The word Ayurveda derived from AYU and VEDA. AYU means life ,VEDA means science or knowledge. Ayurveda means the science of life. Ayurveda embraces all living things, human and Non-human. Ayurveda is not only a system of medicine but also a way of life for complete positive health and spiritual attainments. The components of Ayurveda are called Vata, Kapha and Pitta respectively. Living body is composed of Panchamahabhuta i.e., the five basic elements like universe and they are explained in terms of Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala.
The Doshas
Life is the union of body, sense organs, mind and soul. The dosha are vata, pitta, kapha. The seven Dhatus are Rasa (chyle or nutrient fluid), Rakta (blood), Mansa (muscle tissue), Medas (fats), Asthi (bone, connective tissue), Majja (bone marrow) and Shukra (reproductive elements or the vital substance). The three main Malas or excretions are purisha (faeces), mutra (urine) and sweda (sweat). The doshas when exist in dynamic equilibrium help to maintain the human body in a healthy condition. Then they are called Dhatus. Any disturbance in this equilibrium causes malfunction and results in disease. In that event they are called Doshas. Thus Vata, Pitta, Kapha, are alternatively called Dhatu or Dosha depending on the effect they have on the functioning of the body.
Vata: .which has motion. Vata initiates and promotes biological activity responsible for all the movements of the body.
Pitta: Responsible for generation of heat and all actions relating with digestion, absorption, metabolism, pigmentation of skin, vision, intelligence and ego.
Kapha or Sleshma: Responsible for moistening of ingested food, nutrition to the heart, mind and body tissues, perception of taste and lubrication of joints.
Vata, Pitta, Kapha
Vata,Pitta and Kapha are further classified into five types depending on their situation and normal physiological conditions.
Just as the body is governed by the three doshas, the mind is also governed by three attributes – Guna, mental Doshas. They are called Satva, Rajas and Tamas. Satva is responsible for righteous and kind thoughts and feelings. Rajas is for arrogance, desire, love and passion. Tamas is for sleep, stupor and ignorance.
