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Concepts of Ayurveda

The Ayurvedic concept of creation focuses on four interrelated factors. These are Body, Mind, Consciousness (or Soul) and the Panchamahabhuta (or five elements). These four elements blend into three bio-energetic forces (doshas) that govern the health and determine the physical constitution of living beings. They are called Va (or Vata), Pith (or Pitta) and Sem (or Kapha).

Dhatus consists of seven different body tissue types. Malas are the three types of body excretions

Panchamahabhuta
According to ancient, vedic scientific thinking, all matter in the universe is made up forms ranging from an absence of matter to matter, which is constantly changing from one form to another. They are known as “PANCHAMAHABHUTA” made up of five elements. These five elements are:
Apo
Meaning liquid, creating the taste sensation (rasa), its sensory organ being the tongue
Thejo
Meaning heat, creating the visual input of colour (rupa), its sensory organ being the eyes
Vayu
Meaning air, creating the physical sensation of touch (sparsha), its sensory organ being skin
Pruthuvi
Meaning earth, creating the sensation of smell and odour (gandha), its organ being the nose
Akasha
Meaning earth, creating the sensation of smell and odour (gandha), its organ being the nose
These are the basic foundations and principles upon which Ayurveda is founded. All five elements play a key role in our lives, since our bodies are composed of these five elements. The Three Doshas In addition, life is considered a union of body, mind and soul. There are three body types according to individual dominance, known as the three doshas:
Vata
Air
Pitta
Bile
Kapha
Phlegm

Vata
This initiates and promotes biological activity responsible for all internal and external movements of the body.

Prana (Head) the main life force controlling breathing
Udana (Throat) supporting glandular functions
Samana (Stomach and Duodenum) supporting gastric functions
Vyana (Heart and Blood vessels) supporting circulator functions
Apana (Semen/Faeces/Urine) supporting elimination

People with Vata dosha tend to be thin, light and quick in their thoughts and actions. Change is an important aspect of their lives. When Vata is balanced they are creative, flexible, enthusiastic and lively. However, if Vata becomes excessive, we may develop anxiety, insomnia, or irregular digestion.

Pitta
This is responsible for the generation of body heat, metabolism and certain psychological attributes of the individual.

People with Pitta dosha are vivacious, smart and determined. If Pitta is balanced they tend to be warm, understanding and intelligent. Excessive Pitta can however, create irritability, jealousy and aggressiveness.

Kapha
The main function of this is to maintain healthy body tissues and maintain the balance of fat, water and other fluids. These elements must exist in dynamic equilibrium to help maintain body “Prakruti”, meaning the original balance of the individual’s dosha inheritance. Any disturbance to any one of the doshas causes imbalance and malfunction, resulting in the manifestation of disease.

Those with Kapha dosha tend to be leisurely and stable. When balanced, Kapha creates calmness, sweetness and loyalty. When excessive, Kapha can result in greed and attachment