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According to Ayurveda, everything in this universe is made up of
five elements, namely, earth, water, fire, air and ether (space).
These elements combine to form the three doshas, vata, kapha, and
pitta, or metabolic types and are represented in the human body
in different forms. For instance, bones and teeth are earth,
blood and lymph are water, the metabolism is fire, oxygen is air,
and ether is the spaces found between matter, represented best by
vibration or sound.
Each
dosha is formed by the combination of basic five elements, earth,
fire, water, air and ether (space). Vata is a combination of
Ether (space) and Air, Pitta is formed by combination of Fire and
water and Kapha is a combination of Water and Earth. These
various doshas govern different functions and different
attributes in the individual’s body.
Vata
governs movement and neural-electrical impulses. It is
responsible for some of the basic body functions such as the
heartbeat, cell division, movement of food in digestion and the
workings of the nervous system. Vata body areas are the large
intestine, pelvis, bones, skin, ears, and thighs. Vata imbalances
can cause conditions like high blood pressure, constipation,
anxiety and dry skin. People with Vata as dominant dosha are
believed to be quick thinking, thin, and fast.
Pitta
controls transformation, perception,
metabolism, digestive system and hormones and is responsible for
functions like digestion and temperature. Pitta body areas are
the small intestines, stomach, sweat glands, skin, blood, and
eyes. Pitta imbalances can cause ulcers and acne, indigestion,
heartburn and arthritis. People with pitta as their primary dosha
are usually have a fiery personality and oily skin.
Kapha
governs structure and lubrication of the body and is believed to
be responsible for strength, immunity, and growth. Kapha body
areas are the chest, lungs, and spinal fluid. Kapha imbalances
can cause runny nose or productive cough, painful joints,
diabetes, obesity and gallbladder problems. People with kapha as
their dominant dosha are thought to be calm and have a solid body
frame.
All these
doshas are present in every human being but the balance differs.
Usually only one dosha is prominent and determines the
constitution or Prakriti of an individual. Doshas are constantly
being formed and reformed by food, activity, and bodily
processes. The balance of these doshas depends and changes with
lifestyle or diet; mental and physical exertion; weather,
chemicals, or germs etc. Thus a person's chances of developing
certain types of diseases are related to the balance of doshas,
the state of the physical body, and mental or lifestyle factors.
The prakriti is believed to be unchanged over a person's
lifetime.
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