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In the last article we discussed the basic principles of Ayurveda i.e., Vatha, Pitha and
Kapha.
Now we see their seats or natural location, in the body and their basic attributes:
The seats of Vata, Pitha, Kapha
The Vyapino Api Hribnabyo Radho Madhyordhva Samsrayaha
Asthanga Hridya, Suthra Stana – Chapter 1
Even though the doshas are present in all the cells of the body,
Kapha is situated in the upper region - the supraclaviccular region,
Pitha is situated in the middle region - the stomach, Vata is situated in the region below the navel.
The attributes of the Tri–Dosha
| VATA |
PITHA |
KAPHA |
| dry |
oily |
heavy |
| light |
penetrating |
slow |
| cold |
hot |
cold |
| rough |
light |
oily |
| subtle |
mobile |
slimy |
| mobile |
liquid |
dense |
| clear |
sour smell |
soft |
| dispersing |
|
static |
| Elements of the
Tri–Dosha |
| VATA |
PITHA |
KAPHA |
| Air + Ether |
Fire + Water |
Earth + Water |
| The functions of the
Tri–Dosha |
| VATA |
PITHA |
KAPHA |
| (Air + Space) |
(Fire & Water) |
(Water + Earth) |
| Movement |
Body Heart |
Stability |
| Breathing |
Temperature |
Energy |
| Natural Urges |
Digestion |
Lubrication |
| Transformation of Tissues |
Perception |
Unctuousness |
| Motor Function |
Understanding |
Forgiveness |
| Sensory Functions |
Hunger |
Greed |
| Ungroundedness |
Thirst |
Attachment |
| Secretions |
Intelligence |
Accumulation |
| Excretions |
Anger |
Holding |
| Fear |
Hate |
Possessiveness |
| Emptiness |
Jealousy |
Anxiety |
After Dosha concept now we discuss the Sapta Dathu theory and thrimala and Agni Concept
The Sapta Dathu theory
When the three doshas are in an unbalanced state, they vitiate or destroy the seven body tissues
(Sapta Dathu) and result in malfunction of the three malas (metabolic products).
The 7 body tissues are
Rasa (body fluids)
Rakta (blood)
Mamsa (Muscular tissue)
Meda (adipose tissue)
Asthi (bone)
Majja (nerve tissue / bone marrow)
Shukra (generative tissue)
The tri malas
The malas (waste) products, of the body are also necessary for the maintenance of health because there are many structures of the body like nails, hair, mustache, beard etc., which together with
doshas are nourished by malas. If there is any derangement and imbalance of
malas in the body, health is disturbed and the body becomes diseased. The three
malas are purisha (stool), mutra (urine) and
sweda (sweat).
The concepts of Agni
In Ayurveda, it is believed that diet is the basis of all animates by which the strength, complexion and the
ojas (natural resistance power) is maintained in the body to continue life. In this way,
ahar (diet) is considered the originator and maintainer of life. Whatever ahar (diet) is taken, it must be digested and metabolised to maintain the life of the individual. The function of digestion and metabolism, which is necessary for the maintenance of life, is performed by
Agni (all types of secretions, enzymes and co-enzymes, etc., responsible for digestion and metabolism) present in the body of the individual.
All the three doshas, seven dathus and three malas are basically formed from the anabolism and catabolism of food, for which
Agni is responsible. So, as a whole, the basic principles of balancing the above concepts depend on the power of
Agni which is otherwise called ‘kaya’ – that is why, in Ayurvedam, general medicine is celled
Kayachikitsa because it is a treatment to correct the ‘Agni’ or
‘kaya’ in the body.
Dr C C Sagy
Ph No: 044 – 25735800 / 09884022742
E-mail: Drsagy_cheru@yahoo.com
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What is
Ayurveda -2
