in the development of disease. The great advantage of Ayurvedic diagnosis lies in its ability to detect the earlier stages of disease. The sooner a disease can be detected, the easier it is to treat. Maintaining health is in our own hands When the concept of the regulating mechanics of the three doshas and the role of metabolism is understood, it is easy to appreciate the principles of Ayurvedic treatment. Such treatments must always be comprehensive. They provide the framework to help the body naturally rid itself of toxins, rebuild its reserves, eliminating the cause of illness and restoring balance in the physiology. All the treatments - Diet, Massage, Meditation, Panchakarma, and Ayurvedic herbal preparations and help to nourish the body's own intelligence. This intelligence is the intelligence of nature. It promotes inner balance, regulates the dynamics of the doshas and embodies our own natural wisdom found within our physiology. Six stages in the development of disease 1. Accumulation (Sanchya)
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Insight Ayurveda |