Dharmayu

Pancha-Mahabhuta And Tridosha

The 5 Principal elements (Pancha-Mahabhuta) that flow in nature and through every cell in our bodies together in different combinations form the 3 constitutional principles known as Doshas.

Doshas are the functional units of the body. They are 3 in number- Vata, Piitta and Kapha. 

They are responsible for formation, maintenance and protection of the body. 

When in equilibrium they provide health and when out of balance they are responsible for disease, ageing and death. Tridoshas form the fundamental principle for treatment in Ayurveda.

DOSHAS PANCHAMAHABHUTA
VataEther & Air
PittaFire
KaphaWater & Earth

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.