Tridosha is considered as the three-body pillars namely Vata, pitta, and Kapha and this is the basis of Ayurveda. Vata, pitta, and Kapha are considered as a kind of energies, Vata for movement pitta for digestion or metabolism that occur in our body, and Kapha for the lubrication as well as the structural integrity of the body.
A person is presented with a combination of qualities of tridosha with the predominance of one of any dosha.
CONCEPT OF TRIDOSHA IN HUMAN BODY
As per the panchamahabhuta concept [five basic elements of life], Akasa- space, Vayu-air, Agni- fire, Jala-water, and Prithvi- earth are present in the human body.
Vata is derived from space and air
Pitta is derived from fire and water
Kapha is derived from earth and water
It is necessary to understand the samatva [normalcy] of doshas, that without the involvement of doshas no diseases will manifest in the body. Normalcy or an equilibrium state of doshas is responsible for the normal physiological functions and it makes a human being healthy. The proper understanding of doshas is important in the development of diseases; ie disease is the outcome of an imbalanced state of doshas.
FAQ / ARTICLES INCLUDES/ POINTS COVERED
- What is amlapitta?
- How is tridosha related to humanbeing?
- Types of vata dosha
- Vata pacifying diet
- Types of pitta dosha
- Difference between gastritis and acidity
- How to get rid of acidity?
- What is agni according to Ayurveda?
- Types of kapha dosha
- Diseases of kapha dosha
- Which foods help for pacifying the kapha dosha?
- What is cause for gastritis?
- Panchakarma treatment for acidity
- Hyperacidity and amlapitta
CHARACTERISTICS OF VATA DOSHA
Vata dosha is rough, cold, light, subtle, mobile, non-slimy, and coarse in nature. And the medicines having opposite qualities can pacify the increased Vata.
Abnormal vata produces various diseases and afflictions on the body. It affects the strength, complexion along with the happiness and longevity of a person. It afflicts all sense faculties and disturbs the normal functions of the mind.
Intestines are considered as the main seat of vata along with waist, thighs, bones, skin, etc.
TYPES OF VATA DOSHA [PANCHA VATA]
Vata dosha is divided into five subtypes namely Prana, Udana, Vyana, Samana, and Apana vata.
Prana is the vata that moves in the mouth and it is located at the head, throat, chest, nose, tongue, and mouth. Prana vata helps for inspiration and expiration along with sneezing, belching, swallowing of food, and movement of ingested food. It has a very important role in the maintenance of intellect and sense faculties.
Udana vata is the vata moves in the upward direction, mainly located in the chest along with the throat, nose, and umbilicus. It helps for the production of speech and singing. Also nourishes the tissue pores, strength, courage, complexion, and memory.
Vyana vata is located in the heart and it pervaded the whole body. Vyana vata is responsible for numerous actions in the body like locomotory activities, upward and downward and sideward movements, extension, contraction, movements of eyelids, purification of channels, the proliferation of sperms inside the female genital tract and also helps to divide the nutrient and waste product of food.
Samana vata resides near the Agni [digestive fire] it promotes digestion and helps the retainment of food in the alimentary tract. Samana vata helps in the separation of the essence and waste products from food and it assists the downward movement of waste products.
Apana vata is mainly located in the rectum along with the large intestine, colon, umbilicus, testicles, urinary bladder, phallus, groin, thighs, and anus. The Apana vata helps in the downward movements of vata. It carries the elimination of urine, fecal matter, and menstrual fluid and helps for the ejaculation of sperm and parturition of the fetus
WHAT FOODS ARE TO BE EATEN BY A VATA PRAKRITI PERSON?
A person with the nature of vata should take foods that reduce the qualities of vata dosha.
Cooked vegetables, brown rice, eggs, dairy products, ghee, healthy oils, naturally sweet foods, root vegetables, wheat, nuts, and dried fruits can be taken.
Always try to have warm, moist, and nourishing foods and drinks, a lot of water, warm drinks are best.
The person should avoid bitter [cool in nature], pungent [dry and light], and astringent [rough, heavy and cold] taste, cold and dried food items.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PITTA DOSHA
Pitta is unctuous in nature and has the properties of hot, sharp, liquid, sour, pungent, and mobile. Aggravated pitta dosha can be relieved by medicines of opposite qualities.
TYPES OF PITTA DOSHA
Pitta dosha is divided into five
- Pachaka pitta
- Ranjaka pitta
- Sadhaka pitta
- Alochaka pitta
- Bhrajaka pitta
Pachaka pitta resides in amashaya [stomach] and pakvashaya and it is agni mahabhuta predominant that’s why it is devoid of the qualities of liquids. It performs the metabolic activities and digestion, hence it is called agni can be termed as digestive fire and it supports the other pittas to perform their normal functions.
Vitiated pachaka pitta and agni [digestive fire] cause digestive disorders like grahani, agnimandya, ajirna, amlapitta [hyper acidity], etc.
Ranjaka pitta is located in amasaya [stomach] and it imparts red color to rasa.
Sadhaka pitta resides in the heart and helps in achieving goals. Discrimination, pride, intelligence, and enthusiasm all depend on this.
Alochaka pitta locates in the eyes and it helps for the vision.
Bhrajaka pitta seats on the skin and is responsible for the complexion. It helps to absorb and digest the substances used for external applications, water baths etc.
Amlapitta in Ayurveda can be co-related to hyperacidity; and is also known as gastritis or acidity or acid peptic disorder. It is one of the most common diseases affecting all categories of people in society. It refers to the imbalance of the acid-secreting mechanism. The stomach secretes a normal amount of acid required for the digestive process. The excessive production of acid causes gastritis due to inflammation of the mucus lining of the stomach.
CAUSES FOR HYPER ACIDITY
Hyperacidity/gastritis/acidity may occur due to the excessive intake of salty, spicy, sour, pungent, astringent, and oily food items. Excessive consumption of caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and smoking leads to gastritis. Skipping meals and irregular meal times, stress and anxiety, inadequate sleep, etc. are some of the major reasons.
To get rid of this condition it’s better to follow a proper meal time, that discipline may help the condition to a healthy way itself. Include more vegetables and fruits like gooseberry, grapes, and pomegranates to the diet.
Avoid high-fat foods, cream sauces, greasy oily foods, carbonated beverages, and alcohol.
Adequate sleep to be taken and try to practice meditation and yoga.
A person who suffers from hyperacidity may have the symptoms of sour belching, indigestion, throat and chest burn, headache, thirst fatigue, mouth ulcer, bad breathe, loose stools, abdominal pain, and gaseous distention of the abdomen, etc.
PANCHAKARMA TREATMENT FOR GASTRITIS
The panchakarma therapies are meant to flush out the vitiated doshas or toxins.
Vamana is the emesis or therapeutic vomiting. It helps to expel the toxins from the body through the mouth.
virechana is the purgation therapy that expels the toxins through the anal route. And in the case of a chronic condition, asthapanavasthi or medicated enema can be given. Pitta pacifying diet to be taken.
CHARACTERISTICS OF KAPHA DOSHA
Kapha dosha has the qualities of heaviness, softness, coldness, sweetness, and unctuousness and it is immobile and slimy and is reconciled by therapies of having opposite qualities.
TYPES OF KAPHA DOSHA
Types of kapha are five in number [pancha kapha] are;
Avalambaka kapha, kledaka kapha, bodhaka kapha,tarpaka kapha and sleshmaka kapha.
Avalambaka Kapha supports the body and other kaphas to carry out their routine activities. Avalambaka Kapha is located in the chest region and it contributes to the qualities of water. It helps the heart to perform its normal functions by proper nourishment and also helps to perform smooth functions around the arm, neck, and shoulders.
Kledaka Kapha is located in the stomach and it moistens the solid food matter.
Bodhaka Kapha resides on the tongue for the appreciation of taste.
Tarpaka Kapha resides in the head, it is responsible for the nourishment of sense organs.
Sleshmaka Kapha is located in joints to provide lubrication to the joints.
DISEASES OF KAPHA DOSHA
People who have Kapha Prakriti [nature] are prone to develop respiratory diseases like cough, asthma, dyspnoea, etc..due to an increase in Kapha. And may cause obesity, loss of strength, anorexia, drowsiness, laziness, indigestion, expectoration of mucus heaviness and excessive sleep, etc, and also prone to develop diabetes. Increased Kapha obstructing the body channels may lead to heart attack and Deep Vein Thrombosis.
Indigestion is common in Kapha Prakriti persons due to increased Kapha dosha, it mitigates the digestive fire.
KAPHA PACIFYING DIET
A healthy diet is important for a healthy life.
Hot and warm foods and beverages are to be administered.
Spices –which stimulate and balance the Kapha dosha also help the proper functioning of the digestive system.
Bitter, pungent, and astringent tastes can balance the Kapha dosha and sweet, salty, sour tastes to be avoided.
Fruits like pineapple, melons, apple, pomegranate, grapes, berries, mango, and lemons are good for balancing the Kapha.
Honey can be added to foods which helps to scrape fat and toxins from the tissues.
A pinch of turmeric or ginger can be served with hot boiled milk.
Eat as low-fat dairy products and oils as possible, balance the Kapha.
The science of tridosha tells about the Prakriti [nature or constitution] of a person. Understanding our nature may help to lead to greater health. When these doshas are in a balanced state we remain healthy and it also supports and sustains the structural units of life.
