Ayurveda aims to attain equilibrium and optimal health by observing natural laws. When we understand nature's laws, we can alter how we conduct our daily routines and behaviour to be in tune well with the natural order. Ayurveda helps us improve our physical health and leads us to the ultimate goal, spiritual awakening.
The Ayurvedic system is more than five thousand years old. The oldest of healing systems predates numerous other medical systems across the world. Health practices, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Modern naturopathy, aromatherapy and modern naturopathy are rooted in Ayurveda.
Ayurveda helps people manage their health by adopting healthy Ayurvedic food and lifestyle habits and following their daily routine and seasonal ones. It is not a way to treat illness. However, it is to keep and protect health and achieve the perfect balance between a clear mind and a healthy body.
The Principles of Ayurveda
Based on the ayurvedic theory, the natural environment we inhabit comprises five elements: earth, air, fire, water, and ether. When the five elements within the body are functioning in harmony with our outdoor surroundings, we enjoy optimal health. If we're out of equilibrium with our environment, our health suffers, and diseases can develop.The five elements exist within our bodies in the form of the three-body bits of intelligence (doshas) Vata pitta, Kapha and vata.
Mind-Body Constitutions (Doshas)
Vata is a form of earth and air.
Vata within our bodies functions the same way as the air and ether. It is dry, cool and lightweight. It is responsible for movements such as circulation, elimination of breathing, and nerve impulses. In mind, it is perceived as the brain's flow.Pitta was created by water and fire.
Pitta is a body part with characteristics that resemble water and fire, though it is dominated by fire. It is oily and hot. Pitta is energy what is responsible for the transformation of food into waste and nutrients and metabolic functions within all organs, tissues, and organs. Pitta symbolizes passion in our temperament, often referred to as enthusiasm and drive.Kapha is a form of earth and water.
Kapha is a part of our body's qualities of water and earth - moist and heavy, excellent and rich. Kapha offers stability in structure, strength and protection, endurance, peace and cohesion. Some examples of Kapha-related dosha within our body are the cerebral-spinal liquid, the cells' form, and like the mucosal lining that lines the digestive tract. Kapha is the brain's governing factor for memory and learning capacity. It also enhances the characteristics of love and tranquillity.Ayurvedic Body Types and the Doshas on the Human Body
Each dosha plays a role in various functions within the body. Each human body has every dosha by their body to an extent, even though many people exhibit the characteristics of just the one or two of them. The balance of all three doshas is constantly fluctuating based on season and even the timing of the day! The goal is to find harmony across each of the doshas. If they are not in equilibrium, Panchakarma detox toxins accumulate, and diseases can develop.The Mind-Body constitution (prakruti) along with imbalance (vikruti)
Prakruti is the mix of doshas that an individual is born with. It is constant throughout a person's life. It is dependent on parent doshas, such as the physical and mental state of the parents at the time of conception, remedial massage as well as the lifestyle and diet of their mother during the pregnancy.At birth, the dominant doshas determine the physical traits and personality traits and another potential for developing certain types of diseases. The main objective of Ayurveda is to maintain the Prakruti in equilibrium in line with these points at birth.
Vikruti can be the consequence of Prakriti losing its equilibrium. An unhealthy lifestyle, diet or stress levels, changes in the seasons, and other factors can lead to imbalance. The imbalance could manifest with the traits of a dosha distinct from the initial Prakruti. For example, you could be a Kapha Prakriti but suffer from dry skin, vata vikruti.
Knowing our prakruti and our vikruti, it is possible to tackle the root cause of the condition or illness and maintain our equilibrium in our mind-body structure. We will be able to know why we are born with certain traits in our personality, such as emotional tendencies, preferences and dislikes, and why we are susceptible to specific ailments. This knowledge allows us to take the necessary steps to plan the proper diet and lifestyle to be in harmony with our surroundings.