I remember this mantra repeated endlessly as a student in undergrad school. “What’s your major and sign”? was the can opener to meet girls!
Now as the knowledge of Ayurvedic medicine is blossoming world wide we’re also seeing “ What’s your dosha?
The Tridosha system is a central tenant of the world’s oldest recorded health and healing system, Ayurveda. Tri means three and dosha is basically translated as the mind/body type. So the three mind/body types are synthesized from the five elements, either ( or space) air, fire, water, and earth. ALL creation is composed of the these five elements ( in some proportion) and virtually all indigenous cultures recognize them. ( or at least air, fire, water and earth)
Once one’s dosha has been determined, various diet, life style, and healing measures can be brought to bear. However there is a note of important caution here. The fire-water dosha, Pitta, as are the other doshas, Vata (air, either) and Kapha (water, earth) are often out of balance. For example, for the most part, each dosha tends to swing out of balance within its own element. For example, Pitta tends to accumulate more pitta. (fire) However Pitta (as well as the other doshas) may accumulate water (Kapha) or Air (Vata). So, when I take the pulses and survey the patient, I look for imbalances, not just the main dosha (set at conception). This then is called Vakriti (or imbalance) Prakriti is the the main dosha which, again is determined at conception.
Fire (Pitta ) imbalances include inflammation and heat. That is a long list as many disorders are inflammation related! Vata dosha (air) maintains the nervous system and bowel. So the many nervous disorders and bowel disturbances can be excess Vata. Kapha (water) imbalances include weight gain and lethargy.
So how does the Ayurvedic practitioner help the patient restore balance and harmony? This question will be addressed in the next article.
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