Human body, as complex as it may seem is being studied in piecemeal. What effect does body has, when comes into contact with something external is all a mystery and is being tried to be deciphered with a constant study that researchers or scientists undertake- to know it all. But surely, some knowledge in the form of ancient wisdoms has been bestowed on us and is native to our origin and existence.
As Ayurveda states human body is considered to be composed of five elements viz., Air (vayu), earth (prithvi), fire (tejas/agni), water (jal), ether/space (akash). These all 5 elements play crucial part in determining our body type. The various composition or ratios of these elements in the human body, further are recognized as Doshas, which are three in number- Vata, Pita & Kapha and essentially, leads our body’s mechanism whether be physiological or psychological.
These tridoshas determine the nature of humanbody and if there is harmony or balance among these, one is deemed fit and fine but in case, any interruption occurs in these, one will soon be finding himself/herself ailing with the diseases, which in no likelihood one would have known. Amongst largely known facts of the Ayurveda, it has been commonly said that the constitution of the body that one has obtained at the time of the birth remains the same throughout his/her life. Hence, the Ayurveda emphasizes on creating the balance amongst these doshas, so as no disease can touch the human body and if it does, the balance can be reinstated and that’s what the Ayurvedic Medical Practitioners practice on.
What does Tridoshas stand for?
Tridoshas i.e. three doshas namely- Vatta, Pita and Kapha are present in our body. They variedly represent the compositions of five elements. Vata represents the space and air, which gives energy and is being regarded as the king of doshas. The functions which it governs in our body ranges from the movement of the body and mind to maintaining and regulating the sensory and motor nerve impulses, breathing, removal of wastes, speech, heart pumping, development and delivery of foetus, absorption of nutrients. Nonetheless, Pitta represents fire and water and it rules over our digestion, absorption, secretion of gastric juices, amino acids, maintenance of body temperature, skin conditions, and intellect. Further, Kapha signifies water and earth, which in itself speaks up for everything. Our body is largely made up of water which keeps it calm and contented. It nurtures the cells and organs in the body, ensure lubrication of joints, air passages, builds tissue and protects the physical systems in the body.
These all doshas works well, unless imbalance hits them. Imbalances can occur due to some external changes like weather change, unhealthy eating habits, no physical activity, stress, anxiety, depression etc. Thus, inviting the diseases to home the body.
As per Ayurveda, the tridoshas undergo change or gets uneven, if any of the doshas gets higher than the other or lower than the other in ratio. The things which aggravate the situation are variedly defined. The causes of aggravation of Vata, Pita and kapha lies in the person’s indulgence in the unhealthy eating habits like having too much dry, sour, bitter, pungent, cold or processed foods without due consideration to the weather’s demand or consuming alcohol, usage of drugs, stressful life, hectic schedules, worrying, no physical activities or lack of exercise. These have become common causal effects for the increasing ailments among the masses.
To counter these effects, the need of the hour is to be vigil about the eating habits which must include healthy food intake of vegetables, fruits and good quantity of water. Also, practicing yoga, doing excercise, practicing meditation will work magic to soothe the imbalance in the doshas and above all, consulting ayurvedic medical practitioner will rather help you understand the illnesses and the reasons of their frequent comebacks, owing to certain habits which one must forego for healthy life. For everything, answer lies within us, our body has an amazing power to heal as well as to rejuvenate itself, but all it needs is care from inside and outside. So, be careful of what you eat because there aren’t many lives in one lifetime to be lived.