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Ayurvedic Medicine
Overview of the three doshas
Constitution refers to fundamental characteristics of the person. As
suggested, three qualities called doshas form important characteristics
of the constitution. The doshas control the activities of the body.
The vata dosha is thought to be a combination of the elements
space and air. It is considered the most powerful dosha because
it controls very basic body processes such as cell division, the heart,
breathing, and the mind. Vata can be thrown out of balance by,
for example, staying up late at night, eating dry fruit, or eating
before the previous meal is digested. People with vata as their
main dosha are thought to be especially susceptible to skin,
neurological, and mental diseases.
The pitta dosha represents the elements fire and water.
Pitta is said to control hormones and the digestive system. When
pitta is out of balance, a person may experience negative emotions
(such as hostility and jealousy) and have physical symptoms (such as
heartburn within 2 or 3 hours of eating). Pitta is upset by, for
example, eating spicy or sour food; being angry, tired, or fearful; or
spending too much time in the sun. People with a predominantly pitta
constitution are thought to be susceptible to heart disease and
arthritis.
The kapha dosha combines the elements water and earth.
Kapha is thought to help keep up strength and immunity and to
control growth. An imbalance in the kapha dosha may cause nausea
immediately after eating. Kapha is aggravated by, for example,
sleeping during the daytime, eating too many sweet foods, eating after
one is full, and eating and drinking foods and beverages with too much
salt and water (especially in the springtime). Those with a predominant kapha dosha are thought to be vulnerable to diabetes, gallbladder
problems, stomach ulcers, and respiratory illnesses such as asthma.
Ayurvedic
Practitioners
Ayurvedic practitioners seek to determine the primary dosha and the
balance of doshas through questions that allow them to become very
familiar with the patient. Not all questions have to do with particular
symptoms. The practitioner will:
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Ask about diet, behavior, lifestyle practices, and the reasons for
the most recent illness and symptoms the patient had
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Carefully observe such physical characteristics as teeth, skin,
eyes, and weight
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Take a person's pulse, because each dosha is thought to make
a particular kind of pulse
In addition to questioning, Ayurvedic practitioners use observation,
touch, therapies, and advising. During an examination, the practitioner
checks the patient's urine, stool, tongue, bodily sounds, eyes, skin, and
overall appearance. He will also consider the person's digestion, diet,
personal habits, and resilience (ability to recover quickly from illness
or setbacks).
Practitioners expect their patients to be active participants in their
treatment, because many Ayurvedic treatments require changes in diet,
lifestyle, and habits. In general, treatments use several approaches,
often more than one at a time. The goals of treatment are to:
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Eliminate impurities. A process called panchakarma is
intended to be cleansing; it focuses on the digestive tract and the
respiratory system. For the digestive tract, cleansing may be done
through enemas, fasting, or special diets. Some patients receive
medicated oils through a nasal spray or inhaler. This part of treatment
is believed to eliminate worms or other agents thought to cause disease.
Reduce symptoms. The practitioner may suggest various
options, including yoga exercises, stretching, breathing exercises,
meditation, and lying in the sun. The patient may take herbs (usually
several), often with honey, with the intent to improve digestion, reduce
fever, and treat diarrhea. Sometimes foods such as lentil beans or
special diets are also prescribed. Very small amounts of metal and
mineral preparations also may be given, such as gold or iron. Careful
control of these materials is intended to protect the patient from harm.
Reduce worry and increase harmony in the patient's life.
The patient may be advised to seek nurturing and peacefulness through
yoga, meditation, exercise, or other techniques.
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Help eliminate both physical and psychological problems.
Vital points therapy and/or massage may be used to reduce pain, lessen
fatigue, or improve circulation. Ayurveda proposes that there are 107
"vital points" in the body where life energy is stored, and that these
points may be massaged to improve health. Other types of Ayurvedic
massage use medicinal oils.
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