Let’s delve into the world of Ayurveda and its principles. If you are a yoga practitioner, you have probably come across Ayurveda. Both are Indian traditional and holistic sciences. Ayurveda derives from ‘ayur’ (life) and ‘veda’ (science or knowledge) in Sanskrit and means ‘Science of life’. It dates back to the Vedic Era over 5000 years ago in India. And is not only an ancient system of medicine but a way of life for spiritual growth and healing. Also, it is one of the oldest traditional systems of medicine (TSMs) that is still recognised and practiced up until today. And it is India’s primary healthcare system and used by more than 90% of its inhabitants.
It is said that the knowledge of Ayurveda is of divine origin and was passed on orally until it was first recorded in the four sacred texts called the Vedas. Ayurveda is a holistic theory and sees all various aspects of life closely connected to one’s health. Our knowledge and reference of Ayurveda medicine and its principles is mostly based on three classical texts called ‘Brhattrayi’. They consist of the Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Sangraha-Hridaya, written mostly in form of poetry by different Ayurvedic physicians.
Ayurveda is inspired by the natural world and understands that there are five great elements (pancha mahabhutus) that make up the whole world: ether, air, fire, water, earth. Keeping these elements in balance brings health and harmony to one’s own body.
Let us look at these five elements and their qualities. They can only exist thanks to Kala (time), dik (space), manas (mind) and atma (soul). These nine components form the eternal elements, or also called Nitya dravyas.
The Five Elements
Ether – ethereal state of matter
‘Akasha’ in Sanskrit is the first element and the most subtle one. It is the space and emptiness that is filled by the other elements. The origin of ether is shabda, the tanmantra or essence of sound. Shabda is the primordial space where vibration flows before it takes the form of sound in the ear. Ether and shabda are one of the same. Ether is difficult to describe because it is defined by the absence of some qualities. The mind is composed of ether and like ether, it is expansive, without form and difficult to contain. In the body, ether is found in the emptiness of space.
Air – gaseous state of matter
Is ‘vayu’ in Sanskrit and comes second out of the five elements. It evolves from Ether and is the inherent that is the consequence of space that is activated. The origin of air is sparsha, the tanmantra of touch. Skin, which is the receptor of touch, is the organ of action of air. The importance of air is that it is our source of life and breath. It is often associated with prana (life energy). In the body, air is the force that moves the body, blood and joints.
Fire or energy
‘Tejas’ in Sanskrit, Fire is the third element. It consists of elements of the previous two elements, ether and air. Ether gives the space for fire to exist, while air allows it to burn. In the human body, fire is the element that generates energy. The source of fire is the tanmantra of vision, rupa, which means form or color. Vision, perception and light are closely connected to fire. Fire provides the light for vision and perception and the power for transformation.
Water or liquid
Called ‘apa’ in Sanskrit, Water is the fourth element. It contains features of the previous three elements, ether, air and fire. Ether offers the space that allows water to exist, whereas air allows it to move and flow through. Fire is created through the friction of air. As it becomes denser and cools down, it turns into water. Water represents fluidity and cohesion. It is the protector of the body against inflammation and pain. The origin is the tanmantra of taste, rasa. The sense organ of water is the tongue. The qualities of water are cool, flowing, moist, heavy, smooth and soft. There are five different types of water that flow through our bodies that serve to protect, keep moist and smooth. Therefore it is important to keep the bodily waters in balance, primarily through the stomach and digestive system.
Earth or hardness
Called ‘prithvi’ in Sanskrit, it is the last of the five elements and contains characteristics of all the previous four. Earth represents solidity and structure. It gives form to the human body and the universe. The origin of Earth is the tanmantra of smell, gandha. The element Earth enters our body through the food we consume. Foods laden with the Earth element are grains, nuts, meats and legumes. Moderate amounts are present in dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurts and even less in fruits and vegetables.
The Benefits of Ayurveda
According to the Ayurvedic Institute, Ayurveda emphasizes on prevention of disease and maintaining balance and harmony of body, mind and consciousness through a healthy diet, healthy mind and the use of herbs. Ayurveda principles look at the relationship of the macrocosm (the whole universe) and the microcosm (the body). And it has its own system of diet which appeals to many people outside of India on the pathway for a healthier life.
Ayurveda principles use a therapy called ‘Pancha karma’, which means five actions in order to cleanse and detoxify. They are:
- Virechan (purgation through the use of powders, pastes)
- Vaman (forced therapeutic vomiting), Basti (medicated enemas)
- Rakta moksha (blood detoxification)
- Nasya (oils and decoctions that enter through the nasal passage).
Each person has its own mind-body constitution and energy pattern, depending on one’s unique physical, emotional and mental traits. When the five elements or three humours are in imbalance through excessive use, disuse or wrong use, the treatment of Ayurveda consists of food, mental and physical behaviour practices and medicine.
The Three Humours (Doshas)
The five elements form the three basic humours of the human body in different levels of constellations. In modern interpretation, the humours are bio-energy centers or life energies that permeate the human body. The three humours are: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Collectively their name is ‘Tridoshas’ and they govern the basic physiological bodily functions as well as mental and emotional functions. Everyone of us has a dominant dosha or combination of doshas. In Yoga, you can focus on asanas that support different element of humours.
Dosha translates to ‘fault’ or ‘disease’ and we can be interpret it as ‘that which causes disease’. Keeping the doshas in a dynamic balance and equilibrium keeps the body healthy and in that case, we call them Dhatus. If they are in imbalance, they are called doshas and cause disease and illness. Depending on what effect Vatu, Pitta and Kapha have on the body, we either call them doshas or dhatus. Vatu, Pitta and Kapha regulate motion, liquid and heat/energy in all living beings.
Vata is responsible for motion in the body and biological activity.
The role of Pitta is generation of heat in several functions of body, such as digestion, metabolism, absorption as well as vision, ego and intelligence.
Kapha is in charge of lubrication of joints, sense of taste, moistening of food intake and nutrition to the heart, body and mind.
The Mental Doshas
The mind has its own three mental doshas, called Satva, Rajas and Tamas. As well as the physical doshas, each living being has all three doshas in various degrees. Satva is about righteousness, justice and kindness. Rajas is about passion, love, desire and arrogance. And Tamas is sleep, inertia and ignorance. According to Ayurveda principles, the focus on food, behaviour and thoughts will influence the doshas, both mental and physical.
There are several tests online you can do to find out your prakriti, your psycho-somatic constitution to find out your own unique constellation of vata, pitta and kapha. It looks at your body and facial characteristics, behavioural traits, emotional state and lifestyle choices. There are some links below at the end of the article. Most people are two-dosha types. Prakriti means constitution and has different meanings depending on the context, i.e. equilibrium, health, nature and body constitution. For example, if your body type is Vata-Pitta, no dosha is dominant. Vata dominates the physical traits, whereas Pitta controls the mental straits.
For physical appearance and attributes, as well as psychic characteristics, there are different categories in Ayurveda principles: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Vata prakriti:
Combines the elements of air and ether. Usually a weak-poor bodily condition, and linked to Rajas. The physical appearance of a Vata type is a small, irregular face, lean and tall body, small eyes, rough skin and dry hair, cold body temperature, quick in speech, thoughts and walk, fast and irritating voice, quick-witted and sharp mind, tends to extreme happiness or sadness.
Pitta prakriti:
Fire and water element. Medium-moderate body constitution. Satvika. The body type is usually of medium height, hot body temperature, glossy lips and nails, smooth skin with a tendency to acne/pimples, sharp and commanding voice, excessive perspiration, normal walk, powerful digestion, very often hungry and thirsty, violent and angry thoughts.
Kapha prakriti:
Water and Earth elements. Best-strong body constitution. Tamasic. Has usually large face, hefty body weight, short or stocky in height, bright and smooth skin, attractive, large eyes with lush eyebrows, thick and full lips, long hands, plenty and thick body hair, muscular and strong chest and bones, strong body strength, normal body temperature, slow and steady walk, calm emotions, slow in talk and excitability.
Let us look at an example of a Vata-Pitta Prakriti. Being Vata in physical traits means that you are thin in build, quick-witted and quick-moving, friendly and talkative. A Vata-Pitta works well with intelligence, for example in research, philosophy. You might suffer from early fatigue, hypertension and periodic skin infections, headaches, migraines. The qualities of Vata are dry, cool, mobile, subtle whereas the qualities of Pitta are hot, sharp, acidic, oily and intense. A Vata-Pitta should avoid any extremely hot and frozen food, avoid fasting and overeating, avoid too hot or too cold climates, and any extreme conditions. In terms of food, one should limit frozen, deeply fried, greasy, spiced, salty and fast foods, and alcohol at night. It is recommended to eat fresh vegetables and fruit, slow and peaceful environments and light, moderate exercise.
As you can see, an Ayurvedic diet is taken consciously, in moderation with a focus on fresh, warm, simple foods rather than processed, highly salty and toxic food. Depending on your dosha type, you can select foods that will help restore harmony in your body.
Dietary Recommendations
Vata
To balance the cool nature of Vata, you need to add some liquid and oily in your daily diet, such as cooking with a little ghee, or include olive oil in your every day. It is best not to cook with olive oil as not to destroy its healing properties. Cooked, warm foods help pacify the Vata type. These types should avoid raw salads and sprouts. To balance Vata types, use sweet, sour and salty tastes, such as milk, citrus fruits, toasted seeds and nuts.
Avoid astringent, bitter and pungent tastes. Drink a lot of warm water throughout the day. Grains are a good choice to eat every day such as oats, rice, quinoa, seitan and wheat. A good choice of cooked vegetables are carrots, cilantro, cucumber, peas, leek, sweet potatoes, olives, beans. Sweet fruits are best such as apples, apricots, bananas, coconuts, dates, mangoes, sweet oranges, soaked prunes, strawberries. Legumes and lentils should be small, so avoid garbanzos, adzuki, white and green beans, as well as nightshades such as tomatoes, potatoes and eggplants.
Pitta
The Pitta type is liquid in nature, it is best to include some dry and cool foods. We need some ‘heavy’ foods to maintain substance and nourishment, but cooling foods help in balancing the Pitta type. Focus on sweet, bitter and astringent tastes and avoid salty, sour and pungent tastes. Dry cereals, crackers, cereal-granola bars and rice cakes are good to eat throughout the day. Vegetables should be boiled or cooked, such as asparagus, artichoke, broccoli, cabbage, fresh corn, cucumber, olives, peas, sweet potatoes and pumpkin. Almost all varieties of lentils and legumes are good for Pitta.
Kapha
The Kapha type is oily in nature, so avoid food that is too oily and salty. It is good to eat simple green soups with Kapha-balancing vegetables and beans with fresh herbs and spices. Eat grains in moderation, and choose lighter grains such as barley, buckwheat, millet and couscous. Make sure to eat rice and wheat in moderation. Legumes and cruciferous vegetables such as spinach, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, celery all help balance the Kapha type.
We wrote more about the connection between yoga and Ayurveda here.
And to learn more about Ayurveda Yoga, go here.
Sources:
https://www.nhp.gov.in/ayurveda_mty
https://www.ayurveda.com/ayurveda-a-brief-introduction-and-guide/
https://chopra.com/articles/10-rules-for-an-ayurvedic-diet
https://kripalu.org/resources/ayurvedic-doshas
https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/where-ayurveda-come-from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198827/
https://www.ayurvedacollege.com/blog/five-elements-ether-ayurveda/
Praktriti tests online:
http://www.prokerala.com/health/ayurveda/prakriti-analysis/prakriti-test.php
https://www.medindia.net/patients/calculators/ayurveda_find_your_body_type.asp
Shanti Arunkumar, Senior Contributor At L’Aquila Active
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