Yoga And Ayurveda (Principles of Ayurveda)

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The Vedanta Kesari, p. 381-385, October 2005, Ramakrishna Mission

Throughout life, there is a ceaseless interaction between the internal and external environment. The external environment comprises the cosmic forces (macrocosmic) while the internal forces (microcosmic) are governed by the principles of vata-pitta-kapha. Ayurveda holds that a balance should be struck between these two movements. It says that one may create balance in the internal forces working in the individual by altering diet and habits of living, to counteract changes in his external
environment.

According to Ayurveda, a clear understanding of the tridosha should take place for healing oneself. Vata is a principle of movement. It is formed from the two elements—ether and air. It governs breathing, blinking of eyelids, movements in the muscles and tissues, pulsations in the heart. It also governs such feelings and emotions as freshness, nervousness, fear, anxiety, pain, tremors and spasms. The large intestine, pelvic cavity, bones, skin, ears and thighs are the seats of vata. If the body develops an excess of vata, it will accumulate in these areas.

Pitta is translated as fire. It governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, meta- bolism, body temperature, skin colouration, the lustre of the eyes and also intelligence and understanding. Psychologically, pitta arouses anger, hate and jealousy. The small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, fat, eyes and skin are the seats of pitta. Pitta is found and formed from the two elements, fire and water.

Kapha is water. It lubricates the joints, provides moisture to the skin; helps to heal wounds. It gives biological strength, vigour and stability, supports memory retention, provides energy to the heart and lungs and maintains immunity. It is present in the chest, throat, head, sinuses, nose, mouth, stomach, joints, cytoplasm, plasma and liquid secretions of the body such as mucus. Psychologically, kapha is responsible for emotions of attachment, greed and envy. The chest is the seat of kapha.
A balance among the three elements, tridosha, is necessary for health. Vata is mobile whereas kapha and pitta are immobile. All the three govern the metabolical activities: anabolism (kapha), catabolism (vata) and metabolism (pitta). If vata is out of balance, catabolism will be disturbed. Excess pitta disturbs metabolism, excess kapha increases the rate of anabolism and excess vata creates emaciation (catabolism).

In childhood kapha elements are predominant, in adulthood pitta elements are most apparent, and in old age vata is most prominent as the body begins to deteriorate. On the mental planes, the three doshas correspond to the three gunas: sattva, rajas and tamas. Sattva expresses essence, understanding, purity, clarity, compassion and love. Rajas implies movement, aggressiveness and extroversion. Tamas manifests in ignorance, inertia, heaviness and dullness.

Individuals of sattva temperament have healthy bodies and are religious; those of rajas temperament are interested in business, prosperity, power, prestige and position. They enjoy wealth and are generally extroverts; those of tamas temperament are lazy, selfish and capable of destroying others. They are irreligious, and their activities are egotistical. These three subtle mental energies are responsible for behavioural patterns and they may be altered or improved through the practice of spiritual disciplines such as yoga. Knowledge in Ayurvedic science, combined with yoga, can assist and guide the individual towards a more balanced mental and physical way of living.