Principles of Ayurveda: Tridoshas
‘Dosha‘ in Sanskrit means ‘that which maintains and controls the body ‘. The word ‘Tri’ means Three. The Tridoshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The Tridoshas cannot be seen by the naked eye. In this universe particularly in man all the activities are set into three main fundamental functions which are destruction, creation and organization. According to Ayurveda the health is maintained because of the Tridoshas.
- Vata (air ) is liable for movements in the body
- Kapha (water) is liable for immunity and strength
- Pitta (fire ) is liable for metabolism and digestion
Vata :Biological element is formed by the combination of air and space. Destruction is controlled by Vata. Vata is considered the main dosha among the Tridoshas because it controls the functions of the other two doshas. The subdivisions of vara are:
- Prana: Prana means life. The main function of prana is control of all sense organs and respiration.
- Udana: Udana means upward thrust from the naval -diaphragm. Udana assists in the process of memory and speech.
- Vyana : Vyana is liable for blood circulation, and transport of nutrients got from food to the body cells.
- Samana: Samana means balance. The digestive juices from the tissues are brought in to the organs for metabolism and digestion.
- Apana: Apana means energy that is moving downward. Apana is liable for the act of the pelvic organs.
Pitta:Pitta is fire, the thermogenic element. After transformation the Pitta organizes the body. The subdivisions of Pitta are:
- Pachaka: The main site of Pachaka is the stomach. Pachaka assists in digestion
- Ranjaka: The main site of Ranjaka is liver. Ranjaka is liable for tissue or secondary digestion
- Sadhaka: The main site of Sadhaka is heart and brain. It is liable for the maintenance of our cognitive memories and digestion of knowledge.
- Alocchaka: The main site of Alocchaka is in the eye. Alocchaka assists the eye for suitable vision.
- Bharahaka: The main site of Bharahaka is in the skin. Bharahaka is liable for digestion and absorption.
Kapha: Kapha is the combination of water and earth and is liable for maintaining the creation. Its subdivisions are:
- Kledaka: Kledaka is in the stomach. The mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract is protected from the hot irritant fluids of pitta secretions by Kledaka
- Avalambaka: Avalambaka is in the vertebral column, lung apparatus and the heart. Avalambaka protects these organs from the wear and tear.
- Bodhaka: The site of Bodhaka is mouth. The tongue and the mucous membrane are protected by Bodhaka. This gives appropriate taste of the food.
- Tarpaka: The site of Tarpaka is in the spinal cord. It is liable for mental peace
- Shleshaka: Shleshaka is in joints. The wear and tear of the joints is prevented by Shleshaka.