What is Ayurveda ?
Ayurveda translates into ‘the Knowledge of Life’ in Sanskrit and is considered to be the oldest healing science, taught by accomplished practitioners and scholars to their disciples. It originated more than 5000 years ago, in the Indian subcontinent and has evolved into ‘Mother of all Healing’, persevering since vedic culture through centuries.
As a system of healing, it assesses physical constitution, mental and emotional state, to be able to attain a holistic and spiritual wellbeing. Fundamentals of Ayurveda are laid on prevention to encourage health maintenance by achieving a balanced and sustained form of living. To attain this holistic balance, one should understand their own body constitution and nature(Prakriti) to imbibe the correct form of lifestyle.
Just as everyone has a unique fingerprint, each individual has a particular pattern of energy that is their own body constitution in entirety. It is an individual and varied combination of mental, physical and emotional attributes. Many internal and external factors act upon us to disturb this state of balanced wellbeing such as anxiety, stress, improper diet, lethargic way of living and alot more. In order to attain the lost natural balanced state, one shall understand their composition to be able to live a healthier state of being accordingly.
What are doshas ?
Ayurveda associates and identifies three core fundamental energies that the entire universe and our bodies comprise of as Doshas- Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These Doshas can be interrelated to the basic biological functioning to enable movement of fluids, metabolizing the nutrients in cells, lubricating and maintaining the structure of cells. All of our bodies are a unique combination of these energies but one or two of them are in abundance as compared to the third- Vata, the energy of movement; Pitta, the energy of digestion or metabolism and Kapha, the energy of lubrication and structure.
To eliminate signs of diseases, ailments and deficiencies, one needs to attain the lost natural balance and for that understanding of Vata, Pitta and Kapha is crucial. According to Ayurvedic philosophy, the entire universe is an interplay of energies of five unique elements- Water, Fire, Air, Space and Earth. Vata, Pitta and Kapha are unique individual combinations of these five elements, present as evident patterns in all universal life forms.
What are the 3 types of Doshas ( energies / forces ) ?
1- Vata ( composed of Space and Air )
It is the energy of movement that regulates breathing, blinking, muscle and tissue movement, pulsation of heart and all movements in cytoplasm and cell membrane. In a balanced state of being, Vata stimulates creativity and flexibility and in an unbalanced state of being it is responsible for fear and anxiety.
2- Pitta ( composed of Fire and Water )
It is the energy of digestion or metabolism, responsible for regulating digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism and body structure. In a balanced state of being, Pitta stimulates understanding and intelligence. On the other hand in an imbalanced state it escalates anger, hatred and jealousy.
3- Kapha ( composed of Earth and Water )
As the energy of lubrication and structure, it is responsible for coherent movement of bones and muscles for optimal cellular functioning. It enables fluid movement for all bodily functioning such as lubrication of joints, moisturization of skin and maintenance of immunity. When in order and balance, it is responsible for affection, patience, calmness and forgiveness. When in disbalance, it is responsible for attachment, greed and envy.
In entirety, this whole universe comprises varied life forms, challenging each one of us with threats and opportunities. Alongside our knowledge and understanding of our individual body composition for a healthier and balanced life is highly crucial to be able to lead and sustain a long, healthy and happy life.
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