Ayurvedic Foundations - Kerala Ayurveda · PDF fileAyurvedic Sanskrit texts have been...

KAA 101

Ayurvedic Foundations

Tarka Sankhya and Sharir

© 2010 Ayurvedic Academy, Inc.

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KERALA AYURVEDA ACADEMY

KAA 101: Ayurvedic Philosophy and Anatomy

2009 Kerala Ayurveda Academy: All rights reserved

USA: 561 Pilgrim Drive, Suite B, Foster City, CA 94404

Phone 650.641.8400 • Fax 650.341.8449

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India: Athani, Aluva, Kerala 683 585

www.ayurvedaacademy.com


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Table of Contents

AYURVEDA 5 What Makes Ayurveda Special? 5

ORIGIN AND BACKGROUND 6 Charaka Samhita 6

Sushruta Samhita 7

Asthang Hridaya 7

Ashtanga Ayurveda 8

THE PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION 9 Sankhya Philosophy 9

Purusha: Pure Consciousness 9

Prakriti: The First Step of Creation 9

Mahat: Cosmic Intelligence 9

Ahankara: The Cosmic Ego 10

Manasa: Mind 10 5 – 9 Panchagyanendriyani: The Five Sense Organs 10

10–14 PanchakarmendriyanI: The Five Organs of Action 10

15 – 19 Tanmatras: The Five Causal Elements 10

20 – 24 Panchamahabhutas: The Five Elements 11

Summary: The 24 Basic Principles of Existence 11

Nyaya Philosophy 12

Vaisheshika Philosophy 12

PANCHAMAHABHUTAS 14 The Five Mahabhutas: The Five Elements 14

THE SEQUENTIAL FLOW OF THE ELEMENTS 14 Akash: Ether 15

Vayu: Air 15

Tejas: Fire 16


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Aap: Water 16 Prithvi: Earth 17 The Importance of the Panchamahabhutas in Health 17 Using the Mahabhutas and their Senses as a Diagnostic Utility 17 The Relationship of Sense Organs, Organs of Action, Bhuta and Tanmatra 18 Qualities of the Panchamahabhutas 19 The Sequential Flow of Elements 19

THE TRIDOSHAS 20 Vata: That Which Gives Energy 20

The Physical Manifestation 20

Pitta: The One that Produces Heat or Anger 22


Kapha: The One that Helps to Connect or Adhere 23


THE TWENTY TATTVAS 26 The Twenty Attributes and the Tridoshas 29

INDEX 30


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Important note

AYURVEDA The Science of Life

yurveda is a word in the Sanskrit language of India that literally translates to the science [or wisdom] of life. Ayur translates to life and Veda translates to wisdom, knowledge or science. Since its origin thousands of years ago, Ayurveda has a

continuous tradition of professional practice, research and education. It has become an inseparable part of the culture and daily lifestyle of traditional families in India. During the last thirty years, many original Ayurvedic Sanskrit texts have been translated into various European languages, including English. This has gradually led to the current popularity of Ayurveda in the West.

WHAT MAKES AYURVEDA SPECIAL?

It respects the uniqueness of the individual.

It considers all the levels of the individual – Body, mind and spirit.

It offers natural ways of treating diseases and promoting health.

It emphasizes prevention.

It empowers everyone to take responsibility for their own well-being.

It is cost-effective.

It works.

A


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Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of creating and maintaining positive health. Its focus is on preventing the imbalances that lead to disease. For prevention as well as for treatment, an individualized, multi-dimensional approach is taken.

ORIGIN AND BACKGROUND

Ayurveda is a part of the Vedic system of knowledge. Among the four Vedas—Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda—Ayurveda is a part of the Atharva Veda. Between 1000 – 700 BC, Ayurveda developed into eight branches or specialties and two schools: Atreya, the school of physicians and Dhanvantari, the school of surgeons. The chanting of mantras and the religious aspect of medicine in the Vedas was gradually supplemented by observations based on scientific thinking. The material scattered throughout the Vedas was collected, subjected to rigid tests for efficacy and then rearranged. Such compilations are called Samhita when written in Sanskrit:

1. Charaka Samhita

2. Sushruta Samhita

3. Ashtang Hridaya Samhita

These are the three oldest, most authentic and most respected Samhitas. They are called the Brihat Trai, or Great Trio.

CHARAKA SAMHITA A classical text book of Internal medicine (Kayachikitsa).

Considered the prime work on the basic concepts of Ayurveda.

Ayurveda is strikingly different from other medical sciences because it recognizes that each person is made up of a unique body type and a unique psychological personality. Thus, instead of assuming that all of us are identical machines or guinea pigs, Ayurveda respects the uniqueness of each person. Secondly, Ayurveda does not limit itself to physical or psychological dimensions. It considers all the levels of a person, which include the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, behavioral, physical, familial, social, environmental and universal levels.


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Represents the Atreya Sampradaya, or Atreya School of Physicians.

A systematic work divided into eight sections which are further divided into 120 chapters.

SUSHRUTA SAMHITA Represents the Dhanvantari School of Surgeons and is considered in Ayurveda to be the

father of surgery.

Contains sophisticated descriptions of surgical instruments and various procedures such as plastic surgery.

Contains descriptions of the marmas—vital points in the body that are comparable to the system of acupuncture meridians in Chinese Medicine.

Hastam eva pradhan yantram. The word surgery comes from the Greek word meaning manual operation. Sushruta emphasizes that among all surgical instruments, the hand is the most important because all other instruments are useless without it.

ASTHANG HRIDAYA

Vagbhata wrote the Asthang Hridaya in poetic verse form.

Broken into two sections: The Ashtanga Sangraha and Ashtanga Hridaya.

The Ashtanga Sangraha is the third important composition of the great triad. It deals with all eight branches of Ayurveda (Ashtanga: eight (limbed), Sangraha: collection). This is divided into 150 chapters.

Ashtanga Hridaya is more concise than Ashtanga Sangraha and is written in verse—a beautiful poetry form; this makes it easier for a student to remember important subjects in a concise form.

The word Ashta translates to eight


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ASHTANGA AYURVEDA 8-Fold Classification

1. Kayachikitsa: Internal Medicine

Deals with the prevention, etiology, prognosis and management of disease. 2. Shalya Tantra: Surgery

Various surgeries are described. The first plastic surgery was described in the Sushrut Samhita.

3. Shalakya Tantra: Ear, Nose, Throat and Eye Diseases

The Ayurvedic branch of Ohthalmology and Oto-rhinolaryngology - diseases of eye and ear, nose and throat.

4. Kaumarbhritya: Pediatrics

Deals with prenatal and postnatal baby care and with the care of the mother before conception and during pregnancy. Various childhood diseases and treatments come under this branch. Ayurveda describes several methods for conceiving a child.

5. Agada Tantra: Toxicology

This branch deals with the toxicity and purification of herbs as well as mineral and animal products.

6. Bhuta Vidya: Psychiatry

Ayurveda is equally concerned with mental diseases and their treatment. Treatment methods include not only diet and herbs, but also yogic methods for improving the state of mind. There is ample material for research on this branch in the Atharva Veda and other Ayurveda chapters.

7. Rasayana: The Science of Rejuvenation

This therapy is used to prevent disease and promote healthy living.

8. Vajikarana: The Science of Aphrodisiacs

This branch deals with the means of


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increasing sexual vitality and efficiency. For achieving healthy and intelligent progeny, the therapy of Rasayana and Vajikarana are closely interrelated. Vajikarana medicines also act as rejuvenatives.

THE PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION There are six fundamental systems of philosophy derived from the Vedas or Vedic Systems often referred to as Shatdarshana. The word shat translates to six and darshana translates to philosophy or understanding. These systems include the Sankhya, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Yogadarshana, Mimamsa and Vedanta. They are considered the most important philosophies derived from the Vedic texts.

SANKHYA PHILOSOPHY

One of the oldest philosophical theories.

The word sankhya is derived from sat meaning truth and khya meaning to realize.

Another definition of sankhya is a number that is related to the 24 elemental building blocks (principles) which constitute the Sankhya view of the universe:

PURUSHA: PURE CONSCIOUSNESS

The origin of creation

Conscious ground for creation

Passive in creation (Purusha is beyond of 24 elements of Sankhya philosophy)

Reflects in each and every living being

Male energy

1 PRAKRITI: THE FIRST STEP OF CREATION

The entire universe is created from Prakriti Contains prime attributes behind all things as forms of perception Has three qualities called Gunas: Sattva, Rajas and Tamas

o Sattva Guna is knowledge, clarity, and purity o Rajas Guna is action, mobility, stimulus o Tamas Guna is ignorance, inactivity, heaviness and darkness

Prakriti and its three Gunas are responsible for the diversity in the universe while the existence of Purusha is responsible for unity.

Prakriti and Purusha are the ultimate, causeless, omnipresent and all pervasive causes of the universe. When they combine, creation begins.


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2 MAHAT: COSMIC INTELLIGENCE

The First Manifestation of Prakriti

The cosmic intelligence, intuition and/or wisdom

Buddhi is individual intelligence

In every cell of an individual there is inborn intelligence. This intelligence puts everything in its proper place.

3 AHANKARA: THE COSMIC EGO

Ahankara represents the power of differentiation or diversification, the awareness of the self, or the feeling I am.

The three Gunas manifest here in the form of Sattvic Ahankara, Rajas Ahankara and Tamas Ahankara.

4 MANASA: MIND

Manasa represents the formulating principle of emotions and ideas.

5 – 9 PANCHAGYANENDRIYANI: THE FIVE SENSE

ORGANS

1. Ears 2. Skin 3. Eyes 4. Tongue 5. Nose

The five sense organs are derived from Sattvic Ahankara. They perceive sound, touch, vision, taste and smell respectively. The entire knowledge of the universe is obtained through these sense organs. Therefore they are called Gyana Shakti, or the knowledge of all that is.

10–14 PANCHAKARMENDRIYANI: THE FIVE

ORGANS OF ACTION

1. Vocal Chords 2. Hands 3. Feet 4. Urethra (Urogenital Tract) 5. Anus


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The Five Organs of Action derive from Rajas Ahankara. As organs of action, Rajas is called Kriya Shakti, which translates to the actions directed toward all that is, or the five powers of action.

15 – 19 TANMATRAS: THE FIVE CAUSAL ELEMENTS

1. Shabda: Sound 2. Sparsha: Touch 3. Rupa: Vision 4. Rasa: Taste 5. Gandha: Smell

The Five Causal Elements derive from Tamas Ahankara and represent the unmanifested forms of the five elements.

20 – 24 PANCHAMAHABHUTAS: THE FIVE ELEMENTS

1. Akash: Space 2. Vayu: Air 3. Tejas: Fire 4. Aap: Water 5. Prithvi: Earth

Matter is created by the combination of these five material elements. Therefore Tamas is called Dravya Shakti, which translates to the power of substance.

The word Pancha translates

to five

THE 24 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF EXISTENCE


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NYAYA PHILOSOPHY

Founded by the sage Gautama.

First written between the 3rd and 4th century BC and called the Nyaya Sutras.

Divided into five chapters.

Deals with the logic for achieving truth.

Accepts four means of knowledge or proofs, called Pramanas, which Ayurveda has accepted in the process of obtaining practical information about the health of a patient or client:

1. Pratyaksha: Direct Perception Observed via the senses and the mind. The mind is the instrument for

acquiring knowledge, happiness, sorrow, desire and in the planning of action.

2. Anumana: Inference Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

3. Upamana: Analogy Racing mind, swan pulse, snake pulse.

4. Shabda: The word spoken by an authority (Apta-Upadesa: Authoritative Instruction) Teachers Books

VAISHESHIKA PHILOSOPHY

Originated by Sage Kanada.

Deals with the creation of the universe and explains seven categories of knowledge or objects of cognition (prameyas) as follows:

1. Dravya: Substance For example: Herbs, fruits, wood


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2. Guna: Quality For example: Cold, hard, heavy

3. Karma: Action For example: Digestive, laxative, nervine

4. Samanya: Similarity For example: Like increases like

5. Vishesha: Dissimilarity For example: Opposites cure or neutralize each other

6. Samavaya: Unbreakable Relation For example: Ginger and heat have samavaya relationship.

7. Abhava: Absence or Non-Existence For example: In Amalaki or garlic, the salty taste is absent, so there is an

Abhava of salty taste. Another example: Kapha has an Abhava of heat.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Name the 24 basic principles of Sankhya Philosophy

2. What is Prakriti?

3. What is Mahat?

4. Why are the sense organs called Gyanashakti?

5. Why are Mahabhutas called Dravyashakti?


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PANCHAMAHABHUTAS The Five Elements Everything in the physical world is composed of the five fundamental building blocks of nature called Mahabhutas, or elements. Mahabhutas are derived from the causal elements, or Tanmatras. All aspects of the universe are made up of different combinations of these Mahabhutas. At its essence, the whole world is nothing but the play of Panchamahabhutas.

THE FIVE MAHABHUTAS: THE FIVE ELEMENTS

1. Akash: Space (Ether) 2. Vayu: Air 3. Agni (Tejas): Fire 4. Aap: Water 5. Prithvi: Earth

THE SEQUENTIAL FLOW OF THE ELEMENTS

Akash Vayu Agni Aap Prithvi Space Air Fire Water Earth

Akasha is the most subtle element while Prithvi is the grossest element. These 5 elements are nothing but the different densities of Akash. The denser elements have subtler elements infused within them.

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Comparison by density.

Comparison by volume.


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AKASH: ETHER OR SPACE The Principle of Space

Quality Non-Resistance

Sense Sound

Bhoutic Composition: Akasha

Nothingness is the quality of space. Akash serves as the medium in which the other bhutas are able to manifest.

Sound is born from and propagates through space. o For example: The breaking of chalk, our voice, the quality of wood.

A close relationship exists between each bhuta and sense organ. Akash's corresponding sense organ is the ear. The ear is a hollow, spacious structure containing very thin, light bones and is responsible for transmitting sound from the environment into our neural impulses.

VAYU: AIR The Principle of Movement

Quality Movement

Sense Touch

Bhoutic Composition: Akasha + Vayu

Subtle vibrations create Vayu which gives direction all processes and functions.

Vayu moves blood through our arteries and veins, moves food through our digestive tract and transmits nerve impulses with a lightning speed to and from the brain.

Sense of touch arises from Vayu.

The skin, functioning as the organ of touch, is capable of detecting movement in the form of subtle or gross changes in pressure, friction or vibration.

Skin is a secondary sense organ. People who lack any of the sense organs perceive that sense through the skin.

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TEJAS: FIRE The Principle of Conversion, Heat and Light

Quality Conversion, illumination

Sense Sight

Bhoutic Composition: Akasha +Vayu + Agni

Light and heat are produced from the friction inherent in movement.

The sun offers the most striking example of this principle. The sun's heat is directly and indirectly responsible for conversion (metabolic processes). Without it, there would be no transformation and no life.

Conversion is the key concept in defining Agni’s role in creation.

Sense of sight is intimately associated with the element of Agni. Without Agni and light, creation would not be possible. Agni allows us to see form, degrees of dark and light and various frequencies of color.

AAP: WATER The Principle of Liquidity and Cohesion

Quality Cohesion

Sense Taste

Bhoutic Composition: Akasha + Vayu + Agni + Aap

Agni condenses to form Aap (Water) e.g. steam, which, when it cools becomes water

Governs a substance's ability to change shape without separating or losing its integrity.

Water is the most common manifestation of Aap Mahabhuta on this planet and is the major component of all life. Function of Aap is to nourish and protect

o Nutrients bind to plasma, which circulates throughout the body to nourish cells. o Sap of the tree carries nutrients to all parts of the plants o Saliva protects mucus membrane of the oral cavity o Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), nourishes brain cells and protects brain and spinal cord

frominjuries.

Practical e.g. of cohesion – We make dough by adding water in the flour (so particles stay together)

Aap Mahabhuta is responsible for the sense of taste. Saliva mixes with food and gives the sense of taste.

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PRITHVI: EARTH The Principle of Form and Structure

Quality Stability

Sense Smell

Bhoutic Composition: Akasha + Vayu + Agni + Aap + Prithvi

Aap (Water) dries and forms Prithvi (Earth). A substance or particle with shape indicates the presence of Prithvi Mahabhuta.

All structures whether an atom, molecule, rock, mountain, planet, solar system or galaxy, is determined by Prithvi.

Governs the shape and structure of every branch, leaf and flower in plants and every organ, tendon, muscle and bone in animals and humans.

Sense of smell arises from Prithvi Mahabhuta.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PANCHAMAHABHUTAS IN HEALTH

All natural things are comprised of Panchamahabhutas. For example: Fruits, vegetables, grains, plants, herbs, animals and humans are comprised of different combinations of the Mahabhutas, which is why herbs can be digested by the body while synthetic medicines cannot. Mahabhutas with opposite qualities are used in treatment with the goal of maintaining or restoring balance. For example, to lose weight, (heaviness is a quality of the earth element), we use lighter foods, (popcorn is predominantly comprised of the air element). In lightheadedness we use grounding, heavy foods such as particular nuts and seeds (soaked overnight in water) or root vegetables. In Pitta aggravation (heat), we use bitter and astringent herbs (cooling) and use cooling foods such as salads, fruits or grains.

USING THE MAHABHUTAS AND THEIR SENSES AS A DIAGNOSTIC

UTILITY Sound cannot exist without space and lack of resistance, qualities of Akasha. Touch depends on vibration or movement, aspects of Vayu. Sight occurs because of light and heat, characteristics of Agni. Taste cannot function without the liquid and cohesive nature of Aap. Smell needs Prithvi's solidity and form.

The Sense of Sound By auscultating certain parts of the body, the physician understands

the quality of the organ.

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We can hear an asthmatic person breathe heavily. Gurgling sounds in the stomach is a sign of bloating.

The Sense of Touch Nadi Vigyan-pulse diagnosis is the most exceptional diagnostic tool in Ayurveda Palpation of abdomen gives idea about different digestive organs – tenderness, enlargement,

bloating etc. Palpating joints, tender areas on the body, etc.; gives more information about the underlying

cause

The Sense of Sight Visual inspection of the client also important. It gives idea about person’s Prakriti or Vikriti

The Sense of Smell Body odor, foul smell, smell of the urine are examples Ancient texts identify twenty types of diabetes based on the specific degeneration of the tissues

giving specific smell to urine.

We do not use the sense of taste in Diagnosis.

THE RELATIONSHIP OF SENSE ORGANS, ORGANS OF ACTION, BHUTA AND TANMATRA

Element Mahabhuta Density

Scale 1 - 5

Volume

Scale 1 - 5

Sense Tanmantras

Sense Organ

Gyanendriyani

Organ of Action Karmendriyani

Ether (Akasha) 1 5 Sound (Shabda) Ears Vocal Cords

Air (Vayu) 2 4 Touch (Sparsha) Skin Hands

Fire (Tejas) 3 3 Vision (Rupa) Eyes Feet

Water (Aap) 4 2 Taste (Rasa) Tongue Urogenital Tract

Earth (Prithvi) 5 1 Smell (Gandha) Nose Anus


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QUALITIES OF THE PANCHAMAHABHUTAS Panchamahabhuta Qualities Akasha: Ether Subtle, soft, clear, smooth, expanding

Vayu: Air Rough, dry, light, cold, mobile

Tejas: Fire Hot, sharp

Aap: Water Flowing, wet, dull, soft, cloudy

Prithvi: Earth Gross, heavy, static, hard, dense

THE SEQUENTIAL FLOW OF ELEMENTS Akash Vayu Tejas Aap Prithvi Space Air Fire Water Earth

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Explain the importance of Panchmahabhutas.

2. Explain how we use our senses during the examination of the patient?

3. What are the qualities of Panchmahabhutas?


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THE TRIDOSHAS The Tridoshas are the three energies governing all the functions in the body. While modern medicine is based on the structure of the body, Ayurveda is based on the energies behind that structure. The five Mahabhutas give rise to three doshas, or Tridoshas:

Dosha Composition Description Qualities

Vata Air + Ether The energy of action, transportation and movement.

Dry, rough, light, cold, subtle and mobile

Pitta Fire + Water The energy of transformation, conversion and digestion.

Oily, sharp, hot, light, moving, liquid and has acidic smell

Kapha Water + Earth The energy of construction, lubrication and nourishment.

Moist, cold, heavy, dull, soft, sticky and static

VATA: ONE THAT GIVES ENERGY Bhoutic Composition: Air + Ether In nature, Vata is like the wind. It is constantly moving and scattering things around. Vata is called the King of the Doshas mainly because it is the moving force behind everything, including Pitta and Kapha.

Quality Actions

Dry Reduces wetness, dampness. Helps reduce mucus, congestion, water retention and swelling.

Light Makes body light, helps release weight and create a feeling of being energized while reducing lethargy and ama buildup.

Cold Balances heat and reduces burning and excessive acidity.

Rough Breaks sliminess, congestion and reduces toxin buildup.

Subtle Helps reach the microscopic (very narrow) channels of the body.

Mobile Balances static (/stable); moves energy, nerve impulses. Makes movement possible.

VATA: THE PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION

Location Main Location: Abdominal cavity below the umbilicus. Other Locations: Colon, pelvis and pelvic organs, thighs, legs, skin, ears, brain and nervous system, lungs


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Actions and Functions

All movements and functions of the body and mind

Sensory and motor nerve regulation and propagation of impulses

Voluntary and involuntary actions

Breathing

Removal of wastes

Speech (movement of vocal cords)

Pumping of the heart

Sense of touch

Kindles digestive fire

Absorbs nutrients

Openings of the cell walls and energy channels

Development and delivery of the fetus

Causes of Aggravation Fall and early part of winter.

Eating too many dry, bitter, pungent, astringent, light, cold, stale or processed foods.

Drinking too cold drinks or food; drugs.

Exposure to cold and wind, dark (less light).

Listening to loud noise, bright light, too much TV.

Erratic work or life-style schedule.

Fasting, wrong dieting, less sleep, interrupted sleep.

Excessive exercise, running, staying up late, holding natural urges.

Stress, fear, anxiety, insecurity, worry.

Excessive bleeding, excessive cleansing.

Sexual overindulgence.

Signs of Aggravation Dry: Skin, hair, eyes, ears, lips, joints, stools, bloating, gas, dehydration. Light: Light-headedness, restless mind, ungroundedness, dizziness, thinness, weight loss. Cold: Cold body, poor circulation, muscle spasm, constriction, tightness, pain, asthma. Rough: Breaking of skin and lips, varicose veins. Subtle: Tremors, twitching, fear, anxiety, insecurity. Mobile: Racing mind, restlessness, fast actions, chatter, fidgeting, obsessive compulsive, bipolar, manic depression, muscle twitching and palpitations. Clear: Racing mind, agitated mind

Management Vata-balancing diet and lifestyle.

Shodhana: Snehana, Swedana, Basti

Shamana: Vata-balancing herbs


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Personality Vata people are generally slim and slender, either short or tall with prominent bones. Their other physical characteristics are oval face, small eyes (many times roll eye balls), dry skin, thin hair, small joints (may crack often), and long fingers. Variability is Vata nature. Their metabolism and sleep pattern is always changing. They talk a lot, walk a lot and complain a lot. They do lots of hand gestures almost like they talk with their hands. They attract people with their talking and expressions. They are very intuitive, imaginative and artistic. They are good at writing poems, creating art, or dancing. They are always on the go and love love to travel. The Vata mind is like a busy bee, constantly buzzing around, moving in circles. They are born worriers - worry about everything and anything. Often feel anxious, nervous and worried. Many times their mind is in the future, not enjoying the present moment. They are good at playing “what if” game. Vata slogan is “Can I change my mind?”

PITTA: THE ONE THAT PRODUCES HEAT OR ANGERBhoutic Composition: Fire + Water In nature, Pitta is like the sun’s heat, giving light and transforming things. It is the heat or transformative energy in the body. Pitta helps us to think, discriminate, be confident, have clear vision, speak to the point, and see different things and colors, digest food, maintain body temperature, protect from excess heat and cold, and give luster to skin.

Quality Actions

Oily Balances dryness; maintains luster of the skin; emulsifies food; mixes food with digestive enzymes for proper digestion.

Sharp Breaks down food chains into tiny particles, cooks food, digests foods (especially those with heavier qualities), penetrates through blockages, and sharpens memory and thinking. Helps in planning and gives confidence.

Hot Keeps us alive, maintains acidity of digestive enzymes and maintains body temperature.

Light Illuminates mind, intelligence and life.

Acidic Gives acidic smell to sweat and bile, emulsifies and digests fatty foods.

Spreading Helps the flow, mixes and moves food.

Liquid Makes food liquid, helps digestion and overall flow in the body.

PITTA: THE PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION

Location Small intestine, lower part of stomach, Rakta Dhatu, sweat glands, skin, eyes, liver, spleen, pancreas.


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Digestion

Assimilation

Absorption

Transformation

Maintenance of body temperature and luster of the skin

The creation of thirst

Discrimination, intelligence and leadership

Clarity of speech, boldness, vision (physical and mental)

Causes of Aggravation Summer

Eating very sour, salty or pungent food; too much yogurt, sour juices, junk food

Smoking, alcohol, hallucinogenic or excessive medicinal drugs

Outdoor activities in the afternoon, exposure to sun

Anger, irritability, sexual indulgence

Excessive competition, intellectual stimulation

Signs of Aggravation Oily: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, oily skin, acne, skin blisters. Sharp: Gastritis, ulcers, acid reflux, heartburn, irritability, anger, sharp pain, sharp headaches. Hot: Fevers, infections, inflammations, excessive perspiration, red hot eyes, desire for cool drinks, thirst, burning, hyperacidity and insomnia. Light: Dizziness, sensitivity to heat and light, ringing in ears. Acidic: Acidic smell to feces, sweat and urine, skin, breath, jaundice, yellow hue to the skin, skin infections. Mobile: Vertigo, dizziness. Liquid: Excessive perspiration, thirst, urination.

Management Pitta balancing diet and lifestyle

Shodhana: Snehana, Swedana, Virechana

Shamana: Pitta balancing herbs

Personality Pitta people are medium build and height, with strong muscles. Sharpness is the main characteristic of Pitta personality - Sharp nose, sharp eyes and sharp chin and (unfortunately) sharp tongue. They tend to have receding hairline or get early graying or balding. Pitta people are good speakers. They speak to the point (no beating around the bush). They are very precise, goal seeking, orderly and tidy. Pitta people are list makers; they can’t do anything unless planned. They are always on time. Pitta mind is like a bull. Once set on the goal, it is difficult to change. Many times it is in the present so Pitta people are generally witty. Many times they are also opinionated, criticizing others or telling people what is right and wrong (that is why they create enemies). Pittas get irritable or angry quickly, especially when things don’t happen their way. Pitta’s metabolism is very sharp. They are always hungry or angry. Their slogan is “Do it my way or the highway”.

KAPHA: THE ONE THAT HELPS TO CONNECT OR ADHERE Bhoutic Composition: Water + Earth

In nature, Kapha is like water. As two-thirds of the earth is comprised of water, two-thirds of the physical body is also comprised of water. The energy


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of Kapha helps us to feel calm and content, notice the taste of our food, nourishes all of the organs and cells in our body, builds tissue, lubricates our joints and air passages and protects all of the physical systems in the body.

Quality Actions

Moist Lubricates the whole body and joints, reduces dryness, friction and facilitates the function of any and all tissues.

Cold Protects the body against too much Pitta, such as heat, burning and acidity, maintains alkaline medium or pH of body, acts as a cooling energy.

Heavy Helps to create stability and/or groundedness in the body and mind, increases weight by nourishing the Dhatus, builds tissues.

Static Provides stability, counterbalances and/or protects against the hyperactivity of Vata, protects Dhatus.

Sticky Provides insulation; protects Dhatus, protects against the hyperactivity of Vata.

Soft Keeps the tissues supple, helps protect against too much action and/or friction. Maintains tissue consistency.

Cloudy Provides insulation against sharpness of Pitta, protects Dhatus.

Slow Slow sluggish movement, slow thinking.

Smooth Smooth surface of the organs, smooth movements.

KAPHA: THE PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION

Location Above the diaphragm. Main location is in the stomach, lungs, lymphatic, mucus membrane, peritoneal cavities, joints, mouth, brain and spinal cord (cerebral spinal fluid).


Supports the body

Maintains body's lubrication

Moistens joints

Develops and strengthens the tissues

Gives strength and stamina

At the subtle level it creates forgiveness, love, compassion, calmness, happiness, contentment

Causes of Aggravation Late Winter, Spring, the rainy season

Eating too much sweet, sour or salty food, junk food such as candies, ice-creams, desserts, donuts, oily fried food, red meat, excessive milk and cheese products

Excessive eating and drinking

Excessive sleep, lack of exercise or physical activity

Signs of Aggravation Moist: Clammy skin due to too much oil Cold: Cold body, colds, cough, congestion, sinus problems, pale color Heavy: Heaviness, obesity, lethargy, weak Agni, indigestion, Candida, food allergies Static: Laziness, excessive sleep, lethargy Soft: Excessive saliva in the mouth, white-coated tongue Liquid: Water retention, swelling on the body, swollen joints, heavy mind, slow thinking


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Management Kapha balancing diet and life style

Shodhana: Snehana, Swedana, Vamana

Shamana: Kapha balancing herbs

Personality Kapha people are well built, full-bodied people. Their features are rounded – Round face, round big eyes, roundish nose, and sweet looks. They have long and thick hair. Kapha people are loving, nurturing, caring and are peacemakers. They want everybody to be happy. Their slogan is “Don’t worry, be happy.” They have good endurance and strong immune system. They are good listeners and speak very little. At times they tend to be shy. Kapha tends to cause weight gain and water retention, causing swelling. A bit lazy, Kapha-type personalities like to rely on others and like to follow others. Kapha mind tends to get heavier, many times stays in the past – day dreaming about the past incidences. Kapha people get attached quickly and have a hard time letting go.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. What is the Bhoutic composition of Vata? 2. Describe the Kapha mind. What quality of Kapha makes the Kapha mind sluggish? 3. What are the functions of Vata? 4. Write a few Vata-aggravating causes. 5. Think about Vata qualities and how you will use each quality to balance particular

symptoms. For example -- dry quality is useful in water retention; light quality is useful in weight loss, etc.

6. Name a few Vata-balancing herbs. 7. What is basti? 8. Describe Vata characteristics. Relate each attribute to Vata quality. 9. What is the Bhoutic composition of Pitta? 10. Name the main qualities of Pitta and a sign of imbalance related to each quality. For

example: Hot – Hot flashes, excessive sweat 11. What are Pitta functions? 12. Write a few Pitta-aggravating causes. 13. Think about Pitta qualities and how you will use each quality to balance certain

symptom. For example – Hot quality will useful in cold and congestion, sharp quality in breaking down and digesting foods, etc.

14. Name a few Pitta-balancing herbs:


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15. Why do you think Pittas get angry very quickly? 16. What is the Bhoutic composition of Kapha? 17. Write the main qualities of Kapha and a sign of imbalance related to each quality.

For example: Heavy – weight gain. 18. What are the main Kapha functions? 19. Name a few Kapha-aggravating causes. 20. Think about Kapha qualities and how you will use each quality to balance certain

symptoms. For example -- Heavy quality is useful in the treatment of lightheadedness, or to improve weight gain. Moist quality will be useful in lubricating the body, etc.

21. Name a few Kapha-balancing herbs. 22. What is Vamana? 23. Describe the Kapha mind. What quality of Kapha makes the Kapha mind sluggish?

THE TWENTY TATTVAS Attributes or Qualities Qualities are the polarities of all the forces in the universe. They are the essential part of our life. Mahabhoutic composition creates qualities. The Doshas, Dhatus and Malas are all described and work through these qualities. Foods, herbs, and Ayurvedic treatments are all based on qualities.

1. Heavy/Light Guru/Laghu 2. Cold/Hot Shita/Ushna 3. Oily/Dry Snigdha/Ruksha 4. Dull/Sharp Manda/Teekshna 5. Smooth/Rough Slakshna/Khara 6. Dense/Liquidy Sandra/Drava 7. Soft/Hard Mrudu/Kathina 8. Static/Mobile Sthira/Chala 9. Gross/Subtle Sthoola/Sookshma 10. Cloudy/Clear Picchila/Vishada


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Guru: Heavy Prithvi and Aap Build the tissues, may create heaviness in the body is used in excess. Generally, all sweet, sour and salty tastes are heavy

Foods: Grains, cheese, yogurt, candies, ice cream, salty junk food, red meat, muesli Herbs: Ashvagandha, Bala, Shatavari

Laghu: Light Akash, Vayu Help to reduce weight and increase energy.

Food: Popcorn, corn flakes, rice flakes, rice cakes, leafy vegetables Herbs: Neem, Aloe Vera, Brahmi, Jatamansi

Manda: Dull Prithvi, Aap Create dullness, sluggishness, and lead to slow action. Neutralize excessive acids in the body and help prevent acidity and burning, etc.

Foods: Milk, grains, cheese

Teekshna: Sharp Teja Help to break down food chains and digest foods. Hot and pungent foods have this quality. Their main action is transformation and cleansing (Shodhana).

Foods: Sharp cheese, jalapeño, garlic, chilies, salts Herbs: Chitrak, Pippali, Ginger, black pepper

Sheeta: Cold Aap, Vayu Substances which are cold or create coldness in the body. Generally, sweet, astringent and bitter tastes are cold.

Foods: Cold water, ice-cream, Cucumber, watermelon Herbs: Turmeric, Neem, Chirata, Ashok

Ushna: Hot Teja Increases Agni, helps digest, promotes expansion, perspiration (swedana) and creates anger and irritability. Includes substances with a pungent taste and hot potency or temperature.

Foods: Ginger, chili, spicy food, hot water Herbs: Guggul, Chitrak


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Snigdha: Oily Aap Produce lubrication, moisture (kledana), smoothness, love and compassion.

Foods: Oils, butter, ghee, animal fats Herbs: Castor oil

Ruksha: Dry Vayu Dry itchy skin, dandruff and dry stools are examples of the effects due to dry substances.

Foods: Dry toast, popcorn, dried fruits, millet, barley, bitter melon Herbs: Kirata, Patol, Neem

Shlakshna: Smooth

Aap, Akasha Create smoothness, moisture and lubrication (Ropana).

Foods: Oils, ghee, and aloe gel Herbs: Amalaki, Draksha, Shatavari

Khara: Rough Vayu Helps reduce blockages in the channels. Also causes dryness, cracks and fissures.

Herbs: Guggul, shilajeet, Vacha, Karanja

Sandra: Dense Prithvi Increases viscosity and promotes cohesiveness and solidity (prasadana).

Foods: Butter, ghee, oil, mango, milkshakes, yogurt Herbs: Anant, Bala, Ashvagandha

Drava: Liquid Aap Has a liquefying (vilodana) action. Helps to carry nutrients to different tissues and carries waste products from the tissues.

Foods: Water Herbs: Licorice

Mrudu: Soft Aap, Akasha Causes looseness (Shlathana) and suppleness in the tissues.

Foods: Ghee, butter, oils, yogurt Herbs: Chandana, Amalaki

Kathina: Hard Prithvi Creates strength, rigidity and hardness (drudhikarana). Makes the bodily tissues stable and strong but may cause constipation.

Foods: Cheese Herbs: Khadira

Sthira:Static, Stable

Prithvi Has a strengthening, stabilizing (dharana) and enduring action. Produces support and firmness.

Foods: Meats, grains, Lentils, beans Calcium

Chala: Mobile Aap, Vayu Has a laxative, stimulating (prerana) action. Promotes movement.

Herbs: Triphala, Castor oil


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Sthoola: Gross Prithvi Creates bulkiness. Covers the other tissues (samvarana). Causes obesity and decreases Agni.

Foods: Meat, fatty substances

Sookshma: Subtle Akasha, Vayu, Teja

Can pass through minute channels and break obstructions easily. Can pervade (vivarana) the entire body quickly.

Foods: Alcohol, various illegal drugs Herbs: Neem, kirata, camphor, chitrak

Picchila: Cloudy Prithvi, Aap Has the action of adhering (lepana) or causing cloudiness. Creates sliminess, heaviness and coating.

Foods: Okra, psyllium, black gram, basil seeds, natural gums

Vishada: Clear Teja, Vayu, Akasha

Removes cloudiness (Kshalana), heaviness and creates clarity. For example: Clarity of thought and mind; Clear vision.

Herbs: Neem, Chitrak, Turmeric

THE TWENTY ATTRIBUTES AND THE TRIDOSHAS Attribute V P K Attribute V P K

Heavy Light

Dull Sharp

Cold Hot

Oily Dry

Smooth Rough

Dense Liquid

Soft Hard

Static Mobile

Gross Subtle


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Cloudy Clear

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. What are Tridoshas?

2. What are qualities of Vata?

3. What are Pitta’s actions?

4. What is the bhoutic composition of Kapha?

INDEX Aap, 3, 11, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 28, 29 Abhava, 13 Akash, 3, 11, 15, 16, 20, 28 Akasha, 4, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 28, 29 Asthang Hridaya, 7 Atreya, 6, 7 Ayurveda, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 19, 22 Bhoutic, 4, 16, 17, 18, 22, 24, 25 Chala, 27, 29 Charaka Samhita, 7 Dhanvantari, 6, 7 dharana, 29

Drava, 27, 29

Dravya, 11, 13 drudhikarana, 29 Guna, 13 Guru, 27, 28 Gyana shakti, 10 Karma, 13 Kathina, 27, 29 Kayachikitsa, 7 Khara, 27, 29 Kledana, 28 Kriya Shakti, 10 Kshalana, 29 Laghu, 27, 28


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Lepana, 29 Mahabhutas, 14, 15, 18, 19, 22 Mahat, 10, 14 Manda, 27, 28 Marmas, 7 Mrudu, 29 Nyaya, 9, 13 Picchila, 28, 29 Prakriti, 9, 14, 19 Pramanas, 13 Prasadana, 29 Prerana, 29 Prithvi, 3, 11, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 28, 29 Purusha, 9 Rajas Ahankara, 10 Rajas Guna, 9 Ropana, 28 Ruksha, 27, 28 Samanya, 13 Samavaya, 13 Samhita, 3, 6, 8 samvarana, 29 Sandra, 27, 29 Sattva Guna, 9 Sattvic Ahankara, 10 Shatdarshana, 9 Sheeta, 28 Shlakshna, 28 Shlathana, 29 Shodhana, 23, 25, 26, 28 Snigdha, 27, 28 Sookshma, 29 Sthira, 27, 29 Sthoola, 29 Sushruta, 7 Swedana, 28 Tamas Ahankara, 10, 11 Tamas Guna, 9 Teekshna, 28 Teja, 3, 17, 20, 28, 29 Tridoshas, 3, 4, 22, 30 Ushna, 27, 28 Vaisheshika, 9, 13 Vayu, 3, 4, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 28, 29 vVilodana, 29 Vishada, 28, 29 Vishesha, 13

Vivarana, 29

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