By Rachael Freeland

Ayurveda, or the ‘wisdom of life’ (ayus=life and veda=wisdom or science (www.holisticonline.com/ayurveda/ayv-basis.htm, 2004)) is applicable to every living thing. Ayurveda, like yoga arises from a foundation built on the ancient Samkhya system. This system sets forth the view there are two ultimate universal principles of spirit and matter, Purusha and Prakriti – which is otherwise known as the ‘consciousness principle’. Purusha is the ‘pure consciousness’, the ultimate source of life, awareness and feeling. Prakriti is nature, or the principle of manifestation in time and space. It is from the union of Purusha and Prakriti that the entire universe evolved (Frawley, Ranade and Lele, 2003). Thus our bodies and the environment have both similar and dissimilar qualities. Our interactions with our environment then will certainly affect the qualities within our bodies. The ultimate goal of Ayurveda is to maintain and restore balance to these qualities (Mohan and Mohan, 2004), so that we may connect with our higher self or Purusha. “We cannot ignore the body to find the spirit. Rather the body is our vehicle for realizing the spirit” (Frawley, Ranade and Lele, 2003).

According to Ayurveda, there are 5 elements that comprise all matter in the universe, including the human body – space (akasha), air (vayu), fire (agni), water (apu) and earth (prithvi) (Overview of the Doshas, 2007). A matter’s natures, or the activities occurring within and around us, however, are coordinated by a combination of 3 biological humours or Doshas (Ayurveda, 2007), Vata, Pitta and Kapha, each of which is mainly a combination of two of the aforementioned elements. Vata comprises mainly space and air, Pitta consists of mainly fire and water and Kapha is a combination of water and earth. For good health and wellbeing to exist, each of these doshas within us needs to be in balance. (Overview of the Doshas, 2007).

Every individual is different, having different likes and dislikes. This is because the doshas are not inherited in equal amounts. Every person has a unique constitution, their own combination of the three doshas with which they are born. This is known as Prakruti. However, individuals do not exist in isolation and their environment, combined with the lifestyle choices they make (eg. Food, rest, pollution, stress, relationships) can cause the levels of one or more of the doshas in a person’s prakruti to either increase or decrease(Overview of the Doshas, 2007). These deviations or imbalances create a person’s Vikruti, which can be defined as “where the person is now” (http://www.gandharv.com/ayurveda-views, 2007). If an individual sustains these imbalances for long, then illness and dis-ease are never far away.

Before exploring how these imbalances show up, it is important to look a little more closely at each of the Doshas:

Vata is moving, quick, light, cold, rough, dry and is the essence of touch. It governs all movement in the mind and body. It orchestrates blood flow and the elimination of wastes, governs breathing, as well as the movement of thoughts across the mind (Brophy’s dosha handout, 2005). Individuals with more Vata in their constitutions tend to have a slender frame, prominent joints, delicate skin that tends towards dryness, are light sleepers and prefer warm environments and warming foods. These people tend to be quite changeable, and are quick and lively in their thoughts, speech and actions (Overview of Doshas, 2007).

Pitta is hot, sharp, light, acidic, slightly oily and is the essence of sight. It regulates heat, metabolism and transformation in the mind and body. It controls how we digest food, how we metabolise our sensory perceptions and our discriminatory faculties (Brophy’s dosha handout, 2005). Individuals with more Pitta in their constitutions tend to be of medium build, with fine hair, and warm skin that is fair and often sensitive. They often prefer cooler environments and foods. There is an element of purpose and determination to their thought, speech and action. And these individuals are often ambitious and confident (Overview of Doshas, 2007).

Kapha is heavy, oily, slow, cold, steady, solid and is the essence of taste and of smell. It oversees all structure and lubrication of the mind and body. It controls weight, growth, lubrication for the joints and lungs, and formation of each of the types of tissues. (Brophy’s dosha handout, 2005). Individuals with more Kapha in their constitutions tend to have a larger frame, padded joints, thick smooth skin and thick wavy hair. They tend to be long, heavy sleepers and are uncomfortable in damp, humid environments. These individuals tend to be quite steady and calm in their thoughts, speech and actions. They are often easy-going, supportive and loyal (Overview of Doshas, 2007).

When the qualities of these doshas become extreme, or more pronounced than usual, it is likely that there is an imbalance. But what might this imbalance look like?

Vata imbalances can present in a few or many of the following ways:-
∗ cold hands and feet or poor circulation,
∗ dry or flaking skin (which can worsen into condition like psoriasis),
∗ insomnia,
∗ headaches,
∗ weakened immune system
∗ dry throat and chapped lips
∗ irregular appetite and poor digestion (which can evolve into a myriad of digestive disorders including Irritable Bowel Syndrome),
∗ tiredness,
∗ boredom,
∗ an inability to slow down or feel relaxed
∗ overexertion (which can lead to fatigue and adrenal regulation issues)
∗ feeling overwhelmed
∗ inability to quieten the mind, racing thoughts, anxiousness and worry (which may lead to anxiety and/or depression, and an overloaded adrenal system)

Pitta imbalances may present in some or all of the following:-
∗ skin rashes or sensitivity (including eczema, pimples, heat rashes)
∗ feeling hot (hot sweats, hot flushes)
∗ thirsty all the time
∗ thinning hair
∗ sharp appetite and unable to miss meals
∗ excess stomach acid or heartburn
∗ diarrhoea
∗ awaking early and unable to go back to sleep
∗ feeling irritable, impatient, frustrated, angry or intense
∗ feeling less tolerant of others or difficult situations
∗ a tendency to be demanding and critical of self and others
∗ perfectionism
∗ competitive
∗ obsessed by work and unable to take a break

Signs of Kapha imbalances:-
∗ feeling tired or lethargic and sleeping for long periods - yet still feeling unrefreshed
∗ having difficulty grasping new information
∗ oily skin and breakouts
∗ oily hair
∗ joints feeling stiff and heavy, arthritis
∗ mucus and congestion in the chest, throat, nose or sinuses
∗ hayfever
∗ bloating or fluid retention
∗ eating when you’re not hungry and gaining weight easily
∗ slow digestion
∗ nausea
∗ diabetes
∗ high cholesterol
∗ feeling withdrawn
∗ feeling unmotivated
∗ having trouble dealing with change

Following a Dosha balancing diet and lifestyle will help restore the level of the imbalanced dosha, bringing the individual back into a state of homeostasis or balance. Ayurveda operates from a holistic perspective, taking into account the whole of an individual’s life. When we are unhappy or imbalanced in one area of our life, it will affect everything else, including our bodies. Ayurveda reminds us that we need to restore balance so that we may connect more fully with our higher selves, with Purusha.

Please Note: If you would like to find out more about your vikruti there are several questionnaires you can complete online, but to find out more about your prakruti consult with an accredited Ayurvedic Practitioner.

Bibliography

D. Frawley, S. Ranade and A. Lele. Ayurveda and Marma Therapy. Energy Points in Yogic Healing. Lotus Press, Twin Lakes. 2003.

A.G. Mohan and I. Mohan. Yoga Therapy: A guide to the therapeutic use of yoga and ayurveda for health and fitness. Shambhala, London. 2004.

http://www.gandharv.com/ayurveda-views, 2007

http://www.holisticonline.com/ayurveda/ayv-basis.htm. 2004.

Ayurveda, class notes 2007

Brophy’s Dosha handout. Brophy’s Body & Mind, Windsor, 2005.

Overview of the Doshas, classnotes 2007