Ayurveda – God’s manual for healing
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Sushruta- a brilliant student of Lord Dhanwantri learned the art of surgery and created a treatise on Surgery. It is known as “Sushrut samhita” (1200 BC). It was a unique manuscript. The art and methods of Surgery were so technically perfect that they are still performed in many modern day surgeries and “Sushrut is still considered as the father of plastic surgery. He was the first to do many cosmetic surgeries including first Rhinoplasty in the history of mankind.
These are the two main treatises on which basics of Ayurveda are clearly explained and still
read by Ayurveda scholars worldwide. Vagbhatta- another Ayurveda scholar compiled “Ashtang Sangreh” and “Ashtang Hridya”. These two texts by “Vagbhatta” are basically an overview of Charak and Sushrut Samhita
Basic Principles of Ayurveda
Concept of 5 Elements
All matter in this universe is composed of 5
basic elements, except living things, who are
blessed with an eternal soul also.
ELEMENTS WHICH COMPOSE THE UNIVERSE
Earth (Prithvi)
Water (Jal)
Fire (Agni)
Air (Vayu)
Ether (Aakash)
Concept of 5 Elements
According to Ayurveda, every thing in this universe is made up of five basic elements in different proportions. These five elements or panch bhutas are Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jal), Air (Vayu), Fire (Agni), Ether (Aakash). The food, the planets and every living and non-living thing are made up of these 5 elements. There is a fundamental harmony at the macrocosm level and microcosm level and our body is a very minute image of the universe. The only thing which differentiates living and non-living things is the Soul.
Characteristics of 5 Elements —
1. Space- Present in hollow cavities within body and empty areas of cosmos, transmits sound, non-resistant to anything, frictionless or smooth, subtle, Soft, abundant. Any diet, food or herbs with similar properties will increase Space element within the body.
2. Air- Light, Dry, Subtle, Mobile, Transparent, Rough are the properties of Air. It is responsible for movement, dryness in the body. Any diet, exercise, medicine which has such properties will increase “Vata” or Air element in the body.
3. Fire- It is hot, sharp, intense, dry, light. It emits light and heat. Any food, diet, exercise, herbs which has similar properties will increase this element in our body. For example Chillies, Ginger, Garlic, Peppers, will increase “Pitta” or Fire element” in the body.
4. Water – Water is moist, cohesive or sticky, cool, soft and oily (unctuous). Water is present in many foods, milk and herbs as well as in our body. Excess of water increases the above mentioned characteristics in our body and decreases the opposite. Water intake is useful in diseases caused by fire or “pitta and air or “vata’. For example, acidity, skin problems, constipation, dryness, excessive breakdown or accumulation of metabolites/endotoxins. In other words it acts as detoxifying agent.
5. Earth- It is solid, dense, stable, heavy, hard, dull and slow. It constitutes the solid structures in the universe and our body. Any food, exercise, herbs which have similar properties will provide nutrition, support and cause heaviness in the body. It will also improve strength and stability.
These are the characteristics of the 5 elements, out of which this whole universe is made up of. Using these attributes, everything in this world can be classified to be made up of combination of these 5 elements in different ratios and proportions. Even all the natural elements in the modern periodic table in chemistry can be classified under these 5 elements. For example, a steel rod has more earth than wood. Wood has earth and water. Our body has all 5 i.e. Space and Air (Hollow organs and body cavities), Fire (Chemicals), Earth (Bony structures) and Water (Saliva, Digestive Juices and intracellular or extra cellular fluids).
An atom also depicts the combination of 5 elements. The electric charge depicts the fire energy within an atom. The nuclear reaction is also an example of fire energy contained within an atom.
The Earth element is represented by the mass of the electron, proton and neutrons as well as subatomic particles within an atom.
The Water is responsible for the cohesion between the subatomic particles. They are bound in an atom because of the cohesive nature of the water element.
The empty Air element is represented by the force which is causing the movements of the electrons around the nucleus.
The Ether is the empty space between or the empty space in and around an atom. The balance of these Energies, particularly Vata (Air), Pitta (Fire) and Kapha (Water) keeps the atom an atom and prevents it from becoming an atomic bomb. Similarly these energies are moving this whole universe.
The example of planets and galaxies moving around in space also fit into the example of tri-energy module.
Similarly this analogy is also useful in case of cellular function and structure. The metabolism occurring in mitochondria within the cells and also other intracellular organelles is an example of fire energy. The oxygen represents the air and the water represents the water. The structure of plasma membrane and other solid things within the cells represent the earth element. The empty space in vacuoles is presented by the space element.
The balance of these elements fluctuates in different environments and one element can transform into another. For example, the water element can change into the earth element if it is stored in a very low temperature. Similarly, Same water if heated turns into steam and evaporates and becomes space.
Similarly if we burn something, it changes its form. Suppose we burn a piece of paper, parts of it evaporate by becoming space and air and it changes from earth to Air and Space.
The Human body Vs the Universe
All the energies in the human body are a true incarnation of the energies working in the universe i.e. whatsoever we see in this universe at macrocosm level is present in the human body at microcosm level and performs the same functions
Representation of Elements in human beings
The five elements are present in various living and non-living things in various ratios and proportions. Living things have five elements and a soul whereas non-living have only 5 elements in their composition.
These 5 elements represent themselves in the form of 3 energies in humans called “Dosha’ or Tri-Dosha. These dosha can also be called Tri-Energies.
The “Tridosh” Principle or Tri – energies
Another fundamental theory of Ayurveda is the “Tridosh” principle or the tri-energies theory. This can also be understood as combination of panchbhutas (Five Elements) into 3 the 3 biological or physiological and physical forces that cater to the metabolic functions and structural composition of our body. The balance of these tri-energies is known as a state of health and their imbalance is disease. Anything which restores this balance is good for health. So any diet, exercise, behavior or medicine can be recommended to restore this balance and provide health. The tri-energies are
Tridosha Energy Counterpart – Elementary Composition
Vata – Kinetic Energy – composed of Air + Ether
Pitta – Thermal Energy – composed of Fire
Kapha – Potential Energy – composed of Earth + Water
This is the physical elementary composition of 3 basic energies that act in synergy to maintain the health of the body. Their balance is responsible for health maintenance at the physical level. However there are many more principles of Ayurveda in further chapters of this book which lay strong emphasis on balance and coordination between senses-body-mind-soul axis for complete physical, mental, social and spiritual well being.
Ayu (Life) is not merely life span measured in chronological years but it is union of mind-body-senses and soul. So there is a great importance of mind and soul in Ayurveda.
CHAPTER – 2 CONCEPT OF 25 ELEMENTS
In the previous chapter, we learned the concept of 5 elements and 3 energies i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Now we will go into deeper details of 5 elements and other fundamentals of Ayurveda. We will learn how this world originated, what are the various components, which a human being is made of.
The 25 elements are —
1 Soul – Atma
1 Nature – Prakriti
1 Ego – Ahankaar
1 Intelligence – Budhi
1 Mind – Manas
5 Knowledge acquiring senses- Tongue, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Skin
5 Working Senses – Hands, Feet, Speech, Reproductive organs, Anus
5 Subtle forms of physical elements (5 Tanmatras) – Hearing, Touch, Sight, Taste, Smell 5 Physical elements- Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether
25 Elements in total
– — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — How this world originated —
Ayurveda firmly believes in the presence of God and Soul. According to Ayurveda, the world originated initially by union of the soul with the cosmic matter or nature (Prakriti).
It first involved the Soul (Purusa) and Cosmic Matter (Prakriti) which combined to form intelligence (Buddhi).
Cosmic matter is lying in nature in inert form initially and is in 3 unmanifested qualities Goodness, Passion, Ignorance. Goodness is Sattva Guna, Passion is Rajas Guna and Ignorance is Tamas Guna according to Ayurveda. Guna means quality in Sanskrit.
These qualities are present in nature or cosmic matter in inert form.
Once these properties (Gunas) of Prakriti (nature) combine with Soul, they give rise to intelligence and ego, which are the active forms of nature.
Intelligence and Ego are products of combination of Nature with soul.
Nature (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas) gives rise to ego (Ahankaar) after combining with soul. The ego gives rise to mind (Manas). So 3 types of mental properties arise. People with Sattva, Rajas and Tamas mind arise.
The 3 types of egos combine to form mind, 10 senses and 5 subtle and 5 physical elements.
CHAPTER – 3 Place and Actions of Vata-Pitta-Kapha
ATTRIBUTES OF TRI- ENERGIES
The tri-energies in humans are responsible for physical, biological and mental attributes of a person. All three of them have different characteristics and express their attributes in the individual. For understanding it in a very easy way, we can simply say that “Vata” or Kinetic energy is just like air in the universe, Pitta or Thermal energy is just like Fire and Kapha or Potential energy is just like Earth.
These Vata, Pitta and Kapha provide basic characters of Air, Fire and Earth in the body. Some of the typical attributes of Vata, Pitta and Kapha people are explained in the tables.
Physical and functional attributes of the tri-energies Vata – (AIR + ETHER) – Nervous System, Movements
Vata: Vata or Vayu is compared with Kinetic energy within the body. All the movements in the universe and inside the body are considered to be because of “Vata”. All the planetary movements, revolving of electrons around the nucleus, anything which moves has Vata
component in it. There are 5 types of Vata in our body.
1. Prana (Vata controlling respiratory function)
2. Udana (Vata controlling speech function)
3. Samana (Vata aiding digestive process, intestinal movements)
4. Vyana (Vata responsible for body movements, movement of blood) 5. Apana (Vata controlling evacuation of stool, urine)
Location of Vata in our body: According to Ayurveda, the location of Vata in our body is – large intestine (Colon, rectum), urinary bladder, urinary tract, spine, thighs and legs.
Functions of Vata in our body: It governs the physical movement of the body, circulates the body fluids, controls respiration, stimulates excretion of digestive juices, regulates peristaltic movements of intestines. In other words, it can be said that it controls neuro-hormonal system. The neurotransmitters, hormones can be considered as moving from one organ to the other because of Vata.
Emotions controlled by Vata: Fear, stress, anxiety, impatience are all aggravated and generally elevated in Vata type personalities and in case of increased Vata.
Physical attributes of Vata: Vata is rough, dry, light, mobile, cool and subtle.
Vata type personalities: Ayurveda has explained physical and mental characteristics of people having high Vata constitution. These can be read in the table provided.
Remedies for Vata disorders- Massage with hot Oils, Internal consumption of Ghee, Regular Sleep, Herbs like Ashwagandha, Ginger, Cumin, Turmeric, Guggul, Garlic, Asa foetida, Hot fomentation, Prayers and Meditation regulates Vata.
Pitta – (Fire) – Metabolism & other Chemical Reactions
Pitta: Pittta is compared with Thermal energy within the body. It is responsible for all the metabolic and chemical reactions occurring in our body. The heat energy or “the fire” required for a chemical reaction is “Pitta”.
There are five types of Pitta in our body.
1. Pachak – (Pachak Pitta) aids digestion and is located in stomach, small intestines) 2. Ranjak – (Ranjan” means to color something. Ranjak Pitta colors the blood red i.e. responsible for blood formation in our body.
3. Bhrajak – (Bhrajak Pitta) is present in skin and reflects skin luster and texture) 4. Sadhak – (Sadhak Pitta is present in heart. Any abnormality in Sadhak Pitta causes hypertension, palpitations and heart problems.
5. Aalochak – (Aalochak Pitta) is present in eyes and is responsible for vision.
Location of Pitta in our body: According to Ayurveda, the location of Pitta in our body is middle portion of our body. i.e. stomach, liver, spleen, duodenum, gall bladder, bile, small intestine, pancreas, heart, retina, skin and blood.
Functions of Pitta in our body: It governs the digestive process, metabolic and enzymatic activity within our body.
Emotions controlled by Pitta: Fear, stress, anxiety, impatience are all aggravated and in Pitta type personalities and also in case of increased Pitta.
Physical attributes of Pitta: Pitta is hot, sharp, acrid, oily and acidic.
Remedies for Pitta disorders- Fresh Green coconut water, All foods which are bitter especially pumpkin family fruits and vegetables like bottle gourd, long gourd, round gourd etc. All green leafy vegetables, Apples, Papaya, Melons, Dragon fruit, Herbs like Neem, Amla, Katuki, Aloe vera juice, Brahmi. Ghee should be used. Yoga and meditation also help in Pitta disorders.
Kapha – (Earth + Water) – Nutrition & Support
Kapha: Kapha is compared with Potential energy within the body. It has Earth and Water as its elemental constituents. So the attributes are just like earth and water. It provides stability to our body and cells. It is responsible for the structures to stick together, like bones joining with ligaments and muscles with tendons. It provides stability to the body and also to the mind. It is responsible for lubrication within the joints. In general, the fluid and solid structures constitute “Kapha” within the body. It is nutritive and supportive to the body. The adipose tissue is also a form of “Kapha” within our bodies.
There are five types of Kapha in our body.
1. Bodhak – “Bodhan” means to let you know. This Kapha is present in the salivary glands of the tongue and informs you about the taste of the food.
2. Kledak – “Kledak Kapha” aids digestion and is located in stomach, can be correlated with digestive juices. It moistens and softens food.
3. Tarpak- “Tarpan” means to provide nutrition and Support. It has nutritive functions. Cerebrospinal fluid can be correlated with “Tarpak Kapha”. Sense organs are also getting nutrition and support from “Tarpak Kapha.
4. Avlambak – Avlamban means to cover. It covers vital organs like heart, and lungs. It can be understood as shock absorbing fluid layers in and around vital organs. 5. Shleshak – “Shleshak” means lubricant. It is present in between the joints. It can be correlated with synovial fluid present within the joints.
Location of Kapha in our body: According to Ayurveda, the location of Kapha in our body is Upper portion of our body. i.e. Lungs, Throat, Larynx, Nose, Brain, Eyes.
Functions of Kapha in our body: It is responsible for nutrition and support within our body. It keeps the structures bound to each other. It acts as a cohesion agent.
Emotions controlled by Kapha: Patience, Mental Stability, Slowness, More retaining abilities.
Physical attributes of Kapha: Kapha is cool, sticky, dull, oily and sweet
Remedies for Kapha disorders- Since Kapha is heavy, cool dull, sticky, immobile in order to burn Kapha we will need diet/herbs which are rich in subtle, hot, mobile properties. The herbs useful for Kapha are all spices like turmeric, cinnamon, clove, ginger, garlic, holy basil, are all good for Kapha.
CHAPTER – 4 The Human Constitition – Body types or Prakriti
Another concept that is unique to Ayurveda is Prakriti (The Constitution). The physical, mental and personality characteristics of a person are known as “Prakriti” or Constitution of the person. The Prakriti is further classified into two types – physical and mental. The Prakriti of a person is determined at the time of conception and depends upon the state of doshas at that time. The people are classified into Vata, Pitta and Kapha types. It is also common for a person to have traits of one or more doshas in his personality and that makes it twin dosha or tri dosha personalities. The seven combinations of Doshas, which lead to the following body types of humans, are classified as —
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