Ayurveda: An Introduction

By Harsha Keister, Ayurvedic Specialist

Ayurveda, or the Indian system of healing, is based upon observation and experience; it is more a science of health than a study of medicine. The system is so old that no one can trace its origin or evolution, but it has historically been based on certain fundamental beliefs. Ayurvedic masters claim that the body consists of five elements: Earth, Spirit, Air (Vata), Acid (Pitta) and Mucus (Kapha). Out of these five, three cardinal humors or elements can go out of balance or become known as doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. As long as these three elements are balanced a person remains healthy. Any or all of the humors can be aggravated or subdued for a variety of reasons, and when this occurs, the ease and poise of the body are lost--often resulting in disease. Since there can be innumerable permutations and combinations of these three humors and the extent of disturbance, there can be an indefinite number of diseases. The curative process is to restore the body’s balance by first changing the condition which caused the disturbance, and then using medicine to increase or decrease the activity of the appropriate dosha. Balance can be restored through lifestyle changes such as diet, yoga, meditation, bodywork and medicine.

Vata is loosely translated as air or wind, and it is manifested in the form of breathing, belching, flatulence, or rumbling in the stomach. This dosha is characterized by the qualities light, cold, dry, rough, subtle and mobile. Like the wind, Vata energy keeps the body active, moving freely around the body’s interior and aiding in breathing and elimination. Vata people tend to be thin with dry skin, have small mouths with large teeth, speak quickly and sleep restlessly. They often have poor short-term memory, are changeable in their beliefs, are anxious or emotionally insecure and can have an unpredictable temper. They tend to eat sparingly, prefer sweet, sour and salty foods, and are rarely thirsty but frequently constipated.

Pitta is related to the elements fire and water. It is manifested in the form of bile, which is yellow, acidic and affects any place there is redness and burning in the body or a rise in temperature. Pitta qualities are light, hot, oily, sharp, sour and pungent. A typical Pitta person is of medium build, has soft skin, light brown or reddish hair, green/gray/yellow eyes, and a medium-sized mouth with small teeth. Pittas sleep lightly but well, are intelligent, intense, often aggressive or jealous, and are easily irritated. They have large appetites for sweet and bitter foods, and usually have regular, soft bowel movements and an unquenchable thirst.

Kapha is associated with the elements water and earth. It is manifested as any watery discharge, a sense of heaviness, stickiness, fatigue and idleness. Kapha qualities are heavy, cool, oily, slow, slimy, dense, soft, static and sweet. Kapha people are usually large-framed (perhaps overweight) with thick, pale, cool, oily skin. They often have large mouths with full lips and big beautiful eyes with dark lashes. They learn and speak slowly, need lots of sleep and tend to ruminate. They have slow digestion and bowel movements, enjoy bitter and pungent flavors, and are loving and emotionally secure.

No matter which dosha(s) one resembles, sometimes we neglect our body’s needs and ignore its warnings. Charaka, a well-known Ayurvedic practitioner, insists that diseases, prolonged illnesses and imbalances are basically due to a person’s poor lifestyle choices and disregard for the rules of good health. Ayurvedic teachers believe that balance is the key to good health. For each dosha, there are foods that are beneficial and foods to avoid, and certain behaviors can aggravate or improve mental and physical well-being. Ayurveda argues that for patients who refuse to correct their behavior, a cure will only be temporary. However, even after following all the rules one can get sick.

Ayurveda divides all disease into three categories; curable, curable with some difficulties, and incurable. However, there are no general categories of health denoted by symptoms alone. Ayurvedics treat individual patients, not symptoms, because many patients may have similar symptoms but their Doshas may be completely different. An Ayurvedic doctor uses empirical methods such as studying the rhythm and strength of the patient’s pulse to determine the cause of disease. Once the disease is identified and mapped through exhaustive case history and evaluation of the symptoms and the pulse, the determination of the proper drugs and a regimen for the patient become comparatively simple. If all three Doshas are involved and the disease has persisted for a long time without medicine or with improper medicine, there is less chance for a successful cure.

Ayurveda does not advocate a dependence upon premade drugs, and most Ayurvedic drugs are herbal. For this reason, each practitioner usually functions as pharmacist as well, preparing the necessary drugs from the roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruit of prescribed herbs. Ayurvedics believe that since herbs and plants are organic material, they will begin to lose potency almost immediately after they are picked or prepared, so they must be used immediately after preparation. But unless there is an emergency, Ayurveda does not support the treatment of an illness at its onset--instead, the symptoms are allowed to manifest fully for a day or two so they can be properly diagnosed. Ayurvedics do not believe in suppressing symptoms, and as a result this method of healing does not advocate pain relievers. Instead, most remedies are slow working and aim for a total cure.

Ayurveda does believe in precaution, and full cooperation from the patient. To be healthy, one should do yoga, eat appropriate foods, get enough rest, meditate, connect with nature and receive Ayurvedic oil massage. Ayurveda is a philosophy that can lead to a healthy and joyful life.

Source: www.communitypharmacy.coop