Dharmayu

FUNCTIONS OF DOSHA

(Ref: Ashtanga Hridaya)

DOSHAFUNCTIONS
VataMovements
PittaDigestion and assimilation
KaphaStructure and Integrity

Vata is responsible for all the movements in the body such as Expiration, Inspiration, Motor activities of the body, regulation of natural urges, regulation of function of sense organs and regulation of proper nourishment and function of tissues.

Pitta is responsible for heat, metabolism, transformation in body and mind. It is concerned with digestion, metabolic processes, vision, hunger, thirst, taste, provides lustre, memory and intellect.

Kapha is the source of strength and it provides stability and is responsible for growth, development and binding various structures in the body. 

BASIC PRINCIPLE OF AYURVEDA

Ayurveda is a holistic science that is based on principles for health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. One of the basic concepts that is peculiar to Ayurveda is the Panchamahabhuta principle. It states that ‘Every matter of this entire existence is made of Pancha-mahabhuta.’ 

S. no.PANCHA-MAHABHUTA (The Five Elements)MEANS OF PERCEPTION
1.AAKASHA (ETHER)Sound
2.VAYU (AIR)Sound + Touch
3.AGNI (FIRE)Sound + Touch + Vision
4.JAL (WATER)Sound + Touch + Vision + Taste
5.PRITHVI (EARTH)Sound + Touch + Vision + Taste + Smell

These 5 elements represent themselves in the form of Dosha. Thus, the equilibrium of these five elements in the body symbolizes health while their imbalance or disturbance represents disease. The concept of Panchamahabhuta (Five elements) is the foundation of Ayurveda to understand its physiology, pathology & pharmacokinetics. It can be utilized to diagnose & treat diseases.