Theory
of Ayurveda
ABSTRACT
Dr Chakra Pany Sharma
Reader-PG
MMM
Udaipur-313001
Abbreviations:
Ayurvedavatarana : the "descent of Ayurveda,
Pancha Mahabhuta
: Five great elements, Tridosha: Three bodily
humors, Sapta-Dhatu : Seven Body Tissues, Srotas: bodily channels, Prakruti
: Body temperament, Vikruti: Pathology
or Pathogenesis.
Ayurveda (Devanagari: आयुर्वेद
) or Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient
system of health care that is native to the Indian subcontinent which is concerned with measures to protect "ayus", which includes healthy living along with
therapeutic measures that relate to physical, mental, social and spiritual
harmony. According to the Ayurvedavatarana (the
"descent of Ayurveda"), the origin of Ayurveda is stated to be a divine revelation of the ancient
Indian creator God Lord Brahma as he awoke to recreate the universe.
Ayurveda is based on the following theories: 1. Pancha Mahabhuta Theory 2. Tri-dosha theory 3. Sapta-dhatu
theory .
The Pancha Mahabhuta,
or "five great elements", of Ayurveda are Prithvi or Bhumi
(Earth), Ap or Jala (Water), Agni
or Tejas (Fire), Vayu
or Pavan (Air or Wind), and Akasha (Aether). These are
symbols for representing Solidity (Prithvi),
Liquidity (Jala), Gas (Vayu),
Energy (Agni) and Space (Aakasha)
in universe, as well as in every creature of universe. Hence, Ayurveda advocates : Yat
Pinde, Tat Bramhande –
means: Whatever is available in the universe the same is in each unit of
universe, and human is a part and parcel of the universe, so it is also made of
from “Panchamahabhoota”.
The central
concept of Ayurvedic medicine is the theory that
health exists when there is a balance between three fundamental bodily humours or doshas called Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
§
Vata is the air principle necessary to
mobilize the function of the nervous system
§
Pitta is the fire principle which uses bile to
direct digestion and hence metabolism into the venous system.
§
Kapha is the water principle which relates to
mucous, lubrication and the carrier of nutrients into the arterial system
Every person
(and thing) contains all three doshas. However, the
proportion varies according to the individual and usually one or two doshas predominate. Within each person the doshas are continually interacting with one another and
with the doshas in all of nature. This
explains why people can have much in common but also have an endless
variety of individual differences in the way they behave and respond to their
environment.
Further ayurveda considers about the Sapta-Dhatu
(Seven Body Tissues). Moreover considers for Srotas
or Body- Channels. Regarding the Concept of Prakruti
and Vikruti , Ayurveda refers that the basic
constitution is determined at the time of conception. This constitution is
called Prakruti and any kind of imbalance to this Prakruti is the Vikruti.
The theoretical
side of Ayurveda provides insights into how to live
one's life in harmony with nature and natural laws and rhythms. Its practical
side - specifically its guidelines for an intelligently regulated diet and
daily routine, its techniques for stress management, and its exercises for
increased fitness and alertness-help us take control of our lives and develop
radiant health.
*****