In Ayurveda a person is viewed as a unique individual made up of five
primary
elements. The elements are ether (space), air, fire, water, and earth.
Just as in nature, we too have these five elements in us. When any
of these elements are present in the environment, they will in turn
have an influence on us. The foods we eat and the weather are just
two examples of the presence of these elements. While we are a composite
of these five primar y elements, certain elements are seen to have
an ability to combine to create various physiological functions. Ether
and air combine to form what is known in Ayurveda as the Vata dosha.
Vata governs the principle of movement and therefore can be seen as
the force which directs nerve impulses, circulation, respiration,
and elimination. Fire and water are the elements that combine to form
the Pitta dosha. The Pitta dosha is the process of transf ormation
or metabolism. The transformation of foods into nutrients that our
bodies can assimilate is an example of a pitta function. Pitta is
also responsible for metabolism in the organ and tissue systems as
well as cellular metabolism. Finally, it is pr edominantly the water
and earth elements which combine to form the Kapha dosha. Kapha is
what is responsible for growth, adding structure unit by unit. Another
function of the Kapha dosha is to offer protection. Cerebral-sp inal
fluid protects the brain and spinal column and is a type of Kapha
found in the body. Also, the mucousal lining of the stomach is another
example of the Kapha dosha protecting the tissues. We are all made
up of unique proportions of Vata, Pitta and Ka pha. These ratios of
the doshas vary in each individual; and because of this, Ayurveda
sees each person as a special mixture that accounts for our diversity.
Ayurveda gives us a model to look at each individual as a unique
makeup of the three doshas and to thereby design treatment protocols
that specifically address a persons health challenges. When any
of the doshas ( Vata, Pitta or Kapha ) become accumulated, Ayurveda
will suggest specific lifestyle and nutritional guidelines to assist
the individual in reducing the dosha that has become excessive.
We may also suggest certain herbal supplemen ts to hasten the healing
process. If toxins in the body are abundant, then a cleansing process
known as Pancha Karma is recommended to eliminate these unwanted
toxins. |
