History of Ayurveda

a heritage of healing The Origins The word veda means knowledge.The evolution of the Indian art of healing and living a healthy life comes from the four Vedas namely : Rig veda !ama veda "a#ur veda and $tharva veda .$yurveda attained a state of reverence and is classified as one of the %&a' Vedas ' a su(section ' attached to the $tharva Veda. The $tharva Veda contains not only the magic s&ells and the occult sciences (ut also the $yurveda that deals with the diseases in#uries fertility sanity and health. $yurveda incor&orates all forms of lifestyle in thera&y. Thus yoga aroma meditation gems amulets her(s diet astrology color and surgery etc. are used in a com&rehensive manner in treating &atients. Treating im&ortant and sensitive s&ots on the (ody called )armas is descri(ed in $yurveda . )assages e*ercises and yoga are recommended. History The knowledge we have now is (y three surviving te*ts of Charaka, Sushruta and Vaghbata. +haraka ,-st century $.../ wrote Charaka Samhita ,samhita' meaning collection of verses written in !anskrit/. !ushruta ,0th century $.../ wrote his !amhita i.e Sushruta Samhita. Vagh(ata ,1th century $.../ com&iled the third set of ma#or te*ts called Ashtanga Hridaya and Ashtanga Sangraha. +harakas !chool of 2hysicians and !ushrutas !chool of !urgeons (ecame the (asis of $yurveda and hel&ed organi3e and systematically classify into (ranches of medicine and surgery. !i*teen ma#or su&&lements ,4ighantus/ were written in the ensuing years .hanvantari 5ahava&rakasha Ra#a and !haligrama to name a few that hel&ed refine the &ractice of $yurveda. 4ew drugs were added and ineffective ones were discarded. 6*&ansion of a&&lication identification of new illnesses and finding su(stitute treatments seemed to have (een an evolving &rocess. +lose to 7888 &lants that were used in healing diseases and a(ating sym&toms were identified in these su&&lements. .ridha(ala in the 0th century revised the +haraka !amhita. The te*ts of !ushruta !amhita were revised and su&&lemented (y 4agar#una in the 9th century. There develo&ed eight (ranches:divisions of $yurveda: -. ;aya'chikitsa ,Internal )edicine/

7. <. 0. 1. 9. =. >.

!halakya Tantra ,surgery and treatment of head and neck O&hthalmology and ear !halya Tantra ,!urgery/ $gada Tantra ,To*icology/ 5huta Vidya ,2sychiatry/ ;aumara (hritya ,2ediatrics/ Rasayana ,science of re#uvenation or anti'ageing/ Va#ikarana ,the science of fertility and a&hrodisiac/

nose throat/

)any modern medications were derived from &lants alluded to in $yurveda te*ts. The oft'cited e*am&le is that of Rauwolfia ser&entina that was used to treat headache an*iety and snake(ite. Its derivative is used in treating (lood &ressure today. Two areas of contri(ution of Indian &hysicians were in treating snake(ite and &revention of small &o*. .etailed account of ste&s to (e followed after a &oisonous snake (ite including a&&lication of tourni?uet and lancing the site (y connecting the two fang marks and sucking the &oison out is descri(ed. $ decoction of the medicinal &lant Rauwolfia ser&entina is ne*t a&&lied to the wound. $ form of vaccination for small &o* was commonly &racticed in India long (efore the @est discovered the method. $ small dose of &us from the &ustule of small &o* lesion was inoculated to develo& resistance. Charaka Samhita +haraka was said to have (een in the court of the ;ushana king ;anishka during the -st century $. .. !ome authors date him as far (ack as the 9th century 5.+. during 5uddha &eriod. The sacred trust (etween &hysician and &atient was held in high esteem (y +haraka and &atient confidentiality similar to the Ai&&ocratic Oath was deemed the &ro&er conduct for a &racticing &hysician. +haraka also told us that the word $yurveda was derived from $yus meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge. 4evertheless according to +haraka the word $yus denotes more than #ust life. $yus denotes a com(ination of the (ody sense organs mind and soul. The &rinci&les of treatment in +harakas teachings took a holistic a&&roach that treated not #ust the sym&toms of the disease (ut the (ody mind and soul as single entity. +om&iled (y +haraka in the form of discussions and sym&osiums held (y many scholars +haraka !amhita is the most ancient and authoritative te*t that has survived. @ritten in !anskrit in verse form it has >088 metrical verses. The !amhita deals mainly with the diagnosis and treatment of disease &rocess through internal and e*ternal a&&lication of medicine. +alled ;aya'chikitsa ,internal medicine/ it aims at treating (oth the (ody and the s&irit and to strike a (alance (etween the two. Bollowing diagnosis a series of methods to &urify (oth the (ody and s&irit with &urgation and deto*ification (loodletting and emesis as

well as enema ,known as 2ancha'karma/ are utili3ed. The em&hasis seems to (e to tackle diseases in the early &hase or in a &reventative manner (efore the first sym&toms a&&ear. $yurvedic diagnosis and treatment is traditionally divided into eight (ranches ,sthanas/ (ased on the a&&roach of a &hysician towards a disease &rocess. +haraka descri(ed them thus: -. !utra'sthana ' general&rinci&les 7. 4idana'sthana ' &athology <. Vimana'sthan' diagnostics 0. !harira'sthana ' &hysiology and anatomy 1. Indriya'sthana ' &rognosis 9. +hikitsa'sthana ' thera&eutics =. ;al&a'sthana ' &harmaceutics >. !iddhi'sthana ' successful treatment. .etailed accounts of various methods of diagnosis study of various stages of sym&toms and the com&rehensive management and treatment of de(ilitating diseases like dia(etes mellitus tu(erculosis asthma and arthritic conditions are to (e found in the +haraka !amhita. There is even a detailed account of fetal develo&ment in the mothers wom( which can rival descri&tions of modern medical te*t(ooks. +haraka also wrote details a(out (uilding a hos&ital. $ good hos&ital should (e located in a (ree3y s&ot free of smoke and o(#ectiona(le smells and noises. 6ven the e?ui&ment needed including the (rooms and (rushes are detailed. The &ersonnel should (e clean and well (ehaved. .etails a(out the rooms cooking area and the &rivies are given. +onversation recitations and entertainment of the &atient were encouraged and said to aid in healing the ailing &atient. SushrutaSamhita !ushruta was a surgeon in the Cu&ta courts in the 0th century $... Though Indian classics is full of accounts of healing through trans&lantation of head and lim(s as well as eye (alls !ushruta !amhita is the first authentic te*t to descri(e methodology of &lastic surgery cosmetic and &rosthetic surgery +esarean section and setting of com&ound fractures. !ushruta had in his &ossession an armamentarium of -71 surgical instruments made of stone metal and wood. Borce&s scal&els trocars catheters syringes saws needles and scissors were all availa(le to the surgeon. Rhino&lasty ,&lastic surgery of the nose/ was first &resented to the world medical community (y !ushruta in his !amhita where a detailed method of trans&osition of a forehead fla& to reconstruct a severed nose is given. !evered noses were common form of &unishment. Torn ear lo(es also were common due to heavy #ewelry worn on ear lo(es. !ushruta descri(ed a method of re&air of the torn ear lo(es. Bitting of &rosthetics for severed lim(s were also commonly &erformed feats.

!ushruta wrote DOnly the union of medicine and surgery constitutes the com&lete doctor. The doctor who lacks knowledge of one of these (ranches is like a (ird with only one wing.E @hile +haraka concentrated on the kaya'chikitsa ,internal medicine/. !ushrutas work mainly e*&ounded on the !halya Tantra ,surgery/. The !amhita contains mostly &oetry verses (ut also has some details in &rose. =7 different o&hthalmic diseases and their treatment are mentioned in great detail. 2terygium glaucoma and treatment of con#unctivitis were well known to !ushruta. Removal of cataract (y a method called couching wherein the o&a?ue lens is &ushed to a side to im&rove vision was &racticed routinely. Techni?ues of suturing and many varieties of (andaging &uncturing and &ro(ing drainage and e*traction are detailed in the manuscri&t. Ashtanga Hridaya Vagh(ata in the 1th century com&iled two sets of te*ts called $shtanga !angraha and $shtanga Aridaya. It details the ;aya'chikitsa of +haraka !amhita and the various surgical &rocedures of !ushruta !amhita. The em&hasis seems to (e more on the &hysiological rather than the s&iritual as&ects of the disease &rocesses. $shtanga !angraha is written in &rose whereas the $shtanga Aridaya is in &oetry for recitation of the Verses. The Ancient ayurvedic Physician Originally only 5rahmins , a certain caste / were &racticing &hysicians. Fater &eo&le from other castes (ecame well versed in the art of healing and a term Vaidya came to (e a&&lied to the &ractitioners. )erely (y their art and knowledge the &hysicians gained high social status regardless of their caste of (irth. The court &hysician was of &olitical im&ortance and sat on the right side of the throne an im&ortant sym(olic &lace. Though the &hysician &atient the nurse and the medicine were all im&ortant in curing a disease the &hysician was thought to (e the most im&ortant. The codes of conduct for &hysicians and medical students were laid down (y the te*ts. The &oor and downtrodden were to (e treated free of charge. Others were charged according to their a(ility to &ay. The &hysician was e*&ected to (ehave in an e*em&lary manner conforming to the highest ideals of &rofessional and &ersonal life. Ais dress manner and s&eech were e*&ected to (e (eyond re&roach. )edical education was arduous consisting of many years of sacrifice learning the art of healing. Visiting the sick collecting her(s and &re&aration of drugs memori3ing the Vedic te*ts of $yurveda &erforming &rocedures on dead animals melons and leather (ottles and (ladders were &art of the training. These e*ercises hel&ed refine (oth theoretical and &ractical training of the student. @hen finally the student is deemed ready to &ractice on his own he was certified (y the ruler.

Recent History 5efore $yurveda (egan its recent renewal in the @est it went through a &eriod of decline in India when @estern medical education (ecame dominant during the era of 5ritish rule. $yurveda (ecame a second'class o&tion used &rimarily (y traditional s&iritual &ractitioners and the &oor. $fter India gained its inde&endence in -G0= $yurveda gained ground and new schools (egan to (e esta(lished. Today more than five hundred $yurvedic com&anies and hos&itals have o&ened in the last ten years and several hundred schools have (een esta(lished. $lthough $yurveda remains a secondary system of health care in India the trend toward com&lementary care is emerging and @estern and $yurvedic &hysicians often work side (y side. Interest in $yurveda in the @est (egan in the mid -G=8Hs as $yurvedic teachers from India (egan visiting the %nited !tates and 6uro&e. 5y sharing their knowledge they have ins&ired a vast movement toward (ody'mind's&irit medicine. Today $yurvedic colleges are o&ening throughout 6uro&e $ustralia and the %nited !tates.

OUR COSM C !"# $$ $# TR #U$A Three &rimordial forces or &rinci&les ,C%4$!/ namely !attva Ra#as I Tamas interweaving to create the five elements ' s&ace air fire water and earth (irth the entire creation. The &rinci&le of stillness tamas, re&lenishes the universe and its (eings and is the main &rinci&le of su&&ort within the &hysical universe. The &rinci&le of self'organi3ing activity rajas, gives motility and co'ordination to the universe and human life. The 2rinci&al of harmonic and cosmic intelligence sattva, maintains universal and individual stasis and awareness. These three cosmic &rinci&les called gunas, o&erating through the five elements they have created directly interface with human e*istence. On the &hysical &lane tamas works closely with the &hysical functions of the (ody summari3ed as (odily humors called doshas tissues and wastes. Tamas is said to e*ercise the greatest influence on the (odys water as&ect or Kapha dosha(humour)* human and gives the (ody its a(ility to cogitate and to endure long &eriods of gestation. Ra#as influences the &sychic &lane of e*istence and works closely with the &sychological functions of the (ody. On the &hysical level ra#as is said to e*ercise the most influence on the (odys air as&ect Vata Dosha (humour)*. It gives us our &ower to transform what is (eing &erceived e*ternally into thoughts conce&ts visions and dreams.

Referred to as the universes cosmic intelligence the third &rinci&le sattva &ermeates each and every minute cell of our (eing. It functions through our e*istential states of awareness although it also influences the &hysical organism to some e*tent. @ithin the &hysical (ody sattva is said to e*ercise the most influence on its fire as&ect itta dosha (humour)*. +losely linked to the universal su(tle fire te#as the sattva &rinci&le maintains the cosmic memory of the entire creation' the collective memory of every human' each individuals memory accumulated from the (eginning of time through each re(irth until the &resent time i.e our &ersonal wisdom. Jall the a(ove mentioned doshas will (e e*&lained in detail in the coming cha&ter, tridosh/The Panchamaha%hutas $s mentioned earlier the three &rimordial forces , sattva ra#as I tamas / interweave to create the five elements, &anchmaha(hutas/ which (irth the entire creation. $ccording to $yurveda everything in life is com&osed of the Panchamahabhutas Akash ,!&ace/ Vayu ,$ir/ Jal ,@ater/ Agni ,Bire/ and Prithvi ,6arth/. Omni&resent they are mi*ed in an infinite variety of relative &ro&ortions such that each form of matter is distinctly uni?ue. +onstantly changing and interacting with each other they create a situation of dynamic flu* that kee&s the world going. This is a small e*am&le: @ithin a sim&le single living cell for e*am&le the earth element &redominates (y giving structure to the cell. The water element is &resent in the cyto&lasm or the li?uid within the cell mem(rane. The fire element regulates the meta(olic &rocesses regulating the cell. @hile the air element &redominates the gases therein. The s&ace occu&ied (y the cell denoting the last of the elements. In the case of a com&le* multi'cellular organism as a human (eing for instance akash ,s&ace/ corres&onds to s&aces within the (ody ,mouth nostrils a(domen etc./K vayu ,air/ denotes the movement ,essentially muscular/K agni (fire) controls the functioning of en3ymes ,intelligence digestive system meta(olism/K jal ,water/ is in all (ody fluids ,as &lasma saliva digestive #uices/K and prithvi ,earth/ manifests itself in the solid structure of the (ody ,(ones teeth flesh hair et al/. The Panchmahabhutas therefore serve as the foundation of all diagnosis treatment modalities in Ayurv!da and has served as a most valua(le theory for &hysicians to detect and treat illness of the (ody and mind successfully. Bor e*am&le if a &erson has more of the fire element in the (ody he may suffer from more acid secretion ,gastric: digestive/ which if causing harm in the form of hy&eracidity etc. can (e controlled (y giving him food which contains more of #ala ,water/ maha(huta in it like sugarcane #uice etc. Ta(le Panch Maha%hutas Sense Organs Sensory &aculty

Pro'erties

Actions

!&ace

6ars

Aearing

J+reates natural s&ace in the (ody J 4o distinct taste JFight clear and dry. JCoverns (reathing movement of eyelids #oints and other motor functions. Jslightly (itter taste JRough I (right J+ontrols tem&erature and luster of (ody colour. J2ungent taste JAeavy immo(ile com&act I rough. J+ontrols organs as teeth nails flesh skin tendons I muscles. J!weet taste. J+old heavy fluid J!limy fat and sweat (y nature J!weet I astringent sour I saline taste.

2roduces softness lightness and &orosity

$ir

!kin

Touch

+reates dryness lightness and wasting

Bire

6yes

!ight

Ael&s in digestion im&roves eye sight

6arth

4ose

!mell

JIncreases firmness I strength of the (ody J$cts as a nutrient and &urgative

@ater

Tongue

Taste

JIm&arts glossiness. J6nhances fluid content I &urgative J$cts as nutrient &urgative.

(anguage of the )oshas* The 2hysical &sychic and cosmic language of the (ody is created from the circadian rhythm of the universe set in motion some (illions of years ago when the five great elements were (orn. !&ace air fire water and earth the first material for life are the (asis of the Vedic sciences. In $yurveda human &hysiology and anatomy is rooted in (odily humors ,doshas) tissues ,dhatus) and wastes ,ma"as). These three &rinci&les su&&ort all of life and are more than the &hysical su(stance of our anatomy. .oshas are three in num(er called Tridoshas ,tri meaning three and doshas (eing the (asic &hysical energies:humors/ . They are the &rimary and essential factors of the human (ody that govern our entire &hysical structure and function. .erived from the Panchmahabhutas (five elements) each dosha which like the elements cannot (e detected with our senses (ut their ?ualities can (e. They are the com(ination of any two of the five bhutas ,five elements) with the &redominance of one. +alled Vata, Pitta and apha in !anskrit these three are res&onsi(le for all the &hysiological and &sychological &rocesses within the (ody and mind dynamic forces that determine growth and decay. 6very &hysical characteristic mental ca&acity and the emotional tendency of a human (eing can therefore (e e*&lained in terms of the tridoshas.

@hen e*isting in the (ody of all living organisms the five elements congregate in a certain &attern and are known in !anskrit as doshas the literal meaning of which is !that "hich is #uick to go out of balance$% .oshas im&ly that the human system maintains a delicate (alance its dynamic elemental com&osition always (eing on the verge of disorder. The doshas are a classic e*am&le of energy and matter in dynamic accord. $ll matter (orn from energy remains intricately woven within its core nature of energy. In a state of (alance or e?uili(rium doshas are considered an energy force in that we cannot visi(ly detect them as they move through and su&&ort (odily function. Bor e*am&le most of the &hysical &henomena ascri(ed to the nervous system (y modern &hysiology for e*am&le can (e identified with Vata. Lust as the entire chemical &rocess o&erating in the human (ody can (e attri(uted to Pitta, including en3ymes hormones and the com&lete nutritional system. $nd the activities of the skeletal and the ana(olic system actually the entire &hysical volume of an organism can (e considered as apha.

In a state of im(alance or dise?uili(rium the doshas (ecome visi(le as e*cessive mucus (ile flatus and &hysical matter. @hen these early signs of disorder are ignored im(alances can ?uickly (ecome full'(lown diseases. In this uni?ue system of e*&laining health air and s&aceM(oth ethereal elements form one of the three doshas called Vata. Aere air e*ercises its &ower of mo(ility only when s&ace is availa(le. The elements fire and water form a second dosha called Pitta. Aere the (odily water &rotects the heat of the (ody from (urning through. $n e*am&le of (odily fire is the acid in our stomachs which if leaked from the stomach is ca&a(le of (urning the organism with the force of a raging fire. @ater is the (uffering force that contains the (odys fires. The elements water and earth com(ine to form the third dosha called apha. 5ecause of

their mutual density water gives earth its fluidity. @ithout water earth would (ecome stagnated and inert. Thus the ;a&ha dosha ena(les a certain fluidity in the (ody without de&riving it of its solid su&&ort. Thus the three doshas co'e*ist in all living organisms. It is im&ortant to reali3e that these three are forces and not su(stances. apha is not mucusK

it is the force that causes mucus to arise. !imilarly pitta is not (ileK (ut that which causes (ile to (e &roduced. $nd they are called doshas literally meaning Nfaults or Nout of whack' as they indicate the fault lines along which the system can (ecome im(alanced. It is e?ually im&ortant to understand that the three doshas within any &erson kee& changing constantly due to their doshic ?ualities ,e*&lained in the ne*t cha&ter/ the s&ecific lifestyle and environment of the &erson time and the season. Remem(er that these three are not se&arate energies (ut different as&ects of the same energy &resent together in an infinite

variety of com(ination .The degree to which each dosha e*ists within a &erson determines the individuals constitution commonly referred to as (ody ty&e ,&rakriti which will (e mentioned in the forthcoming &ages/. 6ach dosha thus shares a ?uality with another ,although there remain slight differences in the nature of shared ?uality/. $lso each has an inherent a(ility to regulate and (alance itself which comes from the o&&osite ?ualities that arise from the doshas constituent ,(asic/ elements. @hen the doshas are in (alance i.e. in a state of e?uili(rium we remain healthy. $s &haraka the great ayurvedic sage e*&lained: OVata, pitta and kapha maintain the integrity of the living human organism in their normal state and com(ine so as to make the man a com&lete (eing with his indriyas ,sense organs/ &ossessed of strength good com&le*ion and assured of longevity.O It is only when that there is im(alance within these three doshas that disease is caused. $nd since it is the strongest dosha in the constitution that usually has the greatest tendency to increase one is most susce&ti(le to illnesses associated with an increase of the same.

TH" THR"" )OSHAS + TH" R !AS C ,UA( T "S Ta(le'7 Vata -Air and S'ace* Fight +old .ry Rough !u(tle )o(ile +lear .is&ersing 6rratic $stringent Pitta -&ire and .ater* Fight Aot Oily !har& Fi?uid !our 2ungent apha -.ater and "arth* Aeavy +old Oily !low !limy .ense !oft

6ash dosha also has a &rimary function in the (ody. Vata is the moving force 2itta is the force of assimilation and ;a&ha is the force of sta(ility. Vata the most dominant of the doshas governs (odily movement the nervous system and the life force. @ithout Vatas mo(ility in the (ody 2itta and ;a&ha would (e rendered lame. 2itta governs en3ymatic and hormonal activities and is res&onsi(le for digestion

&igmentation (ody tem&erature hunger thirst and sight. Burther 2itta acts as a (alancing force for Vata and ;a&ha. ;a&ha governs the (odys structure and sta(ility. It Im(ricates #oints &rovides moisture to the skin heals wounds and regulates Vata and 2itta. Vata 2itta and ;a&ha &ervade the entire (ody (ut their &rimary domains are in the lower middle and u&&er (ody res&ectively. ;a&ha rules the ,%226R/ head neck thora* chest and u&&er &ortion of the stomach fat tissues and the #oints. 2itta &ervades the ,)I..F6/ chest um(ilical area stomach small intestines sweat and lym&h glands and the (lood. Vata dominates the ,FO@6R/ (ody &elvic region colon (ladder urinary tract thighs legs arms (ones and nervous system. $&art form its main siteK each dosha has four secondary sites located in different areas of the (ody. Thus each dosha then has five sites considered to (e its centres of o&eration which include the various outreach systems (ecause of which the entire (ody functions. The doshas interact continuously with the e*ternal elements to re&lenish their energy within the (ody. 6ach of the three doshas five sites has a s&ecific res&onsi(ility towards the maintenance of the organism. PH/S O0 PS/CHO(O# CA( A$) PATHO(O# CA( $ATUR" O& TH" )OSHAS &ive Airs of 1ata The five sites or centres of o&eration and systemic outreach through which Vata casts its influence on the entire organism are called the five airs of Vata namely: &rana udana samana a&ana and vyana Air of Res'iration2 Prana 2rana means life is the first air of the universe and of the (ody. $lthough located in the (ody (etween the dia&hragm and throat it not only &ervades the region of the heart and chest (ut also u& into the face and (rain. 2rana aids in the chewing and swallowing of food and &rovides immediate nourishment to all vital tissues of the (ody. The system is constantly (eing re#uvenated through the natural rhythm of the (reaths inhalation e*halation and timely retention. The activity of the colon is attuned to the res&irations rhythmK the main function of &rana is e*tracting &rana i.e life from the digested food and diffusing it into all of the tissues in the (ody. @hen the colon is distur(ed and una(le to fulfil its natural a(ility to e*tract and diffuse &rana this unused &rana (ecomes waste. 2rana facilitates all movement in and out of the (ody. It moves in the region of the heart causing it to (eat. It carries food through the oeso&hagus into the stomach. 2rana sustains the heart arteries veins senses and our wisdom faculty ,buddhi). @hen &rana cannot function &ro&erly our very life force is threatened. Res&iratory ailments such as (ronchitis and asthma result. Aeart ailments and the im&ulse to vomit are also related to &ranas im(alance.

Air of the Throat2 Udana %dana the second air of Vata which means Drising air E flows u&ward from the um(ilicus through the lung and into the throat and nose. ;nown as the air of e#ection it &rovides us with our vocal &owers and clarity of sense &erce&tions. It also &reserves our (odys natural forces such as its strength of will and ca&acity for effort. %dana has the su&reme task of kee&ing track of the num(er of (reaths we e*&end. $n e?ually su&reme task is udanas ca&acity to &reserve memory (oth e*&eriential ,memories gathered within a &resent lifetime/ and cognitive ,cumulative memories carried into all lives from the (eginning of creation through all time/. Im&airment of udana can result in loss of memory im&aired s&eech giddiness or heaviness in the head dee&'seated fears and a shortened life s&an/. Air of the Stomach2 Samana !amana the third air of Vata is located (etween the dia&hragm and navel. It aids the movement of food through the stomach and small intestines fans the fires of digestion (y stimulating the &roduction of gastric #uices and digestive en3ymes and hel&s in the assimilation of nutrients e*tracted from our food. !amana is the moving force that trans&orts these nutrients to the various tissue elements and discharges wastes into the colon. @hen the samana air is distur(ed it can cause mucus accumulation in the stomach called ama indigestion &oor assimilation and diarrhoea. Air of the Colon2 A'ana The fourth air of Vata a&ana is located in the colon and the organs of the &elvic region. $lso known as the air of elimination a&anas &rimary function is to relieve the (ody of feces urine flatus semen and menstrual waste. Its down ward &ressure maintains &osition of the foetus and the flow of its eventual (irth. $&ana is the most dominant of the five airs situated as it is in Vatas &rimary location. $&ana maintains the delayed nutrition of &rana in the organism. @hen a&ana is im&aired diseases of the (ladder anus testicles uterus menstrual &ro(lems and o(stinate urinary diseases including dia(etes &revail. Air of Circulation2 1yana Vyana is the fifth and final air of the Vata and is located in the heart. It diffuses the energy derived from food and (reath throughout the entire organism including the skin. +irculatory in nature Vyana functions in the (odys circulation channels such as the (lood vessels to trans&ort nutritive #uices and (lood throughout the (ody. Vyana also carries sweat from the glands to the skin and is the force (ehind (odily e*&ressions such as yawning and (linking. @hen vyana malfunctions there is dryness of the skin and other (ody e*tremities &oor circulation and diseases such as fever. Ta(le '<

)oshas 2rana

Site Aeart I Aead (etween

$ormal function 5reathing and swallowing of food thinking heart rhythm throat !&eech voice colour strength life I

dia&hragm and throat %dana Brom um(ilicus to lung and nose !amana 5etween dia&hragm and navel ,stomach and intestines/

immunity energy memory ca&acity for effort Ael&s action of digestive en3ymes

assimilation of end &roducts of food and se&aration into their various tissue elements I waste &roducts.

$&ana

+olon I organs of &elvis

6limination of stool urine fetus and menstrual (lood.

flatus semen

Vyana

Aeart

.iffusion of energy from food and (reath in the whole (ody hel&s in the functioning of circulating channels as (lood vessels.

&ive &ires of Pitta 2itta formed from the elements of fire and water also is said to reside in five sites. These sites are the centers of o&eration and systemic outreach through which the 2itta dosha influences the entire organismK they are: pa#haka, ranjaka, sadhaka a"o#haka and bhrajaka. &ire of the Stomach2 Pachaka 2achaka is referred to in $yurveda as the first fire of the (ody. It e*ists in the small intestine duodenum gall (ladder liver and &ancreas and su&&orts the remaining four fires to (e discussed (elow. 2achakas main action is to dissolve and digest the food we eat. It also regulates (ody tem&erature. Once digestion has taken &lace &achaka se&arates the foods nutritive elements from its waste elements. $n im(alance in this first fire &achaka causes indigestion as well as a revulsion for food. &ire of the !lood 2 Ran3aka True to its name ran#aka the second fire of 2itta controls the formation and &reservation of (lood. Focated in the liver s&leen and stomach ran#aka &rovides the (lood with its colour and o*ygen. @hen ran#aka is im&aired (ile com&ounds may a&&ear in the (lood and diseases such as anaemia and #aundice may follow. &ire of the Heart2 Sadhaka

The finest of the fires sadhaka the third fire is central to the activity of 2itta. It reigns along with &rana in the heart. @ith udana it governs memory and the retention and wellness of all mental functioning. @hen sadhaka is im&aired there may (e &sychic distur(ances mental disorientation e*treme emotional states and craving for e*treme foods drugs and so on. &ire of the "yes2 Alochaka $lochaka the fourth fire of 2itta e*ists in the &u&ils of the eyes. It gives the eyes their lustre and diffuses light and its s&ectrum of colours throughout the (ody @hen the fourth fire is vitiated there is im&airment of vision and yellowness may a&&ear in the eyes. &ire of the Skin 2 !hra3aka The fifth fire (hra#aka is located in the skin given the skin its lustre and gleam. 5hra#aka &rotects the (ody from e*treme atmos&heric conditions and facilitates the assimilation of light wind water and oil through the skin. @hen this fire is distur(ed skin diseases such as &soriasis ec3ema and leukoderma may result. Ta(le '1 )oshas Site $ormal function Ailments caused %y its vitiation 2achaka !tomach intestines gall (ladder liver &ancreas I small .igesting and dissolving of food regulating tem&erature se&aration nutritive wastes Ran#aka Fiver s&leen and stomach 5lood formation and $nemia Ae&atitis 2sychic +ardiac mental states $lochaka 6yes Vision lusture of eyes Im&airment of vision distur(ances diseases disorientation Laundice elements (ody of from Indigestion $nore*ia

&reservation !adhaka Aeart )emory and other mental functions.

and e*treme emotional

yellowness of eyes 5hra#aka !kin +olour and gla3e of the skin Feucoderma Other skin diseases eg &soriasis ec3ema

Pitta )osha m%alance $ll the a(ove mentioned functions of &itta and its various su(ty&es are e*ecuted when they are in their (alanced state. .ue to various reasons J&itta gets im(alanced and causes the following results. If &itta dosha is in e*cess it results in: Ta(le '9 $m(ition $nger 6nvy Bear of Bailure !arcastic s&eech and actions !ke&ticism 6*cessive thirst Foss of slee& Brustration .ecreased 2itta results in: Indigestion $(normal loss of (ody heat &ive .aters of 4a'ha ;a&ha formed from the elements water and earth also manifests in five doshic sites through these centres of o&eration and systemic outreach it influences the entire organism. The five waters of ;a&ha are: k"!daka, ava"ambaka, bodhaka, tarpaka and s"!saka. .ater of the Stomach2 4ledaka The first water of ;a&ha kledaka originates in the stomach. It is the cause of mucus formation in the (ody. )ost im&ortant of the waters kledakas moist foamy li?uid aids digestion li?uefies foods and nourishes the remaining waters of ;a&ha. @hen the first water is aggravated the digestion &rocess (ecomes im&aired heaviness of the a(domen &revails and nausea may also occur. .ater of the Heart 2 Avalam%aka The second water of ;a&ha avalam(aka resides in the chest and heart. It &rovides a &lasmic , fluid / tissue covering to the heart thus insulating it from heart I acting as a shocka(sor(er. $valam(aka also &rovides the lim(s with their energy. @hen this water is distur(ed la3iness and lethargy ensure. Aeart originating diseases such as rheumatic fever and &ains in the &ericardium,tissue around the heart/ may also occur. Foss of luster in the skin Irregular (owel movements. Aate Lealously Ludgemental or critical tendencies Fack of discernment 2ride 5urning sensations +raving for cold Bever

.ater of the Tongue2 !odhaka 5hodhaka the third water of ;a&ha is the one which #oins the five waters of (odys river. It sends water to the tongue and &alate and gives the &erce&tion of taste. It registers each of the si* tastes in nature and sends the a&&ro&riate im&ulses to the receiving tissue long (efore the food is ingested. 5odhaka water also li?uefies the food. @hen this water is distur(ed crimes against the (odys natural instincts are committed due to the im&airment of taste. This creates Ama the foul undigested remnants of food which stick in the tissues and &romote diseases such as o(esity (ulimia and anore*ia. Cenerally a thick white coating on the tongue indicates the &resence of ama in the (ody. .ater of Head2 Tar'aka Tar&aka ;a&has fourth water flows in the (rain and s&inal cord. It soothes the sense organs and as a result lu(ricates and &rotects the nervous system. @hen this water is out of (alance the sense organs (ecome im&aired. Foss of memory and dullness of sensory &erce&tions are the natural result. .ater of the 5oints2 Shlessaka The fifth water of ;a&ha slesaka is located in the #oints. It lu(ricates the #oints and gives them their solidity. !lesakas unctuous gel &rotects the #oints from heat and gives ease and fle*i(ility of movement. @hen this water is im&aired the #oints may (ecome swollen &ainful and dysfunctional. Ta(le = .oshas !ite 4ormal function $ilments vitiation ;ledaka !tomach )oistens food which hel&s in digestion mucus in (ody. $valam(aka +hest I Aeart 6nergy in lim(s controls formation of Im&airment of digestion heaviness in a(domen nausea Fa3iness Rheumatic heart disease Im&airment o(esity Tar&aka 5rain s&inal cord 4ourishment of the sense organs &rotection system. lu(rication of and nervous Foss of memory of caused (y its

tem&erature of the heart 5odhaka Tongue &alate 2erce&tion of taste.

digestion (ulimia anore*ia

Im&airment of function of sense organs

!hlesshaka

Loints

Fu(rication #oints &rotection from heat of

of #oints

2ain in #oints Im&airment of function of #oints.

4a'ha )osha m%alance $ll the a(ove mentioned functions of ka&ha and its various su(ty&es are e*ecuted when they are in their (alanced state. .ue to various reasons Jka&ha gets im(alanced and causes the following results. If ka&ha dosha is in e*cess it results in: Ta(le > 5oredom +arelessness Fack of com&assion Creed Beeling lack of su&&ort or love O(sessive (ehavior %nkindness Fack of interest !ecretions from the mouth Fethargy 6*cessive slee& Im&ro&er digestive function O(esity 4ausea

And decrease Thirst Ciddiness

apha gives 6ay to2 +ram&s

5ody aches .ryness of mouth J The various reasons for the aggravation of vata &itta I ka&ha are mentioned (elow in the ,dos I donts chart / factors increasing vata &itta I ka&ha I food charts. Agni 5eing the (iological fire that governs meta(olism agni encom&asses all the changes in the (ody and mind from the dense to the more su(tle. !uch changes include the digestion and a(sor&tion of food cellular transformations assimilation of sensory &erce&tions and mental and emotional e*&eriences. Agni therefore covers all the se?uences of chemical interactions and changes in the (ody and mind. .igestive a(ilities are directly &ro&ortional to the strength of agni.

Agni and pitta are closely connected. @hile (oth are hot and light agni is su(tle and dry while &itta is gross I li?uid .The heat energy to hel& digestion contained (y pitta is agni. Pitta is therefore the container and agni the content. Agni is acidic in nature and stimulates digestion. It is su(tly related to the movement of vata. In every tissue and cell agni is &resent and is necessary for maintaining the nutrition and auto'immune mechanism which is &erformed (y destroying micro'organisms foreign (acteria and to*ins in the stomach and the intestines. $ (alanced agni therefore is vital for health. The strength of the (ody to resist disease and also its &hysical strength are directly related to its heat energy determining the meta(olic &rocesses of the (ody. .istur(ances to Agni are usually the chief causes of disease leading to ama in the (ody. $s &er Ayurveda there are thirteen ty&es of $gni, -7 dhatwaPtissueQagnis given (elow I #atharagni/ in the (ody and mind according to the conversion and the transformation made. The most im&ortant of them is the Jatharagni the gastric fire res&onsi(le for digesting the food eaten ,can (e correlated to hydrochloric acid in the stomach and the digestive en3ymes and #uices secreted into the stomach duodenum and the small intestines/. If digestive agni is low and the its ca&acity is im&aired one may e*&erience &ain discomfort7 feeling of heaviness or gases gurgling7 consti'ation or loose stools8 JIn such conditions one should &ractice the sansar3ana kram given in the diet &art of the course (elow &reventing the accumulation I &roduction of ama, !$p"ain!d in th! s!!d o% dis!as!, b!"o&/ I thus diseases. )hatus2 !odily Tissues PH/S O(O# CA( A$ATOM/ $yurveda has identified seven constituent tissues where(y the (ody (oth lives and dies. These tissues are called dhatus. Fike doshas dhatus are formed from the five elements s&ace air fire water and earth. The 'apta ,seven/ (hatu ,tissues/ elements form the &illars of the (ody that form the means of nourishment and growth while &roviding su&&ort to the (ody as well as the mind. @ith the hel& of the digestive fire the dhatus form the (odys &rotective (iological system. In other words they nourish and defend the internal immune system. If one dhatu is defective each successive dhatu is affected there(y triggering a chain reaction of im&airment throughout the entire tissue system. The concentric formation of dhatus occurs through the ingestion of food su(stances. Infinitely well e*&ressed (y +haraka the use of naturally healthy foods is essential to the ?uality of

nutrients res&onsi(le for sustaining the dhatus: DThe availa(ility and consum&tion of a wholesome diet are essential to &romote the healthy growth of a &ersonK likewise indulgence in unwholesome foods &romotes diseases.E 6?ually relevant is the recognition that mental unrest or a negative outlook contaminates even the most wholesome foods once these have (een ingested. Through an enormously so&histicated &rocess of chemical reactions ,main digestive fire called 3atharagni/J s&urred (y (oth the energy in the food and the energy vi(rations of (odily tissues and mental thoughts the nutrient called ahara rasa is &roduced. The main digestive fire lies in the um(ilicus region called #atharagni,macrosco&ic' can (e seen as hydrochloric acid &ancreatic #uice etc /. 6very dhatu has its own digestive fire called dhat&a'agni ,microsc&ic'on the tissue and cellular level cannot (e seen/ which is a su(tle &art of the #atharagni and is totally de&endent on the #atharagni. !o if the #atharagni of a &erson is strong and well working all the dhatwagnis will (e working &ro&erly and the all the tissue formation ,each cell/ will (e of su&erior ?uality and vice the versa. The nutrient once a(sor(ed into the digestive tract is synthesi3ed (y the rasa' dhatu digestive fire i.e rasadhat&a'agni to form the first of seven tissues rasa dhatu. This tissue a milky sticky cold chyle resem(ling the ?uanlities of ;a&ha is the (odys &lasma tissue and derives its e*istence from the water element. The &ro&er conversion of the &rimary nutrient ahara rasa into &lasma is de&endent u&on the ?uality of the foods the state of mind health of (odily &rana ,&rana vayu/ the main digestive fire i.e L$TA$R$C4I and the tissues digestive fire ,rasadhatwa'agni/. In wholesome conditions these factors contri(ute to the &roduction of &lentiful rasa. In unhealthy conditions they contri(ute more to the &roduction of wastes in the form of mucus i.e ama rather than to the &roduction of healthy &lasma. 6ach of the si* su(se?uent dhatus is fed (y the &revious dhatu. Once rasa tissue is formed The nutrients are refined through a &rocess (y raktadhat&a'agni and trans&orted to form (lood tissue rakta dhatu. $gain if the nutrients ?uality is defective the &roduction of (odily waste in form of (ile is &roduced at e*&ense of healthy (lood tissue. The main universal element com&rising (lood is fire. Rakta ,(lood/ (hatu Regarded as the (asic of life it not only nourishes the (ody tissues (ut &rovides &hysical strength and colour to the (ody. 4ot sur&risingly then once the hemoglo(in of the (lood is nourished the nutrients are further refined (y mamsadhat&a'agni , to &rovide the fuel necessary to &roduce muscle tissue mamsa dhatu. )asma (hatu The muscle tissues main function is to &rovide &hysical strength and su&&ort for the meda dhatu. )uscle tissues dominant element is earth the most matter'like element of the five elements from which the dhatus derive their form. The (odys muscle tissue shares earths nature of matter. 4e*t in the dhatu nourishment is the fat tissue from medadhatwa'agni called m!das dhatu which is &ervaded (y water element. Its main function is lu(ricating the entire (ody system.

The (one and cartilage tissue ,asthi dhatu) from the asthidhatwa'agni which is &ervaded (y the elements air and s&ace is ne*t in the dhatu nourishment lineage. Ashti (hatu +om&rising of (one tissues including cartilages its main function is to give su&&ort to the majja dhatu and &rovide su&&ort to the masma dhatu. The continuously refined nutrients are then trans&orted and converted (y majjadhat&a'agni to the tissue com&rising the (odys red and white (one marrow majja dhatu. )ajja (hatu .enoting the yellow and red (one marrow tissue its main function is to fill u& the ashti and give fullness to the (ody. Binally the refined nutrient remaining after all these dhatus have (een fed re&lenishes the s&erm and ovum tissues shukra and artava res&ectively (y their shukradhat&a'agni. This last dhatu once formed is fed (y the su(tle essences of the nutrients refined through the synthesis of all the &revious dhatus. It is the su(tle &ervasive essence remaining in the (ody (efore it (ecomes the material for &rocreation. If this dhatu is contaminated or not &ro&erly formed due to &ollution of the nutrients the new life formed from the union of s&erm and ovum is usually adversely affected in some way or other. !ince the dhatus su&&ort and derive energy from each other affecting one can influence others. Bor instance interference in the manufacture of the &lasma affects the ?uality of the (lood which in turn affects the muscle. $s mentioned earlier each tissue ty&e has its own agni ,digestive fire' dhatwa'agni/ which determines meta(olic changes in the tissues and forms (y'&roductsJ which are either used in the (ody or e*creted. )enstural &eriods for e*am&le are a (y'&roduct of rasa. The tissues are also governed (y the three doshas, and any im(alance in them also causes im(alances in dhatus. J see the chart (elow ,ta(le no G/ O3a2 The #lo6 of Health O#a is the cumulative essence remaining after the cycle of dhatu nutrition is com&lete. Our &hysical mental and s&iritual strength is totally de&endent on o#a. Our &ersonal aura the strength and glow we are meant to e*ude is &roduced from an a(undance of o#a. This is our (est safeguard against mental and &hysical disease. $s o#a thrives so does the (odys natural immunity. )ental clarity and cognitive memories flourish. If on the other hand the (ody has insufficient rasa the tissues (ecome dry and contaminated resulting in the de&letion of o#a. .ecreased o#a also fosters an increase in the ama or wastes &roduced (y the (ody thus ham&ering the &hysical and mental ca&acity of an individual. )hatus2 !odily Tissues PH/S O(O# CA( A$ATOM/

$yurveda has identified seven constituent tissues where(y the (ody (oth lives and dies. These tissues are called dhatus. Fike doshas dhatus are formed from the five elements s&ace air fire water and earth. The 'apta ,seven/ (hatu ,tissues/ elements form the &illars of the (ody that form the means of nourishment and growth while &roviding su&&ort to the (ody as well as the mind. @ith the hel& of the digestive fire the dhatus form the (odys &rotective (iological system. In other words they nourish and defend the internal immune system. If one dhatu is defective each successive dhatu is affected there(y triggering a chain reaction of im&airment throughout the entire tissue system. The concentric formation of dhatus occurs through the ingestion of food su(stances. Infinitely well e*&ressed (y +haraka the use of naturally healthy foods is essential to the ?uality of nutrients res&onsi(le for sustaining the dhatus: DThe availa(ility and consum&tion of a wholesome diet are essential to &romote the healthy growth of a &ersonK likewise indulgence in unwholesome foods &romotes diseases.E 6?ually relevant is the recognition that mental unrest or a negative outlook contaminates even the most wholesome foods once these have (een ingested. Through an enormously so&histicated &rocess of chemical reactions ,main digestive fire called 3atharagni/J s&urred (y (oth the energy in the food and the energy vi(rations of (odily tissues and mental thoughts the nutrient called ahara rasa is &roduced. The main digestive fire lies in the um(ilicus region called #atharagni,macrosco&ic' can (e seen as hydrochloric acid &ancreatic #uice etc /. 6very dhatu has its own digestive fire called dhat&a'agni ,microsc&ic'on the tissue and cellular level cannot (e seen/ which is a su(tle &art of the #atharagni and is totally de&endent on the #atharagni. !o if the #atharagni of a &erson is strong and well working all the dhatwagnis will (e working &ro&erly and the all the tissue formation ,each cell/ will (e of su&erior ?uality and vice the versa. The nutrient once a(sor(ed into the digestive tract is synthesi3ed (y the rasa' dhatu digestive fire i.e rasadhat&a'agni to form the first of seven tissues rasa dhatu. This tissue a milky sticky cold chyle resem(ling the ?uanlities of ;a&ha is the (odys &lasma tissue and derives its e*istence from the water element. The &ro&er conversion of the &rimary nutrient ahara rasa into &lasma is de&endent u&on the ?uality of the foods the state of mind health of (odily &rana ,&rana vayu/ the main digestive fire i.e L$TA$R$C4I and the tissues digestive fire ,rasadhatwa'agni/. In wholesome conditions these factors contri(ute to the &roduction of &lentiful rasa. In unhealthy conditions they contri(ute more to the &roduction of wastes in the form of mucus i.e ama rather than to the &roduction of healthy &lasma. 6ach of the si* su(se?uent dhatus is fed (y the &revious dhatu. Once rasa tissue is formed The nutrients are refined through a &rocess (y raktadhat&a'agni and trans&orted to form (lood tissue rakta dhatu. $gain if the nutrients ?uality is defective the &roduction of (odily

waste in form of (ile is &roduced at e*&ense of healthy (lood tissue. The main universal element com&rising (lood is fire. Rakta ,(lood/ (hatu Regarded as the (asic of life it not only nourishes the (ody tissues (ut &rovides &hysical strength and colour to the (ody. 4ot sur&risingly then once the hemoglo(in of the (lood is nourished the nutrients are further refined (y mamsadhat&a'agni , to &rovide the fuel necessary to &roduce muscle tissue mamsa dhatu. )asma (hatu The muscle tissues main function is to &rovide &hysical strength and su&&ort for the meda dhatu. )uscle tissues dominant element is earth the most matter'like element of the five elements from which the dhatus derive their form. The (odys muscle tissue shares earths nature of matter. 4e*t in the dhatu nourishment is the fat tissue from medadhatwa'agni called m!das dhatu which is &ervaded (y water element. Its main function is lu(ricating the entire (ody system. The (one and cartilage tissue ,asthi dhatu) from the asthidhatwa'agni which is &ervaded (y the elements air and s&ace is ne*t in the dhatu nourishment lineage. Ashti (hatu +om&rising of (one tissues including cartilages its main function is to give su&&ort to the majja dhatu and &rovide su&&ort to the masma dhatu. The continuously refined nutrients are then trans&orted and converted (y majjadhat&a'agni to the tissue com&rising the (odys red and white (one marrow majja dhatu. )ajja (hatu .enoting the yellow and red (one marrow tissue its main function is to fill u& the ashti and give fullness to the (ody. Binally the refined nutrient remaining after all these dhatus have (een fed re&lenishes the s&erm and ovum tissues shukra and artava res&ectively (y their shukradhat&a'agni. This last dhatu once formed is fed (y the su(tle essences of the nutrients refined through the synthesis of all the &revious dhatus. It is the su(tle &ervasive essence remaining in the (ody (efore it (ecomes the material for &rocreation. If this dhatu is contaminated or not &ro&erly formed due to &ollution of the nutrients the new life formed from the union of s&erm and ovum is usually adversely affected in some way or other. !ince the dhatus su&&ort and derive energy from each other affecting one can influence others. Bor instance interference in the manufacture of the &lasma affects the ?uality of the (lood which in turn affects the muscle. $s mentioned earlier each tissue ty&e has its own agni ,digestive fire' dhatwa'agni/ which determines meta(olic changes in the tissues and forms (y'&roductsJ which are either used in the (ody or e*creted. )enstural &eriods for e*am&le are a (y'&roduct of rasa. The tissues are also governed (y the three doshas, and any im(alance in them also causes im(alances in dhatus. J see the chart (elow ,ta(le no G/ O3a2 The #lo6 of Health

O#a is the cumulative essence remaining after the cycle of dhatu nutrition is com&lete. Our &hysical mental and s&iritual strength is totally de&endent on o#a. Our &ersonal aura the strength and glow we are meant to e*ude is &roduced from an a(undance of o#a. This is our (est safeguard against mental and &hysical disease. $s o#a thrives so does the (odys natural immunity. )ental clarity and cognitive memories flourish. If on the other hand the (ody has insufficient rasa the tissues (ecome dry and contaminated resulting in the de&letion of o#a. .ecreased o#a also fosters an increase in the ama or wastes &roduced (y the (ody thus ham&ering the &hysical and mental ca&acity of an individual. The )hatus7 U'adhatus7 and Malas $t the end of the dhatu feeding chain a secondary grou& of tissues is created called the upadhatu. These tissues do not &rovoke a chain reaction with su(se?uent u&adhatus as is seen in the dhatus. $lso each &rimary dhatu after having (een fed &roduces its own (odily waste called malas. The &rimary dhatus along with their u&adhatus malas and &hysical and emotional functions are &resented in the following chart. Ta(le G TA6 2RI)$R" .A$T%! TA6IR %2$.A$T%! )$F$!. 2A"!I+$F $4. 6)OTIO4$F B%4+TIO4! )HATU UPA)HATU MA(A PH/S CA( &U$CT O$ Ingested Boods Rasa ,&lasma tissue/ 5reast milk menstrual secretion Rasa ,(lood tissue/ )amsa ,muscle tissue/ )edas ,fat tissue/ $sthi ,(one and cartilage tissue/ )a##a ,(one marrow tissue/ 5lood vessels tendons )uscles skin 5ile 6ar wa* naval lint !weat 5ody hair (eard nails Tears !timulation 5uffering the (ody OmentumJ Teeth Aead hair Fu(rication !u&&orting the (ody filling of the (ones 2rocreation Fove +ourage Bullness Invigoration 4urturing Beces urine )ucus 2roduction of 4utrient !u(stance 4ourishment "MOT O$A( &U$CT O$ Loy

6*hilaration

!hukra I $rtava '''' '''' ,re&roductive tissue/ J $ fold of &eritoneum from another organ that su&&orts an organ8

Fife

MA(AS2 !O) (/ .AST" )alas are the various waste &roducts of the dhatus &roduced during the normal meta(olic &rocess. The three &rimary malas (eing Purisa ,faeces/ )utra ,urine/ and '"eda ,sweat/. Ayurveda clearly states that only a (alanced condition of doshas, dhatus and malas is arogya ,good health or disease free condition/ and their im(alance is the cause of ill health or disease. Purisa is the waste left (ack after nutrients of digested food have (een a(sor(ed in the small intestine. The consistency of the faeces de&ending on the main digestive fire i.e #atharagni and a&ana vayu, refer to the 1th ty&e of vata/.This system is known as Purishvahastrotas. The tridoshas must (e in (alance to ensure normal evacuation. Pitta and kapha hel& digestion and vata governs the mo(ility throughout the &rocess. $ny im(alance (etween these can lead to various sym&toms of a(dominal heaviness or &ain flatulence consti&ation or diarrhea. It may also give rise to diseases as rheumatoid arthritis osteoarthritis low'(ack &ain asthma (ronchitis as well as stomach ulcers and irrita(le (owels. )utra is derived during the course of digestion within the human (ody. The first stage of urine formation (egins in the large intestine where fluids are a(sor(ed into the system. The entire urinary system i.e )ootravaha strotas'kidneys uterus (ladder and urethra take &art in the formation and elimination of urine regulating the fluid (alance in our (ody and also maintaining (lood &ressure. $ny im(alance of increased or decreased urine may result in disorders as kidney stones urinary infections cystitis a(dominal &ain and (ladder disorders. '"eda ,sweat/ is the third &rimary mala and it occurs as a waste &roduct during the synthesis of meda dhatu ,fatty tissue/. 6liminated through skin &ores it controls (ody tem&erature. The channels res&onsi(le for (ringing the sweat to skin surface are known as s"eda vaha srotas. It is essential that normal formation and flow of sweat takes &lace as otherwise it may lead to skin infections itching:(urning sensation over the (ody loss of fluid (alance and reduced (ody tem&erature. The three &rinci&al malas are urine feaces and sweat. These waste &roducts like the doshas and dhatus are com&osed of the five elements. !econdary malas include the intestines fatty e*cretions earwa* hair ,(ody head and (eard/ nails tears and menstrual discharge. The normal flow of the malas is o(structed whenever the .oshas are increased or decreased (eyond their natural state. 2ancha karma the five'fold $yurvedic cleansing thera&y is designed to assist the (ody in the elimination of The Malas8

(a"an#!d (oshas (humors), h!a"thy Agni (digestive fire), a good stat! o% tissu!s(dhatus) and th!ir prop!r m!tabo"i# !nd' produ#ts(mala) "!ad to a ba"an#!d stat! o% th! s!ns!s, mind and spirit, a"" o% &hi#h "!ad to sound h!a"th. AMA2 TH" S"") O& ) S"AS" @hen the (odys digestive fire is not ade?uate foods remain undigested and una(sor(ed in the intestinal tract and ama is the result. Boul'odour and sticky ama clogs the intestines and other channels of the (ody including its (lood vessels. $ma &revents the colon in its attem&t to carry out its &rimary functions like e*tracting the vital force or &rana from the digested foods. $ma undergoes a multitude of chemical changes gradually creating to*ins which are released into the (loodstream. $s mentioned earlier if the main digestive fire vitiates so do the seven other fires ,dhatwagni/ on the cellular ,tissue/ level thus creating ama in the tissues. 6*cess dosha and to*ins ,from ama/ form a sinister team as they travel through different channels ,as mentioned in the ne*t to&ic/ with great ra&idity to a weakened ,disease &rone:vulnera(le/ &art of the (ody. Through its to*icity ama elicits a negative immune reaction in the (odys tissues until finally disease manifests in these organs. $ll internal diseases (egin with amas &resence in the (ody and all e*ternally created diseases eventually &roduce ama. In addition to o(structing the (odys channels ama causes a deterioration in our strength and energy levels. It reduces rasa inducing lethargy and fatigue. 6?ually cri&&ling to the system is mental ama gathered through mis&erce&tion and distur(ed emotions. Creed selfishness &ossessiveness stu((ornness anger and e*cessive desires (ecome mental &ollutants are also ama. $n early sign of ama in the (ody is a sticky coating on the tongue. In ;a&ha ty&esJ the coating is usually thick sweetish and whitish in colour. 2itta ty&esJ tend to have a slimy sourish yellowish coating and Vata ty&esJ have a dryish (itter grayish coating. @hen these early sym&toms occur fasting may readily alleviate ama and:or the &ancha karma thera&ies administered according to the (ody ty&e and in the a&&ro&riate season. J .escri(ed in the cha&ter on (ody ty&es ,&rakruti/ Role of Taste It is as im&ortant to reali3e that every foodHs uni?ue com(ination of attri(utes will influence its taste and the action it causes in the (ody. @ith every taste having a different action as detailed (elow. Astanga Hrdayam clearly descri(es the characteristics of each of the si* tastes and &ro(lems that might (e e*&erienced from its ha(itual over'consum&tion. )ost foods (eing a com(ination of two or more of these tastes e.g. coffee is (itter and &ungent. Sour +om&rised of the elements earth I fire it increases pitta and kapha and is good for heart and digestion. !timulates agni, moves inactive Vata energy down the &elvic cavity sets the teeth on edge and increases salivation. 6*cess use may cause looseness and fla((iness

loss of strength giddiness itching irritation a whitish yellow &allor swelling thirsts and fever and diseases arising from e*cess pitta and kapha. S6eet Related to earth I water it increases pitta and vata &roducing greater strength in the tissues and value to the aged wounded emaciated and children. %niversally liked it often adheres to the inside of the mouth giving a feeling of &leasure contentment and comfort. Cood for the com&le*ion hair senses and o#a it also increases (reast milk and hel&s unite (roke &arts like (ones. 5y its virtue it &rolongs life and hel&s life activities. In e*cess however it may cause diseases arising from fat and e*cess kapha e.g. o(esity skin infections unconsciousness dia(etes enlargement of neck glands or malignant tumors etc. Salt The water I fire in salty taste increases pitta and kapha. It clears o(struction of channels and &ores and increases the digestive activity and salivation. $lso res&onsi(le for lu(rication and sweating it &enetrates the tissues. $n e*cess of it may cause (aldness and graying of the hair wrinkles thirst skin diseases (lood disorders and loss of (ody strength. Pungent Bire I air in &ungent increases vata and pitta and mitigates kapha. Increases hunger is digestive causes irritation (rings secretion from the eyes nose I mouth and gives a (urning sensation to the mouth. It dilates the channels and (reaks u& the hard masses. 5ut an e*cess use of it may cause thirst de&letion of re&roductive tissue and strength fainting contracture tremors &ain in the waist and (ack and other disorders related to e*cess of pitta and kapha. !itter $ir I s&ace (eing its elements it increases pitta and kapha. .rying u& moisture from fat muscles faces and urine. It cleans the mouth and destroys the &erce&tion of taste. It is said to cure anore*ia worms (acteria &arasites thirst skin diseases loss of consciousness fever nausea (urning sensation. 5ut in e*cess it increases vata causing diseases of vata origin and de&letion of tissues.

Astringent $ir I earth increases vata and controls increased pitta and kapha. It cleans the (lood and causes healing of ulcers. Fike (itter it too dries u& moisture from fat. It a(sor(s water causing consti&ation and hindering digestion of undigested food. Its e*cess use causes stasis of food

without digestion flatulence &ain in the cardiac region emaciation loss of virility o(struction of channels and consti&ation. !A(A$C $# S"ASO$A( TAST"S A$) !O)/ T/P" TAST"S The a&&arent contradictions (etween the tastes and ?ualities (eneficial to each (ody ty&e and the tastes and ?ualities suggested (y the cyclical nature of the seasons are to (e understood in the following way: The tastes which are generally good for each (ody ty&e may (ecome heightened or &revalent in the (ody and e*ternal environment due to seasonal influences. Bor e*am&le of the si* tastes the &ungent flavour naturally &redominates during the summerK although considered a generally good all'year taste for ;a&ha ty&es it needs to (e used in the summer season with discretion. This is (ecause in summer the &ungent taste &revails out of the si* tastes.,$ccording to the seasonal accumulation of the doshas in summers there is decrease of ka&ha and the &ungent taste also causes decrease in ka&ha and increase of vata which may lead to vata:ka&ha disorders/ !imilarly the salty taste which &redominates during autumn although considered a generally e*cellent all'year taste for Vata ty&es needs to (e reduced during the autumn season even (y Vata ty&es,$ccording to the seasonal accumulation of the doshas in autumn there is alleviation of &itta the salty taste also causes alleviation of &itta which may lead to &itta disorders/. In the early winter the sweet taste &redominates and although generally an e*cellent all'year taste for 2itta ty&es needs to (e reduced during the early winter even (y 2itta ty&es. ,$ccording to the seasonal accumulation of the doshas in winter there is increase in ka&ha and sweet taste also causes increase of ka&ha which may lead to ka&ha disorders/ Ta(le -9 TAST"S O& TH" S"ASO$S $ortherly Phase -.inter Solstice to Summer Solstice* Season )ry Tastes "lement Com'osition )osha Fate @inter 5itter $ir and s&ace Vata !&ring $stringent $ir and earth Vata I ;a&ha !ummer 2ungent $ir and fire Vata I 2itta 4ote: the dry tastes are created (y the &rogressive northward movement of the sun Southerly Phase -Summer Solstice to .inter Solstice* Season Rainy !eason ,early fall/ $utumn 6arly @inter )ry Tastes !our !alty !weet "lement Com'osition 6arth and fire @ater and fire @ater and earth )osha 2itta and ;a&ha 2itta ;a&ha

4ote: the moist tastes are created (y the &rogressive southward movement of the sun !eneficial Tastes According to )oshas Vata 2itta : : sweet sour salty !weet (itter astringent

;a&ha: &ungent (itter astringent

Ta(le -= S"ASO$A( TAST" A)5USTM"$TS F$T6 @I4T6R V$T$ )a#or: sour salty unctuous 2ITT$ )a#or: sweet sourJ salty J warm unctuous )inor: sweet )inor: (itter astringent cool !2RI4C )a#or: sweet salty warm moderate unctuous alkaline )inor: sour &ungent !%))6R )a#or: sweet sour warm moderate unctuous )inor: (itter salty R$I4" !6$!O4 ,early fall/ cool light )a#or: sweet moderate (itter J salty moderate unctuous warm )inor: astringent cool alkaline )a#or: sweet (itter cool moderate unctuous )inor: astringent light )a#or: (itter astringent moderate salty moderate sweet warm moderate Tem&erate +limates )inor: sour unctuous )inor: &ungent cool )a#or: sweet (itter salty J warm moderate unctuous Tro&ical and !emitro&ical )a#or: sweet salty moderate unctuous warm )inor: astringent &ungent )a#or: moderate salty J &ungent (itter warm moderate unctuous. +limates )inor: (itter &ungent )inor: astringent dry )inor: salty sour dry light )a#or: sweet (itter &ungentJ warm ;$2A$ )a#or: sour J astringent &ungent warm moderate unctuous )inor: (itter salty dry )a#or: &ungent moderate astringent alkaline ward dry )inor: (itter salty )a#or: (itter astringent moderate sweet warm dry )inor: &ungent cool )a#or: (itter astringent &ungent warm light

$%T%)4

)a#or: sweet sour warm light )inor: salty

)a#or: sweet (itter astringent cool light )inor: &ungent )a#or: (itter astringent moderate &ungent J warm moderate unctuous )inor: sweet

)a#or: (itter astringent moderate sweet warm light

6$RF" @I4T6R

astringent )a#or: salty (itter J moderate sour warm unctuous

)a#or: &ungent astringent (itter warm moderate unctuous )inor : salty

)inor: &ungent sweet

91ata ty'es: If strong tendency to Vata disorders use (itter as minor tastes and increase the use of sweet and salty tastes during the seasons indicated. 9Pitta ty'es: If strong tendency to 2itta disorders use sour &ungent and salty as minor tastes and increase the use of (itter astringent and sweet tastes during the seasons indicated. 94a'ha ty'es : If strong tendency to ;a&ha disorders use sweet sour and salty as minor tastes and increase the use of &ungent (itter and astringent tastes during the seasons indicated. R vata &itta I ka&ha disorders can (e seen in the charts mentioning increase in the respective doshas in )OSH C M!A(A$C"S S Ta(le -> S"ASO$A( )O:S A$) )O$:TS +limates Fate @inter .O !our salty moderate sweet unctuous su(stantial ?uantity of !2RI4C food 2ungent astringent moderate sweet moderate salty warm !ummer moderate ?uantity of food !weet (itter astringent cool moderate unctuous sufficient fluid !weet moderate sour moderate salty warmfood !our salty unctuous moderate sweet moderate unctuous warm .O4T 6*cess sweet &ungent (itter dry cold raw foods !our e*cess sweet (itter too many fluids cold !alty sour &ungent hot insufficiency of fluids 2ungent (itter astringent light cold food. e*cess unctuous

Rainy !eason ,early fall/ Tem&erate Tro&lcal and !emitro&ical +limates

2ungent (itter astringent e*cess sweet cold dry

$utumn 6arly @inter

!weet (itter astringent cool light non'oily !alty (itter astringent moderate sour warm moderate unctuous )oderate ?uantity

!our salty &ungent hot oily e*cess food heavy foods !weet e*cess sour e*cess cold dry e*cess food raw foods

The D!easonal .ontsE may (e used occasionally as a minor taste. !ee &revious chart. m'ortant Rules And Regulations Related to ) "T 2 CO$C"PT O& ) "T $ A/UR1")A 2 ;* )efination 2 .iet is that what we eat. It includes everything we eat or drink. .iet is the cause of the very e*istence 6nergy +olour I O#a ,immunity:%ltimate &urified form of all the !harir .hatus i.e 5ody tissues/ of every living (eing on this earth. <* =)iet: is the cause of the (irth maintenance I destruction of all forms of life on this earth. Brom .iet only we ac?uire following things constant growth unham&ered growth 6nergy @ell(eing Aealth +olour 2ro&er functioning of the Indriyas ,!ense Organs/. Im&ro&er dietis the ma#or cause of all illness according to $yurveda. Brom all a(ove statements one can say that In short everything de&ends on diet. A/UR1") C CO$C"PT O& &ORM O& ) "T $ccording to $yurveda 5ody is said to (e made u& of 2anch )aha(hutas ,2entads/ I hence the food also needs to (e 2anch(hautic ,)ade u& of 2anch ,five/ )aha(hutas/ then only food can get digested I (e utili3ed for the growth of 2anchamaha(hutas ,the (asic constituents of (ody/ which in turn results in growth of (ody. The diet should (e made u& of all the si* tastes i.e. !weet !our !alty Aot 5itter $stringent. It has also (een stated that according to the &ro&erties diet again can (e of 7 ty&es i.e. Aeavy to digest I 6asy or light to digest . deal )iet The ideal diet should have following &ro&erties:' -/ 7/ taking it. </ 0/ 1/ 9/ It should give energy instantaneously : immediately after taking it. It should have the ca&acity to withhold the (ody I give its strength I It should satisfy the one taking it . It should (e hot unctuous not dry when taken. It should increase the strength of (ody. It should (e tasty:it should (e such that it should (e liked (y the one who is

energy to carry on its regular functions.

=/ >/

!hould (e taken in &ro&er ?uantity. It should not (e incom&ati(le .,mentioned in uneasy com(inations (elow/

The food ,.iet/ with all a(ove &ro&erties is said to (e ldeal diet. The .iet which is of all the &ro&erties e*&lained a(ove can only do the functions &rescri(ed to it. >* &U$CT O$S O& ) "T -food* -/ 7/ </ 0/ 1/ ?* i/ ii/ iii/ iv/ v/ vi/ Instantly satisfying. Cives strength:energy. )aintains the (ody I maintains the functions of the (ody . Increases longevity. Increases the .igestive fire Vitality Recollecting 2ower I O#a .

T"26! OB .I6T That which can (e drunk That which can (e licked 6asily chewa(le e.g. Rice etc. Aard food su(stances which need to (e chewed e.g. !ugarcane which should (e sucked e.g. )ango. @hich needs mastication (y teeth these include very hard food materials e.g. meat.

There are four ty&es of diet

!ome have given 9 ty&es in addition to the four stated a(ove :

various nuts. !ome have stated > ty&es : forms of food : .iet. In addition to the a(ove 9. vii/ viii/ @* Those which can only (e eaten after (eing grinded into &owder various &astes etc. Bood su(stances like !uger candy etc. $ccording to 4ature .iet has (een classified into 7 ty&es Aeavy .iet I Fight diet.

Rain water Raktashali ,Red rice/ !athe !ali ,Old rice/ )udga 6ina ,(lack deer/ I lava ,kind of (ird und in airid regions/ are light : laghu. )ilk sugarcane fresh Rice %dad, (lack gram/ I meat of the animals from $noo& .esh land with a(undant water I &lantation ,)arshy lands e?uatorial Rain forests/ are considered to (e Curu ,Aeavy/ A* Seven Conce't of )iet

The following &oints are im&ortant in the making the .iet com&lete ,&romoting health/ or im&ro&er' ,giving Rise to various diseases/. -/ 5asic nature : &ro&erties of the food

7/ </ 0/ 1/

+om(ination of 7 or more food material changes the ?ualities : &ro&erties of .ue to (oiling roasting etc. there is change in the &ro&erties of the food. Tuantity of food we take. Region has 7 meanings the region where the food is (eing taken I !econdly region means the area the food is (een &roduced affects the

food material.

&ro&erties of food material. 9/ =/ The time when one takes the food. The order in which one takes the food.

B*

T M" O& TA4 $# ) "T

2ro&er e*cretion of urine I !tools .oshas go to the there res&ective sthanas i.e sites strotasas are clean and free from (lockage I indriyas i.e. sense organs are shar& and attentive one feels lightness of (ody 5elching with &ro&er smell to it. @ith &ro&er e*cretion of $&aan vayu Aeart (ecomes 4irdosha i.e. we feel like eating I drinking. @hen all the a(ove signs are &resent then only one should eatK as this is the &ro&er time for taking the diet. It is said that when the .oshas go to their own res&ective &laces I the !trotaras ,channels/ (ecome clean then only one should take Bood. ,UA$T T/ O& &OO) TO !" TA4"$ It is decided according to digestive ca&acity of $gni. If $gni is weak then one should take food only once or should take food in less ?uantity. Bood taken once i.e. at one time which gets digested com&letely I &ro&erly is said to (e )atra:Tuantity of food to (e taken. +onsidering four &arts of the !tomach one should take food such that 7 &arts of the !tomach get filled (y the food taken one &art to (e filled (y water or other li?uid matter I one &art should (e ke&t free for the Vayu : Cas to move . One should take diet in &ro&er ?uantity. The ?uantity of diet to (e taken de&ends on the digestion ca&acity of the &erson which varies from &erson to &erson I so does the )atra. <C* The amount of food which without distur(ing the e?uili(rium of dhatus I doshas of the (ody gets digested as well as meta(oli3ed in &ro&er time is to (e regarded as the &ro&er ?uantity. The &ro&er ?uantity of food does de&end u&on the nature of food articles. If the food article is heavy only three fourth or half of the stomach ca&acity is to (e filled u&. 6ven in the case of light food articles e*cessive intake is not conducive to the maintenance of the &ower of digestion I meta(olism.

MPORTA$C" O& &OO) TA4"$ $ PROP"R ,UA$T T/ Taken in $&&ro&riate ?uantity food certainly hel&s the individual in (ringing a(out strength com&le*ion ha&&iness I longevity without distur(ing the e?uili(rium of dhatus I doshas of the (ody. ndicated &ood 20 One should regularly , can take everyday/ take !hastika ,a kind of rice harvested in si*ty days/ !ali ,ory3a sativum/ yellow gram food cooked in Rock !alt $malaka ,em(lica officinalis/ Rain @ater Chee )eat of animals dwelling in arid climate I Aoney. Contradicted &ood 2 One should not regularly take heavy articles such as dried meat dry vegeta(les lotus rhi3omes I lotus stalk. One should never take meat of a diseased animal. )oreover one should not regularly take (oiled (uttermilk ins&issiated milk with &ork (eef meat of (uffalo with fish curd I (arley. OR)"R $ .H CH O$" SHOU() TA4" TH" ) "T Birst one should eat food of sweet taste for the &ur&ose of Vata 2itta &acification. !weet taste is hel&ful for &acification of vata dosha &resent in the digestive tract or intestines. Then one should take sour I salty su(stances for they do the function of increasing the digestive #uices. Fastly one should take food of (itter and &ungent taste for the &ur&ose of &acification of ;a&ha . One should take fruits like &omegranate first in the diet. Then one should take li?uid material I then lastly semisolid I solid food. " #HT &ACTORS )"T"RM $ $# TH" UT ( T/ &OO)8 The 6ight factors which determine the utility or otherwise of various ty&es of food are. -/ 7/ </ 0/ 1/ 9/ =/ >/ nature of food articles method of their &rocessing com(ination Tuantity Aa(itat Time Rules governing intake of food. @holesomeness to individual who takes it.

<;* RU("S &OR TA4 $# &OO) Aealthy individuals as well as &atients should o(serve the following: @hile having food articles which are most wholesome (y natureK one should eat only that food in &ro&er ?uantity which is hot unctuous I not contradictory in &otency I that too after the digestion of the &revious meal food should (e taken in &ro&er &lace with all the accessories without talking I laughing with concentration of mind I &aying due regard to oneself not too fast or too slowly.

m'ortant Rules And Regulations Related to )iet -/ 7/ </ 0/ 1/ 6at to live (ut dont live to eat. 6at food which is (eneficial. 6at food in a moderate ?uantity. .ont eat food &ro&erties of which are not known to you. .ont eat food in a hurry or when you are in a distur(ed state of mind full of tensions

strains and emotional out(reaks. Regain &eace of mind and then en#oy food with ha&&y and hearty mood. 9/ =/ >/ G/ @ash your hands feet and mouth using clean utensils in a clean &lace which is well Bill half ?uantity of stomach with food one fourth ?uantity with water and li?uid $ &erson who takes only one full meal a day is called "ogee ,or "oga &ractitioner/. Ae $ &erson who takes two full meals in a day is called 5hogiE i.e. a lusty and greedy lighted and well'ventilated. su(stances and kee& the remaining one fourth for air. takes light (reakfast in the morning and the healthy and ha&&y life. &erson who lives mostly to eat and suffers from illness and or ill health from time to time. -8/ $ &erson who takes full meals more than two times is called Rogee or a sick &erson. Ae a gluttonous &erson and lives only to eat. Ae is always sick and away from health. --/ .ont do yogic e*ercises immediately after taking food. It is safe to do them three hours after taking food. It is (etter therefore to do "ogic e*ercise early morning or in the evening when the stomach is em&ty. -7/ .ont take food immediately after doing yogic e*ercises (ut one hour after doing them. -</ .ont go to (ed immediately after taking su&&er wait for a minimum of one hour after it. -0/ $ccording to $yurveda well (alanced diet consists of food stuffs having si* tastes namely !weet !our !alty 2ungent 5itter and $stringent. )iet and Mind 2 "ogic and $yurvedic as&ects. )odern .ietetic consideration is only related to (ody. 5ut it is a uni?ueness of "ogashastra and $yurveda which shows intimate relationshi& (etween diet and mind. 5oth the sciences assert with &roofs that diet affects mentality of a human (eing. !atva ,virtue/ Ra#a ,$ggressive desire/ and Tama ,Ignorant sloth/ are the (asic ?ualities of mind. !atvaguna is always strengthening invigorating and vitalising. !atvaguna e*&resses essence understanding &urity clarity com&assion and love. Ra#oguna im&lies movement aggressiveness and e*troversion and it o&erates on a sensual level. Tamoguna manifests ignorance inertia heaviness and dullness. !atvaguna is a &ositive virtue and it strengthens and sta(ili3es mind. Ra#oguna and Tamoguna are negative attri(utes which desta(ilise and weaken the mind. "et all the three attri(utes are re?uired of course in a (alanced state and having a strong control of satvaguna are necessary for normal functioning of the mind.

$s the final goal of yoga &ractitioner is elevation and u&lifting of mental faculties to attain eternal (liss or moksha he:she should do everything to go on increasing his satvaguna through &ro&er diet and good (ehaviour. "oga (ecomes the destroyer of all woes and sorrows and can (e accom&lished only (y him who is regulated and moderate in diet and recreation regulated in s&eech and actions and regulated in thinking and slee&ing too. The Taste Process The first su(#ective e*&erience of a su(stance on the tongue is taste ,rasa/. $ short time later one feels heating or cooling energy ,virya/. Binally the su(stances have an action on urine fasces and sweat ,vi'ak/. Bor instance for hot chilli &e&&ers one immediately e*&eriences its &ungent taste ,rasa/ and heating energy ,virya/ o(serving a (urning sensation in the faces and urine ,vi&aka/ . Virya D Aeating or +ooling 6nergy @hen any medicinal her( or food su(stance is &ut in the mouth the first e*&erience is its taste. Fater and in some cases immediately you feel its heating or cooling energy either in the mouth or stomach. This change is all due to its action or &otent energy called Virya. 5y e*&erience one can form general rules a(out what a taste Ofeels likeO in the (ody. Bor e*am&le the sweet taste has a cooling energy due to its heaviness. This action &rovokes kapha and is &leasing to pitta and vata. 5ut there are occasional e*ce&tions to this rule. Aoney is sweet (ut have heating energy. This une*&ected effect is termed Prabhav. In this same way sour taste is usually heating e*&ect in the instance of lime which is cooling. Vipak D 2ost'.igestive 6ffect The final &ost'digestive effect of the taste on the (ody mind and consciousness is called Vipak. @hile sweet and salty taste have a sweet vipak sour taste has a sour vipak (ut that of &ungent (itter and astringent tastes are all &ungent. ;nowledge of the energy and &ost' digestive effect of food or medicinal her(s makes understanding of its action on (odily system easy. This knowledge (eing essential for (oth healing and cooking. Prabhav D !&ecific %ne*&lained $ction @hen two su(stances of similar taste energy and &ost'digestive effect show entirely different action it is called &ra(hav. There is no logical e*&lanation for this. $ll gem stones crystals and mantras aid healing due to their prabhav. rabhav is therefore the s&ecific dynamic hidden action of the awareness &resent in the su(stance.

)iet Planning Choice of &ood In &lanning the diet it is necessary to know which food to have or avoid (ased on ones &ersonal doshic constitution or im(alance. Bor easy reference therefore some of the acce&ta(le and avoida(le items for each doshic ty&e has (een listed (elow: Ta(le -G &ruits 1ata $o a&&les dates figs ,dry/ &omegranate raisin &ears /es $vocades gra&es lemons (ananas sweet oranges 2lum Pitta $o a&&les,sour/ (erries,sour/ cran(erries straw(erries (anana lemon /es a&&les,sweet/ (erries,sweet/ coconuts dates figs avocados 4a'ha $o (ananas dates gra&es water melons sweetners melons /es a&&les (erries cran(er ries &omegr anates dried fruits straw(e rries in small amount s figs ,fresh/ mango &eaches sweet melons &lums &omegranates mango coconut

)airy 1ata $o cheese /es dairy Pitta $o yogurt /es fresh ghee 4a'ha $o milk /es #ust a little cows milk Bresh whole sour cream fresh whole un' homogeni3ed milk clarified (utter cheese dairy goat milk and ghee in modera tion

&owdered yogurt

un'homogeni3ed milk Chee little (utter white meat ,chicken fish or turkey (aked or (roiled/ chicken (roth

#rains 1ata $o 5arley /es white or (rown (asmati rice Pitta $o +orn /es white or (rown (asmati rice wheat 4a'ha $o 5read,with yeast/ /es (arley (uckwh eat cousou corn cereals granola millet wheat Oats ?uinoa millet oat,dry/ ?uinoa &olenta (arley oat (ran oats wheat or wheat (ran oat,cooked/ wheat white rice cane s millet muesli oats oat (ran small amount of wheat ta&ioca

Meat 1ata $o /es Pitta $o /es 4a'ha $o /es

turkey

white meat ,chicken fish and turkey ' (aked or (roiled/ chicken (roth

meat

(aked or (roiled chicken turkey or white fish in moderate

(eef

fresh water fish

ra((it &ork lam(

chicken ducks eggs &ork salmon sardines

amounts

(uffalo chicken duck

shrim& ra((it venison small amount of white meat

1egeta%les 1ata $o +a((age, raw/ +auliflow er,raw/ 2eas 2otatoes !&inach 6gg&lant )ushroo m Raddish,r aw/ !&inach /es (eets cauliflower,cooke d/ Feeks carrots as&aragus cilantro fennel and a little (it of garlic green (eans greens chillies Pitta $o 5eet greens +arrots Carlic Creen +hillies Onion 2e&&ers 2rickly &ear Radishes /es as&aragus (roccoli ca((age cucum(er cooked onions sweet &otatoes s&routs s?uash and a small amount of okra and cauliflower Tomatoes ,raw/ &arsni&s &um&kins radishes, &refera(ly cooked/ lettuce okra Turni&s horsera dish leafy greens leeks Okra !&inach carrot 4a'ha $o +ucum(er Olives 2otato 2um&kin !&aghetti !?uash Tomato,raw/ /es as&arag us (eets (itter melons (roccoli (eet greens ca((ag e garlic fennel

cooked onions s&inach s&routs s?uash turni& and a small amount of artichok e (urdock root and (russel s s&routs

S'ices 1ata $o /es Pitta $o /es 4a'ha $o /es

+arawas

$#wan $lmond e*tract

$#wan $nise

5lack &e&&er cardamom

!alt

chillies ginger cinnam on clove fenugre ek and (ay leaves $#awan $rvise $safoeti da 5ay leaf +arawa y +innam on

$ruise 5asil 5ay leaf 5lack &e&&er $ll s&ices are good. cilantro cummin corriander and fennel seeds turmeric and asafoetida,hing/

$safoctida 5asil 5ay leaf Carlic Cinger )ace

coriander seeds cinnamon cilantro fennel seeds fresh (asil

2i&&ai )ustard

dill turmeric and a small amount of cumin and fresh ginger

!eeds

.ill )ace

4utmeg !affron

$uts 1ata $o /es Pitta $o /es 4a'ha $o /es

4one

small amount of almonds &ecans and sesame seeds

$lmonds +ashew 2eanuts 2inenuts

sunflower seeds and almonds in moderate amount

$lmonds

small amount of almond s charole

5lack @alnuts 5ra3il nuts Bil(erts Aa3elnuts 2eanuts 2ine nuts @alnuts

Uneasy Com%inations for all %ody ty'es The ne*t im&ortant factor re?uiring attention in the &lanning of diet is the incom&ati(ility of certain com(inations of food that distur( the normal functioning of gastric fire and interfere with the e?uili(rium of the three doshas there(y creating to*ins ,ama/ the root cause of all ailments. $ list of the same is indicated (elow : Ta(le 78 Milk 6ith Melons 6ith Starches 6ith Honey 6ith Radishes 6ith $ightshades 6ith /ogurt 6ith "ggs 6ith &ruit 6ith Corn 6ith (emon 6ith fish meat curd sour fruits (read containing yeast cherries yogurt grains starch fried foods dairy &roducts eggs tea dairy (ananas dates most fruits when mi*ed with an e?ual amount of clarified (utter (oiled or cooked honey milk (ananas raisins &otato yogurt milk melon cucum(er tomato egg&lant milk sour fruits melons hot drinks meat fish mangos starch cheese milk meat yogurt melons cheese fish (ananas with any other food dates raisins (ananas yogurt milk cucum(ers tomatoes

TH" TH RT""$ CHA$$"(S O& C RCU(AT O$ The (ody contains numerous channels through which the dhatus doshas and malas circulate known as strotas in $yurveda these consist of (oth gross channels such as the intestinal tract lym&hatic system arteries veins and the genitor'urinary tracts as well as the

more su(tle channels such as the ca&illaries., mentioned earlier in malas as mootravahastrotas etc/ In $yurveda a com&le* system of diagnosis is em&loyed to trace the root cause of disease. The diagnosis of all diseases is (ased on which of the individual doshas are com&romised and which channels are o(structed. $n e*cess of any one dosha can create a s&ill'over effect in the (ody. Thus a disease originating from one vitiated dosha is a(le to travel through the channels to the site of another dosha. .osha e*cesses can also create (lockages in the channels there(y o(structing their normal flow. )en have thirteen grou&s of channels and women have fifteen. Of the thirteen common grou&s of (odily channels the first three are the channels through which the air ,or (reath/ food and water travelK these are governed (y Vata 2itta ;a&ha res&ectively. Air Channels0 'ranavahastrotas The (odys air channels originate in the heart and the alimentary tract and conduct &ranic force and vitality through the res&iration and circulation systems. These channels (ecome im&aired (y the su&&ression of natural (odily urges (y ingesting dry or stale food and (y e*cessive &hysical e*ertion. !ym&toms e*&ressed (y vitiated air channels are shallow and restricted (reathing fear an*iety and nervous tension. &ood Channels0 annavahastrotas Bood channels originate in the stomach and carry food through the digestive system. %ntimely or indiscriminate eating unhealthy foods and low digestive fire cause vitiation of these channels. The sym&toms of afflicted food channels are loss of a&&etite indigestion vomiting anore*ia greed and &ossessiveness. .ater Channels0 udakavahastrotas @ater channels originate in the &alate and &ancreas and regulate the (odys fluid. O(struction of these &assages is caused (y e*cessive e*&osure to heat e*cessive use of alcohol or other addictive su(stances and ingesting very dry foods. The sym&toms of vitiation are e*cessive thirst dryness of li&s throat tongue and &alate as well as selfishness and dullness. The following seven grou&s of channels service each of the (odys seven dhatus. Fike the dhatus the nature of these channels range from the most gross ,megasco&ic/ to the most su(tle ,)icrosco&ic cellular level/ Rasa -Plasma* Channels0 rasavahastrotas 2lasma channels (egin in the heart and its several (lood vessels and trans&ort chyle and &lasma to the rasa ,&lasma/ dhatu ,all over the (ody/. O(struction of these &assages is caused (y stress grief and e*cessively cold and heavy foods. The sym&toms of vitiations are anore*ia drowsiness nausea fainting and anaemia im&otency stress and grief.

Rakta -!lood* Channels0 raktavahastrotas 5lood channels originate in the liver and s&leen and trans&ort (lood to the rakta dhatu ,all over the (ody/. This grou& of channels is often referred to as the circulatory system. Vitiation of this system is caused (y hot and oily foods e*cessive e*&osure to the sun or fire and e*&osure to radioactivity. The sym&toms of vitiation are skin diseases and rashes a(scesses e*cessive (leeding and inflammation of the genital organs and anus. The emotional sym&toms are anger dullness and aggressiveness. Mamsa -Muscular* Channels 0 mamsavahastrotas )uscular channels which originate in the ligaments tendons and skin su&&ly nutrients to the muscle dhatu ,all over the (ody/. Im&airment of these channels is due to regular intake of heavy greasy foods e*cessive slee& slee&ing after meals and sedentary lifestyle. The sym&toms of vitiation are usually (enign tumors &roduced (y the muscular system tonsillitis a swollen uvula hemorrhoids and swelling of the thyroid glands and adenoids. The emotional sym&toms are lack of mental clarity and nervous tension. Meda -&at* Channels 0 medavahastrotas Bat channels commonly known as the adi&ose system originate in the kidneys and the omentum. They su&&ly fat tissue ingredients to the )eda dhatus ,all over the (ody/. Vitiation of this system is due to su&&ression of digestive activities and e*cess of fatty foods alcohol and other addictive su(stances. The sym&toms of affliction are generally dia(etes urinary disorders and &ossessiveness. Asthi -!one and Cartilage* Channels 0 asthivahastrotas 5one and cartilage channels commonly known as the skeletal system (egin in the hi&(one and su&&ly nutritive ingredients to the asthi ,(one and cartilage/ dhatus ,all over the (ody/. $ffliction of these channels is generally caused (y e*cessive activity friction of the (ones and e*cessive intake of food which is e dry cold or stale. !ome sym&toms of vitiation are dry flaky nails and decaying teeth &ainful #oints dry and thinning hair and feelings of de&rivation and fear. Ma33a -!one Marro6* Channels 0 ma33avahastrotas The (one marrow channels commonly referred to as the central nervous system su&&ly the marrow and nerve tissue nutrients to the )a##a ,(one marrow/ dhatus ,all over the (ody/. In $yurveda the marrow is not only the matter found in the (one encasement ,called white and red marrow/ (ut is also found in the (rain and s&inal cord. Im&airment of the (ones and #oints is generally caused (y consum&tion of uneasy com(ination foods such as the use of animal foods with milk or hot and cold su(stances taken together trauma and in#ury which in turn

affect the (one marrow. The sym&toms of vitiation are fainting di33iness loss of memory (lackouts and com&ound a(scesses. Shukra -Ovum and S'erm* Channels 0 shukravahastrotas The ovum and s&erm channels are su(tler than the nine &receding channel grou&s. Originating in the testes and ovaries these channels are ordinarily referred to as the re&roductive system. They trans&ort the semen ovum and o#as essence to the male and female tissues. $ffliction of these &assages is normally the result of unwholesome activities such as e*cessive or su&&ressed se* unnatural se* se* at im&ro&er times like during menstruation and &regnancy drug addictions and a(ortions. The sym&toms of vitiation are im&otency infertility and defective &regnancy. The emotional sym&toms are se*ual &erverted indulgences selfishness and aggression. The remaining grou&s of channels common to (oth the male and female are the (odys three elimination systems. Urinary Channels 0 mootravahastrotas The urinary channels (eing in the kidneys and (ladder e#ect urine from the (ody. Im&airment of these &assages is caused (y the su&&ression of urination. The sym&toms of vitiation are generally e*cessive scanty or fre?uent urination as well as fears an*ieties and nervousness. "Ecretory Channels 0 'urishvahastrotas The e*cretory channels ordinarily referred to as the e*cretory system originate in the colon and rectum. They evacuate feces from the (ody. Vitiation of these channels is caused (y weak digestive fire eating (efore the &revious meal is digested su&&ression of defecation and ingesting food of o&&osite ?uality. The sym&toms of affliction are usually diarrhea consti&ation or e*cessively hard stools. The emotional sym&toms are e*ecessive attachment dullness and fear. S6eat Channels 0 s6edavahastrotas The last of the e*cretory channels commonly known as the se(aceous system originate in the fat tissue and hair follicles and e*&el sweat from the (ody. $ffliction of these channels is caused (y e*cessive activity heat s&icy foods acidic foods e*cessive alcohol other addictive su(stances grief fear and anger. The sym&toms of vitiation are e*cess &ers&iration or no &ers&iration rough and dry skin (urning sensation of the skin aggressiveness or dullness. &emale Channels

Two additional channels e*ist within the female (ody: the menstrual channel which e*&els (lood secretions and tissue de(ris from the uterus and the (reast milk channel which carries milk to the nourishing mothers (reast. These two channels are (oth &art of the &lasma channel which su&&ly the &lasma dhatus ,rasa dhatu/. @hen the channels are (locked their corres&onding doshas:dhatus:mala and u&dhatus (ecome vitiated. (as m!ntion!d b!%or! air, %ood and &at!r #hann!"s ar! gov!rn!d by vata, pitta and kapha r!sp!#tiv!"y, a"so r!%!r to th! #hart o% primary dhatu, updhatu and ma"a) The cleansing thera&ies of &ancha karma restore order to the system (y clearing away to o(stacles so that the doshas can flow as they should. Ayurvedic !ody Ty'es PRA4R T The $yurvedic te*ts &rovided s&ecific guidelines to hel& us identify our constitutional nature. These guidelines ena(le us to live wisely on the earth while safeguarding our health. Brom the three doshas Vata 2itta and ;a&ha seven (ody ty&es were originally identified. Our (ody ty&e which is determined at (irth is our constitutional nature our prakriti. This &rakriti is derived from the &articular com(inations and &ermutations of the five elements in the s&erm and ovum that e*ist during conce&tion ,ref to the chart (elow/. Once (irth has made its elemental im&rint we cannot alter it without adversely affecting our (alance of well'(eing. The human constitution or &rakriti is com&rised of all three doshas. This means that every individual has within himself the dynamic forces of Vata 2itta and ;a&ha. The difference (etween individuals is the degree to which the three doshas interact with one another within each (ody ty&e. Only our &hysio'&sychological as&ects change influenced as they are (y social environmental and cultural factors o&erating in our lives and as well as (y our &ersonal choices. The Seven Original !ody Ty'es Originally $yurveda defined seven (ody ty&es. These were Vata 2itta ;a&ha !ama Vata' ;a&ha Vata'2itta and 2itta';a&ha. The first three ty&es occur in their &ure from very rarely so seldom is it that anyone is &rimarily influenced (y one dosha alone. 6ven more infre?uent is the !ama dosha ,all three doshas in (alance/. )ore common are the com(ination (ody ty&es referred to as dual &rakriti i.e. Vata';a&ha Vata'2itta and 2itta';a&ha. In more recent times these three dual ty&es have (een e*&anded to include si* dual ty&es. 5y reversing the two doshas within each dual ty&e and considering it a se&arate ty&e i.e. ;a&ha'Vata 2itta' Vata ;a&ha'2itta. $ &erson who has (oth Vata and 2itta dominant may therefore (e either a Vata'2itta or 2itta'Vata ty&e de&ending on which of the two doshas is more dominant. 5ecause the (ody ty&es are the (asis from which all $yurvedic diagnosis (egins they are e*&lained here in some detail. This e*&lanation is also intended to hel& you (etter understand your own &ersonal constitution. "lemental Source of !ody Ty'es

Rare 5ody Ty&es -/ 7/ </ 0/ Vata 2itta ;a&ha !ama air:s&ace fire:water water:earth (alance of all three doshas

J$OT"' The relation (etween dosha I their elements refer to the cha&ter on TRIC%4$ ta(le no.- I ta(le no.7 .ual 5ody Ty&es ,original classification/ -/ 7/ </ Vata:2itta Vata:;a&ha 2itta:;a&ha air:s&ace mainK fire:water su(ordinate air:s&ace mainK water:earth su(ordinate fire:water mainK water:earth su(ordinate

$dditional .ual 5ody Ty&es ,recogni3ed (y contem&orary &ractitioners/ -/ 7/ </ 2itta:Vata ;a&ha:Vata ;a&ha:2itta fire:water mainK air:s&ace su(ordinate water:earth mainK air:s&ace su(ordinate water:earth mainK fire:water su(ordinate

!ody Ty'e ,ualities 1ATA -like 6ind* dry cold light mo(ile erratic rough (itter astringent &ungent Ta(le -8 Characteristics of %ody ty'es 4a'ha -like 6ater* oily cool heavy sta(le dense smooth sweet sour salty smelly sour &ungent salty Pitta -like fire* hot oily light intense fluid

Bor a (etter understanding of your $yurvedic constitution and to cross'check the results of the test listed (elow are the &rinci&al &hysical and &sychological characteristics of &ersons with the &redominant single dosha constitution.

V$T$ ' 2hysically such &eo&le are very tall or very short non' muscular with thin and (ony lim(s and have a ?uick gait with short fast ste&s. !kin is generally thin darkish and cool. The hair is thin dark coarse and either kinky or curly. The face is usually long and angular often with an underdevelo&ed chin. The neck is thin and scrawny. 4ose is small and narrow. )ay (e long crooked or asymmetrical also. 6yes tend to (e small narrow or sunken dark (rown or grey in colour with dull lustre. The mouth (eing small with thin narrow or tight li&s. Teeth are irregular &rotruding or (roken set in receding gums. $nd while the voice is weak low or cracked s&eech is fast with interru&tions. Creativity F "nthusiasm F &reedom F #enerosity F 5oy F 1itality Vata &eo&le have restless minds and weak memories. They avoid confrontation. Aave active and sensitive natures and e*&ress themselves through s&ort and creative &ursuits. Fikely to (e artistic and creative with a good imagination they will sometimes overindulge in &leasures. $nd are se*ually the very active. Bearful worrisome and an*ious they are into ?uestioning theorising and over'analysis. Often dissatisfied with and una(le to sustain friendshi&s they s&end money ?uickly often on trifles. @ith light interru&ted slee& of 1'= hours a day.

2ITT$ ' $ moderately well develo&ed &hysi?ue with muscular lim(s and a &ur&oseful sta(le gait of medium s&eed. @ith a loud strong voice and &recise convincing s&eech. The skin is fair soft lustrous warm and tends to (urn easily in the sun has freckles many moles and a tendency to rashes. $nd the (odies are hot and sweaty. +haracterised (y fine and soft either fair or reddish: light (rown hair that tends to grey soon. Bace is heart'sha&ed often with a &ointed chin. @hile the neck is &ro&ortionate and of average si3e. $ neat &ointed and average si3ed nose matches the average si3ed eyes that are either light (lue light grey or ha3el in colour with an intense lustre which gets red in summer or after (athing. The mouth (eing medium with average li&s and medium'si3ed yellowish teeth. Am%ition F Concentration F Confidence F Courage F "nthusiasm for kno6ledge F Ha''iness F ntelligence

Pittas have an intellectual and &recise dis&osition due to a very alert focussed mind. !har& and knife'like in anger they are irrita(le #ealous and aggressive (y nature. .iscriminating and #udgemental they are articulate learned and &roud. @ith a develo&ed sense of res&onsi(ility they can take decisions and organise affairs well. $rgumentative (ut with a sense of humour their selectively e*cellent memory makes them fast learners. )oderately &assionate in their se*ual &ursuits they s&end moderately usually on lu*uries.

;$2A$ ' $ thick (road well'develo&ed frame and large long lim(s go well with a &leasant dee& and resonant voice with low slow rhythmic s&eech. The skin is usually thick oily &ale or white and cold. 2lentiful thick wavy lustrous and generally (rown:(lack hair is set on a large rounded and full face. The neck is solid with a near tree'trunk ?uality. $ large rounded nose and large attractive (lue or light (rown : (lack color of eyes are found in a mouth that is large with (ig full li&s. Teeth too are (ig and white and set in strong gums. Caring F Centeredness F Com'assion F Contentment F &aith F &ulfillment F #roundedness F Patience F Sense of %eing nourished F Sta%ility F Su''ort F Tenderness apha &redominated &eo&le are calm steady considerate ' sta(le &atient &ersonalities they are slow to anger. 4ot easily &rovoked once angry they do not calm down easily. They are honoura(le true to their word and avoid lies. Foyal forgiving and understanding they can (e lethargic even la3y if not driven (y others. Fearning may (e slow (ut memory will (e strong. 6*cellent in logical analysis they take time (efore reaching conclusions. Fong hours of dee& slee& and a strong enduring se* drive come naturally. @hile they do save money it does get s&ent on food. $nd there can at times (e an element of dullness given that a kapha mind is usually too content to seek fresh mental stimulation $urturing ReGuirements 1ATA2 4urtured (y the elements fire water and earth moist heavy smooth hot P TTA2 4urtured (y the elements water air s&ace and earth cool aromatic sweet (itter astringent sour sweet salty

calming 4APHA2 4urtured (y the elements fire air and s&ace dry warm light Ta(le -)oHs and )onHts R"M") "S 1ATA P TTA 4APHA .ecreased ?uantities of warm @arm to cool rather @arm well cooked food. !weet sour Bood and salty tastes @ith calming and warming oils such as Oil )assage )ahanarayan Oil etc. than steaming hot. !weet (itter and astringent tastes. @ith cooling oils such as chandan(ala Fa*adi oil etc. )oderate e*ercise )oderate e*ercise such as yoga walking and light 6*ercise weights $shwagandha shatavari haritaki Aer(al .ietary su&&lements Cuggul Trikatu Vata tea +alming Tea. which may include #ogging swimming "oga cycling and weight lifting Aaritaki 5humiamla +hyavan&rash surakta sito&ladi churan &itta Tea. Cuggul sito&ladi churan trikatu chyavan&rash ;a&ha Tea. Regular and vigorous. @ith stimulating oils such as sahacharadi oil etc. food.2ungent (itter and astringent taste. Aealthy ;a&ha ty&es should o(serve fast one day &er week. &ungent (itter astringent

&actors that increase vata 6*&osure to cold lack of routine in your life eating too much dry fro3en or leftover food or food with (itter &ungent or astringents taste. Basting too much traveling too much or ina&&ro&riate e*ercise su&&ressing natural urges a(dominal surgery. 4ot oiling the skin.

&actors that increase 'itta 6*&osure to heat eating too much red meat salt s&icy or sour foods. Indigestion and irregularity of meals. 6*ercising at midday .rugs es&ecially anti(iotics. Too much intellectual work:thinking. $lcohol Batigue. $nger Aate fear. &actors that increase ka'ha 6*&osure to cold eating too much sweet meat fats cheese milk ice cream yogurt fried food e*cessive use of salt. 6*cessive intake of water taking na&s after meals. .oing nothing .!edative and tran?uili3ers. .ou(ts greed and &ossessiveness. )etermining /our Ayurvedic !ody Ty'e Cenerally everyone &ossesses characteristics from all three categories of (ody ty&e although one or two will usually &redominate. $&&roach the chart (elow honestly. Remem(er that your evaluation will (e coloured (y the ?ualities of your &resent lifestyle. !i* week after making the necessary changes in your diet and daily activities and doing the cleansing as given in the forthcoming &ages re'do the 5ody Ty&e chart. The latter res&onse will (e more in kee&ing with your true constitutional nature. .irections : )ove hori3ontally across each of the sections set out in the chart (elow and circle the attri(utes that you feel most accurately reflect you. +hoose at least one from each section. $sk a s&ouse &arent or friend to assist you with the 6motional +haracteristics &ortion of the assessment so that your choices will (e as o(#ective as &ossi(le. )en are advised to seek the assistance of a women a s&ouse a friend or mother for (oth the 2hysical +haracteristics and 6motional +haracteristics section of the chart. Then moving down each of the three columns count how many characteristics you circled for each (ody ty&e. @hich ever column yields the highest score indicated your $yurvedic (ody ty&e. Bor e*am&le if your scores are -1 for Vata -7 for 2itta and 1 for ;a&ha then your $yurvedic (ody ty&e is Vata:2itta. Ta(le -7 !O)/ T/P" CHART2 PH/S CA( CHARACT"R ST CS )osha 5ody Brame 1ATA Thin irregular very short or very tall P TTA )edium &ro&ortionate toned 4APHA Aeavy (oard evenly &ro&ortioned

@eight

Aard to gain easy to lose

6asy to gain 6asy to lose

6asy to gain Aard to loose

!kin

+old dark or dusky

@arm and reddish sun(urns easily

+ool fair or oily tans easily Oily wavy thick lusturous.

Aair

.ry fri33y thin dark

thin fine reddish &remature (alding or graying

6yes

5rown gray or unusual color small nervous eyes

Creen ha3el light (rown &eircing eyes

5lack (lue dark (rown (ig sensual eyes

4ails

.ry grayish rough (rittle

+lear well formed soft &ink Intense Foose regular large ?uantity soft

!?uare white even

$&&etite 6vacuation

Irregular +onsti&ated irregular small ?uantity

+onsistent regular moderate ?uantity

!weat !tamina

!canty 2oor e*ertive

2rofuse )oderate driven

)oderate 6*cellent

!lee& $ctivity

2oor varia(le Aigh restless

)oderate light moderate

Fong dee& Fow moves slow

!ensitivities Immune function .isease tendancy Ta(le -<

+old dryness wind Fow varia(le

Aeat sunlight fire )oderate sensitive to heat

+old dam& Aigh

2ain

Bever inflammation

+ongestion oedema

!O)/ T/P" CHART2 "MOT O$A( CHARACT"R ST CS Mental characters 1ata Pitta 4a'ha

Tem&erament

Bearful

indecisive

$ngry

intelligent

calm stu((orn

sta(le

nervous &erce&tive )emory Fearns ?uickly Borgets ?uickly ?uick (ut a(sentminded !&eech 6rratic talkative fast

arrogant successful Fearns ?uickly Borgets slowly shar& I clear .ecisive articulate shar&

Fearns slowly Borgets slowly slow (ut study !low cautious

melodious !teady change slow to

Baith

Varia(le erratic

!trong determined

.reams

Blying fre?uent

fearful

erratic

Biery

violent

@atery

sensual long

intense moderate

infre?uent se?uences

!e*uality 2ositive emotions 4egative emotions

+old varia(le ada&ta(ility Bear

Aot intense courage anger

@arm enduring Fove $ttachment

!u&erior ?ualities are allotted to the ;a&ha (ody ty&e as far as &hysical and emotional characteristics are concerned. 5ut when (ody ty&es concerned with more than one dosha is concerned the sama ty&e where all the doshas are in e?ual ?uantity is the (est of all (ody ty&es which is very rare to find. )inacharya In order to kee& the tridoshas in a state of healthy e?uili(rium digestion I meta(olism ,agni/ in &ro&er order Ayurveda &rescri(es for each individual a s&ecific daily routine , dina day I acharya (ehavior/. The various stages to this daily routine as &er prakriti,constitution/ that will ena(le you to make the most out of your life are : Arising !ince our (iological clocks are attuned to the rising and setting of the sun it is o(viously (etter to awake an hour (efore sunrise in &erfect synchroni3ation to the natural clock i.e (etween five I si* in the morning. $n ideal time to let the (ody cells soak in the strength of a tem&ered sun to (e charged for the day. It increases the life s&an of an individual and hel&s maintain the e?uili(rium of doshas in once (ody. .rinking a glass of Fuke'warm water hel&s flush out all to*ins accumulated overnight in the (ody.

$atural Urges The last &ortion of the night (eing ruled (y vata involved in the &rocess of elimination the time (efore dawn is (est to eliminate the (odyHs &hysical waste . 2ro&er elimination also hel&s remove the kapha that naturally accumulates overnight. .efecation once or twice daily is the (est. 6*amine your eliminations each morning and if you notice any distur(ance indicating &oor digestion go on a fast. It will allow the (ody rest to correct the system (efore disease sets in. 4ever su&&ress the natural &hysical urges as elimination hunger thirst slee& snee3ing yawning (ur&ing crying vomiting flatus and e#aculation for it will lead to discomfort and even disease. ORA( H/# "$" Oral gargles !&ecific oil gargling according to ones constitution is (eneficial for the strength of #aws de&th of voice glow on the face and &erfect taste sensation. One who does these gargles never gets dryness of throat cracking of li&s his teeth will (e free from cavities and (e dee&'rooted he wont suffer from toothache and can chew the hardest of things.

H"A) O ( One who a&&lies ayurvedic her(al head oil ,according to ones (ody constitution/ on his head does not suffer from headache (aldness hair graying. !trength of his head and forehead is s&ecially enhanced his hair (ecomes (lack long and dee&'rooted his sense organs work &ro&erly the skin of his face (rightens a&&lying this head oil &roduces sound slee& and ha&&iness. This oil should (e a&&lied lukewarm at night (efore going to (ed. The (est results for lustrous I thick hair is when the oil is washed with an ayurvedic her(al sham&oo. O ( $# O& "ARS 6ar diseases due to vitiated vata like lock #aw difficulty in hearing tinnitus,whistling sound in the ears/ accumulation of wa* and deafness, also a&&ear during old age/ are &revented if ear oil called %il6atailam is used regularly ,twice in a month /i.e dro&&ed into the ear. It also hel&s kee& the ears clean of wa* and other e*ternal im&urities. Massage

4ecessary for every &erson a regular self'massage ,(efore a (ath/ with her(al oils is necessary at least twice a week (ut needs to (e su&&lemented with &rofessional attention ,ayurvedic oil massage/ occasionally. It makes the skin su&&leK controls vata (y reducing its cold dry light rough I erratic ?ualities enhances (lood circulation encourages ?uicker removal of meta(olic wastes and rela*es the (ody. The one who &ractices oil massage regularly his (ody even if su(#ected to in#uries or strenuous work is not much in#ured. Ae remains strong and charming. The ayurvedic oil massage done with &ro&er oil according to ones constitution regularly is highly re#uvenating. Bollow the normal direction of hair growth massage the scal& and head at least twice weekly and #ust the soles of your feet if short of time "Eercise 6ither &assive like massage or active like aero(ics or (oth as in yoga &osturesK regular e*ercise increases the (odyHs stamina and resistance to disease (y facilitating the immune system clearing all channels &romoting circulation I waste dis&osal and destroying fat. .one regularly it can reduce an*iety . .e&ending on age I (ody ty&e kaphas can go for heavy e*ercises pittas should do it in moderation ,aero(ics/ and vatas should &erform yoga and not aero(ics. 4ever e*ert more than half your ca&acity. $void any kind of e*ercise during illness #ust after a meal and without rhythmic (reathing. !wimming (risk walking and #ogging are e*cellent o&tions. Cleanliness 0 "&&"CTS O& HA1 $# A !ATH 5athing is &urifying increases li(ido and is life'giving. In todays fast life we use soa&s which are made of chemicals these make our skin dry and are harmful in the long run es&ecially to children. .one after the her(al oil massage with a &ro&er her(al (ody scru( it removes fatigue sweating and dirt. It (rings a(out strength in the (ody and is an aid &ar e*cellence for the enhancement of o#a. Thorough washing of the lim(s face mouth eyes I nose &urifies the (odies sense organs. 5est done with a (ath in clean water it should accom&any (rushing of the teeth ,should (e re&eated after every meal/ scra&ing off a to*icated coating of ama from the tongue occasional gargling of salt water with a &inch of turmeric to kee& gums mouth I throat healthy. 2ro&er cleaning of the nose and the ears and washing the eyes should (e done. ;ee& your hair trimmed nails filed and wear clean clothes. $yurveda encourages to use &erfumes in moderation and feel good. T M" &OR US" O& CO((/R UM0 rasan3ana

One should regularly a&&ly the collyrium made of antimony called =rasan3ana: once in every five or eight nights as it causes lacrymation of the eyes. 8f all the maha(hutas fire ,te#as/ dominates the eyes so they are es&ecially susce&ti(le to ka&ha ,which leads to cataract (lurring of vision/. Therefore collyrium which alleviates ka&ha is good for kee&ing clearity of vision. The rasan#ana must not (e a&&lied to the eyes during the day time as the eyes weakened (y the drainage will (e adversely affected in sunlight . Thus collyrium should (e a&&lied at night. +haraka says $s different ty&es of tarnished gold are s&otlessly cleaned (y means of oil cloth I (rush so also with the use of rasan#ana the eyes of human (eing (ecome s&otlessly (right like the moon in the clear sky. US" O& $ASA( )ROPS One should inhale s&ecially &re&ared oil for nasal dro&s during all seasons called anu taila*. Two dro&s of this oil should (e a&&lied in (oth the nostrils after hot water (ath or (efore going to (ed with a cotton swa( or ear (ud. One who &ractices this nasal dro& thera&y called nasyam in &ro&er given time and according to the &rescri(ed method his eyes nose and ears are not effected easily (y any disease or (y any e*ternal infection. It &revents hair graying ,hair on the head (eard eye(rows and eyelashes/ and hair fall rather they grow lu*uriously. .iseases such as headache facial &aralysis lock #aw rhinitis etc are treated. 5eing nourished (y inhalation of anu taila his veins #oints ligaments and tendons of the head and neck gain greater strength. Their is glow on his face voice (ecomes sweet esta(lished I stertorous. $ll his sense organs (ecome clear I there is considera(le strength in them. 6ven though a &erson might (e growing older (ut the age is not reflected on his face. 5y massaging oil on the feet roughness lethargy dryness fatigue and num(ness are instantaneously cured. Tenderness strength and steadiness of feet are effected eye sight (ecomes clear and vitiated vata is relieved . &revention from sciatica cracking of feet constriction of vessels and ligaments of feet is ensured if oil massage is done on the feet. Meditation Ideal for disci&lining the mind and removing stress I strain it is (est done after a ?uick (ath to cleanse yourself. +ritical in satisfying the mindHs hunger when done well it is so nourishing that even the (ody can survive on less. +ontrol of desire or mental hunger is the key to longevity. $nything can (e meditation so long it is sincere and heartfelt.

Clothing In shielding from e*treme tem&eratures it tends to reflect the tem&erament of the wearer in a society showing growing &re&onderance of the same. !hould always (e light I airy, unless it is very cold/ and made of natural fi(ers as cotton wool linen or silk. !ince energy is (rought into the (ody through the crown of the head and e*its from the soles of the feet e*tracting a(normal heat from the system the &olluted energy usually collects in the footwear. !o avoid wearing otherHs footwear try not to take shoes into the house and walk (arefoot whenever &ossi(le. $nd wooden sandals are healthier than animal skin or ru((er shoes. Jall the a(ove mentioned &roducts i.e oils: sham&oo etc , according to ones constitution/ can (e ordered on our we(site .

'ound sleep is the key to good health $4+I64T ayurvedic te*ts while dealing with right and ideal lifestyle have discussed three &illars of life. They are ahara ,diet/ nidra ,slee&/ and (rahmacharya ,o(servance of se*ual disci&line/. Out of these three the conce&t of &ro&er slee& finds mention in the work of every author. The time s&ent on slee& is likely to vary according to the age and other situations. On an average it is (elieved that a man &asses one'third of his life aslee&. $n infant slee&s 78 hours daily whereas on an average adults re?uire seven or nine hours and an old &erson five or seven hours of slee& in 70 hours. The re?uirement for slee& also varies individually. There are &ersons who are Dshort'slee&ersE (ut do not show any sign of illness attri(uted to less slee& . Physiology of Slee'2 @hen the mind including sensory and motor organs is e*hausted and they dissociate themselves from their o(#ects then the individual slee&s. "ffect of Slee'2 Aa&&iness misery nourishment emaciation strength weakness virility sterility knowledge ignorance life and death all these occur de&ending on &ro&er or im&ro&er slee&. $ccording to !ushruta a good slee& en#oyed at &ro&er time and for &ro&er &eriod tends to im&rove the growth strength vigor and com&le*ion of the (ody. It increases the sense of well'(eing (y freshening the (ody and mind and also restores the natural e?uili(rium among different (ody tissues. !o much so that the sco&e and im&ortance of good slee& has (een e?uated with the soundness of health en#oyed (y a &erson. There is no &hysiological system in the (ody which doesnt get the salutary effect of sound and soothing slee&.

%ntimely and e*cessive slee& takes away (oth ha&&iness and longevity. The same slee& if &ro&erly en#oyed (rings ha&&iness and longevity in human (eings as real knowledge (rings a(out s&iritual &ower in a yogi. ndication of day slee'2 !lee&ing during the day time in all season is &rescri(ed for those who are e*hausted (y singing study alcoholic drinks se*ual acts elimination thera&y carrying heavy weight walking long distanceK those suffering from &hthisis wasting diseases like tu(erculosis thirst diarrhoea colic &ain dys&noea hiccu& insanity those who are too old too young weak and emaciateK those in#ured (y fall and assault those e*hausted (y #ourney (y a vehicle anger grief and fear and those who are accustomed to day slee& i.e they are working in night. 5y this the e?uili(rium of dhatus and strength are maintained and ka&ha nourishes the organs and ensures longevity. In summer season nights (ecome shorter and vata gets aggravated in the (ody due to the a(sor&tion of fluid ,adana kala/. Therefore during this season slee& during the daytime is &rescri(ed for all. Contra0indications of day slee'2 !lee&ing during the daytime in the seasons other than summer is not advisi(le as it causes vitiation of ka&ha and &itta. 2ersons with e*cessive fat those who are addicted to taking unctuous su(stances those with ka&ha constitution those suffering from diseases due to the vitiation of ka&ha and those suffering from artificial &oisoning should never slee& during day time. If one violates the &rescri&tion regarding slee& during the day time he would su(#ect himself to halimaka ,ty&e of #aundice/ headache timidness heaviness of the (ody malaise loss of digestive &ower hridaya'ale&a , a feeling as if &hlegm adhered to the heart/ oedema anore*ia nausea sinusistis rhinitis hemicrania urticaria eru&tion a(scess &rutitus drowsiness coughing diseases of the throat im&airment of the memory and intelligence o(struction of the circulating channels of the (ody fever weakness of sensory and motor organs and enhancement of the to*ic effects of artificial &oisons. !o one should kee& in view the merits and demerits of slee& in various seasons and situations so that it may (ring ha&&iness to him. )reams2 $fter hours of working, &hysical or mental/ our mind I (ody need rest so that they are once again charged. 5ut when we are dreaming during slee& our mind is still working it isnt taking rest. That is why &eo&le who dream often are not feeling fresh, mind is not recharged/ even after long hours of slee& or they want to slee& more in the daytime. The ?uality of slee& is ham&ered due to dreams which in turn ham&ers our thinking:working &rocess I thus ?uality of life in the long run.

"ffect of night a6akening2 $wakening during night causes roughness in the (odyK slee& during daytime causes unctuousness and dosing in sitting &osture does neither cause roughness nor unctuousness. Methods and measures to induce a good slee' 2 If for some reason or other one is su(#ected to slee&lessness he can instantaneously (e cured (y ayurvedic her(al massage unction hot her(al (ath intake of sou& of domestic marshy and a?uatic animals !ali rice with curd milk her(al unctuous su(stance and her(al alcohol &sychic &leasure smell of scents and hearing sounds of ones own $yurveda (elieves that usually it is the vitiated DvataE which distur(s the natural (ody &hysiology and results in various ty&es of slee& distur(ances. $dverse &hysical situations such as like &ainful conditions cram&s an urge to urinate fre?uently etc can interfere with sound slee&. !ocial situations like an irregular routine noise e*cessive use of caffeine and alcohol and eating a very heavy meal close to (edtime may also ruffle the slee& &attern. In most cases however the core &ro(lem is emotional which includes an*iety stress and de&ression. There are a num(er of ways which can hel& a &erson to fall aslee& more easily. The most im&ortant of these is to esta(lish a (ed time DritualE com&osed of a daily timeta(le and &ro&er slee&ing environment. !hort'term slee& distur(ances can (e overcome (y ado&ting taste samvahana ,ru((ing the (ody (y hand/ a&&lication of smoothening ointment to the eyes head massage comforta(le (ed home and &ro&er time. sim&le measures like cutting (ack on coffee and tea es&ecially in the late evening hours and avoiding alcohol which may hel& slee& onset (ut causes early morning wakefulness. Taking a light and timely dinner avoiding late night TV &rogrammes and following an e*ercise schedule reduce stress and hel& (ring sound slee&. $yurveda offers many her(s and other classic medicines and her(al thera&ies, !AIRO.A$R$ / for good slee& and most of these are safe and devoid of any hangover or addiction. Bor mild'to'moderate cases of insomnia taking twice a day two gm &owder of ash&agandha, am"a, brahmi and shankhpushpi (a"" #rush!d in !)ua" parts) is )uit! h!"p%u". As&agandharishta, Sarsvatarishta, and (rahmi Vati ar! good #"assi# m!di#in!s. Anoth!r h!rb #a""!d sarpgandha is %amous %or its somno"!nt !%%!#t, but a"" o% th! abov! m!ntion!d h!rbs shou"d b! us!d on"y und!r !$p!rt sup!rvision. 6*ce&t for the cases of senile insomnia and slee&lessness associated with other chronic ailments long'term use of slee&'inducing medicines should always (e avoided. Causes of nsomnia2

6limination of dosas in e*cess from the (ody through &urgation and emesis fear an*iety anger smoking e*cessive &hysical e*ercise e*cess (lood letting : loss fasting and uncomforta(le (ed are causes for insomnia. The a(ove mentioned factors along with overwork stress old age diseases s&ecially these due to the vitiation of vatta like colic &ain etc. are known to cause slee&lessness even in normal individuals. !ome are insomniac even (y nature. !ramhacharya2 It refers to the state of life when any living (eing refrains from e*cessive sensuality. This state does not mean a com&lete se*ual a(stinence (ut to indulge in se* in such a way so as not to have any adverse effect on health. $yurveda insists on refraining oneself form se*ual activities during academic years ,masturbation/ and is defined as (ramha#harya ashram. $yurveda advocates se*ual intercourse after marriage in the form of gruhastha ashram (ut here also e*cessive indulgence is &rohi(ited as it leads to loss of &hysical strength memory lack of vitality increases irrita(ility ,(ecause of loss of oja which is &roduced after considera(le amount of s&erm is stored in the (ody/ and distur(s the normal &hysiological functions of the (ody (y causing a dis'e?uili(rium of the three doshas. $yurveda looks u&on se* not merely as fun (ut as the means of &rocreation. $yurveda (elieves in the &rinci&le where e*cess in any walk of life (e it food slee& or se* causes harm to the (ody. $ll of this em&hasi3e on the regulated functioning of the three triads i.e food slee& I se*

TH" S I S"ASO$S 2$RT O46 4orthern and !outhern )ovements of the !un The seasons are defined according to the two directions in which the sun a&&ears to (e moving. $s the earth makes its annual voyage around the sun we also e*&erience si* distinct &hases called the seasons. The northern and southern movements of the sun are created mainly (y the earths relationshi& to the sun and the moon. The northward movement of the sun known as adanakala in !anskrit (egins with the winter and ends (efore the (eginning of summer. The southern movements start at the summer solstice and ends at the winter solstice and is known as visargakala. .uring the northerly &hase i.e adana kala the suns energy is at its strongest and sucks moisture from the earth leaving it dry. $lso the wind con#ugates with the sun adding to the harsh nature &ervading the three seasons in this &hase. .uring this half of the year the (ody tends to (e weakened (y the sun a(sor(ing its moisture and humidity. TH" THR"" S"ASO$S $ TH" $ORTH"R(/ PHAS" O& TH" SU$ The three seasons in the northerly &hase of the sun are late winter s&ring and summer. Brom late winter in mid'Lanuary the a(sor(ing effects of the sun and wind increase

&rogressively until their culmination in mid'Lune when the suns southward movement across the earth commences. .ue to the suns harshness during the northernly &hase three of the si* tastes %itter7 astringent and 'ungent'are dramatically enhanced. These three tastes share a constricting and a(sor(ent nature which when used in the form of food further weaken the &hysical organism. TH" THR"" S"ASO$S $ TH" SOUTH"R(/ PHAS" O& TH" SU$ The southerly &hase i.e visagra in !anskrit influenced more (y the moon &rovides a &eriod of cooling relief to the earth. The suns energy (egins to wane and more moisture is released into the atmos&here. .uring these remaining three seasons of the year the (ody tends to gain strength and vitality. +ontrary to the northerly &hase the suns southward movement (egins a &eriod that gives strength for earths inha(itants and vegetation. .uring this &eriod the sun and wind are also restrained (y the clouds and rains triggering a &eriod of cooling release which (egins towards the end of summer. The stu&endous &owers of the sun (egin to slacken as a result of the course of the earths movement cloud formation and the &resence of wind and rain. .uring the southerly &hase the natures of the three remaining tastes sweet sour and salty are greatly enhanced. $s a result they contri(ute to (ulk and vigour when used in the (ody. The three seasons created (y the southward movement of the sun are the rainy season or early fall autumn and early winters from mid Lune until towards the (eginning of summer the heat of the sun slackens &rogressively until its weakest culmination in mid 4ovem(er. The end of the southerly &hase and the (eginning of the northerly &hase marks the im&ortant #unction of the changing seasons. )aily and Seasonal Cycles TH" S"1"$ )A (/ C/C("S The earth is a mo(ile force which circles the sun #ust as the moon circles the earth. The daily and seasonal cycles are created (y the earths dynamic relationshi& to (oth the sun and moon. Ta(le -0 = .$IF" +"+F6! OB TA6 .O!A$! 1ATA .$@4 )OR4I4C )I.'.$" .ominant Fessening 4eutral P TTA 4eutral $ccumulating .ominant 4APHA $ccumulating .ominant Fessening

$BT6R4OO4 .%!; 6$RF" )OR4I4C )I.4ICAT

$ccumulating .ominant Fessening 4eutral

Fessening 4eutral $ccumulating .ominant

4eutral $ccumulating .ominant Fessening

V$T$: ;$2A$:

.ominant 7:88am'9:88 am I 7:88&m'9.88 &m .ominant 9:88 am -8:88 am I 9.88&m'-8.88 &m

2ITT$: .ominant -8:88am 7:88 &m I -8.88&m'7.88 am

6ach day we e*&erience si* &hases of e*&ansion and contraction all of which are controlled (y the sun. $t dawn when the sun is a(out to rise the dry cold mo(ile as&ects of Vata gathered through the night are &revalent. $t day(reak the cool and heavy energy of ;a&ha (egins to flow out of the (ody as we rise from rest. $t midday when the sun is at its &eak and sa&s the (ody with its heat 2itta &revails. In the early afternoon as the suns energy (egins to wane the dry cold energy of Vata once more dominates. $t sunset when the sun has descended on the hori3on ;a&ha (egins to &our (ack into the (ody to induce the (ody to rest. Binally at midnight when the sun is farthest away from the earth 2itta once more &revails TH" S"ASO$S O& $ATURA( ACCUMU(AT O$7 A##RA1AT O$ A$) A(("1 AT O$ Civen that the term prakriti denotes (oth (ody constitution and nature it is only e*&ected that with the changing seasons of nature there will (e corres&onding effects on the panchmahabhutas and there(y the doshas of the constitution, of the human (ody /. +old dry weather for instance enhances vata hot humid climate increases pitta while cold wet weather aggravates kapha. To avoid such continued aggravation leading to im(alance of the doshas $yurveda &rescri(es a seasonal routine to &reserve the doshic (alance as the seasons change. Bor each season therefore there is a uni?ue diet -ahar* a distinct mode of living -vihara* and routine living -karya*. These kee& your doshas in a state of e?uili(rium and hel& you co&e with the stresses and strains of changing seasons. Ta(le -1 Accumulation 1ATA !ummer Aggravation Rainy season early fall Fate winter Alleviation $utumn

P TTA 4APHA

Rainy season 6arly winter

$utumn !&ring

6arly winter !ummer

R TUCHAR/A )ietetics and Regimen for 6inter2 .uring winter the digestive &ower of human (eings &ossessing good health ,strength/ is enhanced due to the restraint caused u&on it (y the cold wind so much so that it is ca&a(le of digesting any foodstuff irres&ective of its heaviness and ?uantity. @hen it does not get &ro&er fuel the digestive fire affects the nutritive fluids resulting in the vitiation of vatta having cold ?uality. Therefore during the winter one should take unctuous sour salty and sweet #uices of the meat of the a?uatic and marshy animals which are fatty. One should also eat the meat of (urrow'dwelling animals that eat (y snatching. Thereafter one should drink her(al wine and have honey. If a &erson ha(itually takes &re&aration of cows milk cane #uice fat oil new rice and hot water during the winter his s&an of life is never decreased. In winter one should resort to ayurvedic her(al massages unction a&&lication of oil on the head fomentation and one should reside in an underground residence or an inner heated a&artment. In the winter one should see that the conveyance (edding and seat are well covered s&ecially (y heavy wra&&ers silken cloth ro&es and (lankets. One should wear heavy and warm clothes and should (esmear his (ody with heavy aguru ,$?uilaria agallocha Ro*( kind of her(/. One should em(race a healthy women with her well develo&ed &lum&y (reasts and with her (ody (esmeared with aguru ,$?uilaria agallocha Finn/ lie down on the (ed into*icated with strong &assion and may indulge in e*cessive se*ual intercourse during the winter. One should avoid food and drinks which are lia(le to vitiate vataK one should not e*&ose him to cold wave. %nder feeding should (e avoided. )ietetics and Regimen for s'ring2 .uring the s&ring the accumulated ka&ha is li?uefied (y the heat of the sun and as such distur(s the &ower of digestion and causes many diseases. !o one should administer thera&ies like emesis etc. and should avoid heavy unctuous sour and sweet diets. One should not slee& during day time. $t the advent of s&ring one should ha(itually resort to e*ercise unction oral gargles and collyrium. The e*cretory orifices should (e regularly washed with lukewarm water. One should (esmear his (ody with chandana ,!antalum al(um

Finn./ and aguru ,$?uilaria agalocha Ro*(./ and take food consisting of (arley and wheat meat of sara(ha ra((it antelo&e common ?uail and grey &artridge. One should drink her(al wines made of (arley. One should also en#oy the com&any of women and (lossoms of the garden. )ietetics and Regimen for summer 2 .uring the summer the sun eva&orates the moisture of the earth (y its rays. In that season the intake of sweet cold li?uid and unctuous diets and drinks is &rescri(ed. One who takes cold mantha ,a ty&e of her(al drink/ along with sugar as well as the meat of the animals or (irds of aired climate ghee and milk along with !ali rice ,Ory3a satiunm Finn/ during this season does not suffer from any diseases. One should either drink alcohol in little ?uantity or should avoid it and even if one drinks he should drink it along with &lenty of water. One should further avoid taking diets which are salty sour &ungent or hot. 2hysical e*ercise is also to (e given u& during this season. .uring the day time one should slee& in an air cooled a&artment. .uring the night after having (esmeared the (ody with sandal wood &aste one should slee& on the o&en airy roof ,under the cooler or air'conditioning/ of the house which is cooled (y the rays of the moon. One should kee& him aloof of se*ual intercourse ,restrict as much as &ossi(le/ and should en#oy gardens cold water and flowers during this season.

)ietetics Regimen for rainy season 2 The (ody which is weakened during the &eriod of dehydration with its digestive system is also weakened. It is further weakened due to the vitiation of vata and other dosas during the rains. The &ower to digestion in the &eriod is also affected due to the gas coming out of the earth rainfall increase of acidity in water. !o it is advisa(le to (e moderate as regard to diet and regimen during the rainy season. One should a(stain from taking diluted drinks in e*cess day slee& frost water ,e*cessive/ e*ercise moving in sun and too much indulgence in se*ual intercourse. One should generally use honey in their diet and drinks. If these days are cooler due to heavy rains accom&anied (y the storms one should take food that is a littlle sour salty and unctuousK this serves as an effective antidote to the vitiation of vata during the rainy season. In order to maintain normal &ower of digestion one should take old (arley wheat and !ali rice ,Ory3a sativum Finn./ along with the meat of arid animals and vegeta(le sou&. )ore over one should drink the madhvika or arista ,her(al ty&e of li?uor/ &ure rainwater or water (oiled and cooled mi*ed with little honey. It is advisa(le to a&&ly her(al (ody scru(s ayurvedic massages take (ath and wear fragrant garlands during the season. One should wear light and clean a&&arel and should reside in a house devoid of humidity.

)ietetics and Regimen for autumn2 The (ody &arts ado&ted for rains and cold is suddenly e*&osed to the heat of the sun with the (eginning of autumn so the &itta accumulated during the rains gets generally vitiated. In this season sweet light cold and (itter foods and drinks which have &otentialities to alleviate &itta are to (e taken in &ro&er ?uantity when there is good a&&etite. Burthermore the meat common ?uail Crey 2artridge antelo&e shee& wa&iti ra((it rice (arley and wheat are &rescri(ed during this season. Intake of ghee &re&ared with (itter medicines &urgation and (loodletting are also &rescri(ed for this season. One should avoid taking sun(ath fat oil and meat of a?uatic and marshy animals alkaline salt &re&arations and curd in food. One should not slee& during day time and should not e*&ose himself to frost and wind. The water which is e*&osed to the heat of the sun during the day time and to the cooling rays of the moon during is also &urified (y time and is deto*icated (y star cano&us ,agagastya/ is known as DhamsodakaE which is s&otlessly clear and is as (eneficial as nectar for the &ur&ose of (athing drinking and swimming. %se of garlands made of autumnal flowers and clean a&&arel and also the rays of moon in the evening are e*ceedingly (eneficial in this season. Seasons and Strength 4ote: ! U !outhern &haseK 4 U 4ortherly &hase ! 4 4 4 ! ! 6arly winter h!manta 4ovem(er to LanuaryK ma*imum strength ,&eak &eriod/ Fate winter sisira Lanuary to )archK ma*imum strength ,wane &eriod/ !&ring vasanta )arch to )ay K moderate strength ,wane &eriod/ !ummer grisma )ay to Luly K minimum strength ,wane &eriod/ Rainy season ,early fall/ varsa Luly to !e&tem(er minimum strength ,&eak &eriod/ $utumn sarada !e&tem(er to 4ovem(er K moderate strength ,&eak &eriod/ A .oman:s Season There is an additional season for women which ha&&ens once every month during menstruation. The (eginning &eriod of the full moon is the natural cycle for ovulation. Receiving the essence of the moon at this time a womans se*ual im&ulses heighten and her vitality is once more re&lenished. Then during the time of the new moon she e*&eriences the natural cycle of menstruation. )enstruation is caused (y the sun a(sor(ing energies from the earth which in turn draws the menstrual waste from the (ody. @hen the cycle has not (een tam&ered with (y use of contrace&tive &ills and other (irth control devices harmful foods and

activities and disru&tive se*ual activities the natural e(( and flow of a womans monthly cycle remains in harmony .

Regimen to be observed by women in their Menses:

.uring the &eriod of menstruation activities need to (e reduced to the essential so that the (ody e*&eriences the least degree of interference. Tuick warm showers or s&onging,wi&ing down the (ody/ is the a&&ro&riate means of (odily cleaning during menstruation. !he should avoid crying nor take a head (ath. $ woman should refrain from all se*ual fore&lay I intercourse. .ay slee& and collyrium during the first four days of her &eriods should (e avoided. +onsidered a very fragile &eriod for a woman this time is to (e used to rest and to allow the (ody to em&ty it self (efore it is renewed. !he should also not indulge in loud and e*cessive laughter and talk nor should she hear loud noises. Bood should (e easy to digest not too heavy not too unctuous nor too dry or cold. !he should avoid fatiguing work. $ll the a(ove things during menses may lead to the vitiation of doshas which may es&ecially lead to gynaecological &ro(lems. One may o(serve these rules in order to eventually restore your natural cycle. .uring ovulation 2itta is most dominant while Vata dominates the &eriod of menstruation and ;a&ha the &eriod following menstruation.

Seasonal Cleansing Therapies for Each Dosha

1ATA2 S"ASO$S O& A##RA1AT O$ Rainy2 Season -"arly &ail* .uring the rainy season the earth releases more gases into the atmos&here which tends to aggravate Vata. Burther aggravation is created (y the dam&ness of the rainy season and the higher acidity in the water at that time. The rainy &eriod comes at a time when the (ody having endured the long and harsh time of the northerly &hase. 6ven through the rainy season marks the (eginning of the southerly &hase a &eriod of strengthening the (ody is still to vulnera(le to resist the onslaught of the rains. Vata is the dosha that lea&s out of (ounds very ?uickly and is thus afflicted somewhat consistently throughout the year. Aowever it re?uires s&ecial hel& at the end of the &eriod of ma#or aggravation which (egins in the summer and runs into and throughout the rainy season. Thus Vatas first annual cleansing &eriod comes (etween the early and late &hases of the rainy season. $lthough Vatas main season of alleviation is the rainy season ,early fall/ the ne*t a&&ro&riate cleansing &eriod occurs at the end of autumn.

NOTE: In temperate climates, where there is no definitive rainy season, the vitiation of Vata still occurs at this time due to the northerly movement of the sun; therefore, the same seasonal recommendations apply.

(ate 6inter Fate winter is the ne*t season in which Vata is generally alleviated. The e*treme coldness of winter increases the already cold nature of Vata and the (ody re?uires the greatest amounts of &hysical warmth and nourishing foods. @hen not am&ly &rotected or fed the (ody (egins to eat its own tissues and Vata (ecomes aggravated as a result. 4ourishing warm foods with sour sweet and salty tastes are recommended to (alance Vata during this time of year. $yurvedic massages warm atmos&here and clothing are all deemed vital so that Vata may remain (alanced throughout this season. 4OT6: $lthough there are some cooling influences in tro&ical and semi'tro&ical climates at this time of year the late winter cleansing &rograms recommended do not a&&ly. Summer Vata may (ecome mildly distur(ed during the summer due to the reduction of ;a&ha in the (ody caused (y the heat of the sun. Vata may (e nurtured at this time (y sweet and nourishing food decreased se*ual activity. Autumn The end of autumn is generally considered to (e the time when all three doshas can (e relieved of their e*cesses. Therefore if Vatas condition was not alleviated during the rainy season it may (e removed through the elimination thera&ies at the end of the autumn season. $yurveda &resents a vast and illuminating grou& of healing thera&ies. $lthough many of its &ractices have (ecome virtually e*tinct we are fortunate to have a &racticing knowledge of the 2anchakarma and its su&&orting thera&ies. 2ancha karma thera&ies include those treatments that cleanse and eliminate the aggravated doshas and re#uvenate the (ody. This hel&s the tissues and doshas to regain their e?uanimity which leads to sound health. The thera&ies and the &ro&er time to a&&ly them are descri(ed (elow. These thera&ies may (e used (y all (ody ty&es according to how the doshas are (ehaving. 1ata Seasonal Cleansing Thera'ies Vasti +herapy: The $yurvedic use of her(al decoction enemas as well as medicated her(al oil enemas to clear the e*cess dosha from the large intestines. 6nema decoction are derived from her(s ,&ermutation and com(ination of more than -88 her( / such as castor dashamu"a, gotu ko"a and li?uorice etc. The medicated her(al oil enema is usually administered as a se&arate &rocedure. These enemas re'direct the a&ana vata to its normal downward flow and soothe Vata distur(ances in the (ody. Pinda '"eda* The $yurvedic use of fomentation thera&y to thoroughly invigorate the (ody. This thera&y stimulates the vital tissues and organs while alleviating (ody &ain. !wedan ,fomentation/ thera&y also removes fear from the mind.

Abhyanga* The a&&lication of the $yurveda system of massage using her(al medicated oils sesame oil sandalwood oil and so on. $(hyanga is a vital $yurvedic &ractice used to restore e?uanimity to the (odys muscular system. This massage also &romotes (oth &eace of mind and strength of lim(s and is highly re#uvenating. 'hirovasti : The $yurvedic &ractice of &ouring medicated oil on the head and allowing it to remain for a &eriod of time. This thera&y &romotes mental clarity stimulates memory &ower removes stress arrests hairfall and hairgreying and com&letely revitali3es the (ody. 'hirobhayanga* The $yurvedic a&&lication of medicated oils to the head. Various $yurvedic her(s ,&ermitaion and com(ination of more than 718 her( / such as br!mhi,ava"a,shankpushpi !t# are (oiled in sesame oil in &re&aration for shiro(hyanga. The head is then am&ly massaged with the oil giving life and (alance to the sense organs and re#uvenating the entire (ody. P TTA 2 S"ASO$S O& A##RA1AT O$ Autumn $ccumulated 2itta from the rainy season (ecomes aggravated during the autumn season a time when the digestive fire is already tremendously affected (y the long and dry &eriod of the &revious northerly &hase. 2itta is further afflicted (y the e*treme conditions of the rainy season that &recedes autumn. $s the sun (egins to (righten the sky &roviding the heat necessary to eva&orate the moisture of the rainy season #ust &asssed it affects the vulnera(le 2itta causing vitiation of (oth the digestion and (lood systems . $t this time the li?uid that 2itta has accumulated during the rainy season dam&ens the digestive fire resulting in a loss of a&&etite. In order for 2itta to retrieve its normal and e*cellent digestion the $yurvedic &urgative thera&y of vir!#hana is recommended ,!ee (elow/. The (est time of the autumn season for any form of cleansing thera&y is at its tail end i.e. the latter &art of the season when the dosha is in its most fluent form.

Note - In tropical and semi-tropical climates, the best time is at the end of autumn.
Rainy Season There are many $yurvedic healing thera&ies that may (e o(served during (oth the rainy season and throughout the autumn &eriod. These include massages using aromatic and cooling oils such as coconut oil com(ined with sandalwood essential oilK daily (ody (rushing with her(al (ody scru(s K altering ones activities to those that are milder and more harmonious es&ecially during the initial stages of doshic vulnera(ilityK aroma thera&y using her(al oils ,&ermutation and com(ination of more than -88 her(s / like mint li?uorice ,yashtimadhu/ sandalwood #asmine or vetiver ,usheer/ to calm the mind and stomach.

Pitta Seasonal Cleansing Thera'ies Virechana +herapy* The use of $yurvedic &urgatives ,&ermutation and com(ination of more than 188 her(s/ to clear the lower &athways of the (ody. This thera&y hel&s to &urify the (lood and to cleanse the stomach sweat glands small intestines colon kidneys liver and s&leen. !u(stances such as &syllium husk,isa(gol/ castor oil cows milk with ghee trivrrita and tripha"a are used to induce &urgation. Rakta )okshana,

Although this form of therapy, commonly referred to as

bloodletting, is seldom used in India today and is illegal in the %nited !tates and 6uro&e
when &erformed correctly it is an effective form of thera&y to e*tract to*ins from the (lood. Cenerally to*ins that accumulated under the skin and around the marma &oints ,the energy #unctions of the (odys meridians/ are eliminated through the &rocess of (lood'letting. 5ecause 2itta manifests in the waste &roducts of (lood many skin ailments such as rash ec3ema and acne are caused (y to*ins circulating in the (lood system. The drawing of a small amount of (lood from the vein relieves the (lood tension created (y these to*ins. Internal use of certain (itter her(s ,&ermutation and com(ination of more than -88 her(s / such as n!!m man#ishta sariva guduchi and turmeric etc may also (e used to &urify the (lood. 'hirodhara, The use of a decoction such as medicated ghee and (uttermilk sugarcane #uice and her(al oils on the forehead to relieve (urning sensations or &ain in the head and (ody. In the traditional $yurvedic a&&lication the &erson lies down on a wide seasoned wooden log. $ vessel called dhara #hatti which resem(les a wide to& funnel or a dhara patra a &ot with a hole in (ottom is used through which the medicated her(al oil is dri&&ed rhythmically onto the centre of the forehead where the third eye is located. !hirodhara is a (eautiful thera&y which stimulate our su(conscious mind and lulls the entire (odily organism into a state of calmness. This thera&y is used to (alance all three doshas em&loying medicated oils and su(stances (est suited to the different doshas and various ailments. 4a'ha 2 seasons of aggravation

Spring
$lthough ;a&ha en#oys the strongest stamina of the three doshas it e*&eriences its fragility in the s&ringtime. $fter the long cold and inert &eriods of early and late winter ;a&ha (egins to soften so that most of the semi'fro3en wastes accumulated during the &revious seasons li?uify. ;a&has im(alances are e*&ressed through the feeling of lethargy cold sore throat lung congestion cold (ody e*tremities and so on. @inter changes to s&ring almost at the very height of the northernly &hase of the sun when strength and vigor tend to (ecome de&leted (y the suns harshness. The softening out of li?uid waste in the (ody retards (oth the digestive fire and the (odys meta(olism which is why ;a&has &otential listlessness and lethargy increase. The ga& (efore the full (loom of the s&ring season is the (est time of the

year for the ka&ha dosha to (e thoroughly cleansed (y means of (oth the elimination thera&ies and re#uvenative thera&ies. These &rocesses relieve the e*cess dosha when it is in its most fluid form and not yet rooted in the (ody in the form of disease. ;a&ha then has &lenty of time to mo(ili3e during the remaining season and does not cause o(struction in the channels. Rainy Season ;a&ha e*&erience similar difficulties during the rainy season ,early fall/ a time when the s&ring seasonal &rocess is reversed. The end of the summer heat and the ensuing decline in strength is (raced u& (y the dam& and humid cold of the rainy season. .uring this &eriod re&lenishing thera&ies used to maintain ;a&has (alance include: seasonally a&&ro&riate foodsK $yurvedic massage with medicated oilK inhalation thera&ies using aromas such as eucaly&tus and aromatic smoke

4a'ha Seasonal Cleansing Thera'ies Vamana +herapy* Vamana also known as emesis thera&y is an ancient thera&eutic method for eliminating ;a&has accumulation through the oral &athway. Vamana releases congestion from the lungs and &rovides immediate relief for asthmatic and (ronchial attacks. Vamana is used for serious ;a&ha disorders and in skin diseases dia(etes chronic disorders of the lungs and stomach sinusitis and tonsillitis. Oil massage and fomentation a&&lied to the chest on the evening (efore the emesis thera&y is the &reliminary ste&s taken to induce the state most conducive to this thera&y. -asya*+t is the nasal a&&lication of medication in (oth &owder and li?uid form. The &owdered medication is inserted into the nose through a tu(e and the li?uid medication is a&&lied with a dro&&er. The nose is the gateway to the cere(ral sensory and motor functions of the (ody. .isorders associated with the movement of &rana are usually corrected (y nasya thera&y. 6*cess ka&ha stored in the throat nose sinus and head are also removed from the (ody as a result of nasya. Aer(al &owders such as brahmi, shatavari etc as well as su(stances such as milk ghee medicated oils ginger and garlic etc are used de&ending on the dosha and the nature of the disorder. Relationshi' !et6een the )oshas and the seasons The doshas are to the (ody what the seasons are to the earth. 5oth the doshas and the seasons are created from the five elements. The elemental as&ects of the seasons are in the form of s&ace wind sun moon rain and the earth. Aere we must understand the inter&lay (etween the doshas and the seasonal influences within the &rimacy of the five elements. The doshas are not sim&ly the dynamic energy within the (odyK rather they are influenced &rimarily (y seasonal variations. ;nowledge of the seasons is related to the (alancing of the

doshas. Therefore a thorough understanding of the function of the doshas within the (ody necessitates an understanding of the variations within each season the #unction (etween seasons and the annual rotation of the si* seasons. In many cases the designated seasonal tastes and ?ualities a&&ear to (e contradictory. Bor this reason charts are &rovided to assist you in coordinating your (ody ty&e with its seasonal tastes and ?ualities. ,!ee (elow/ Role of Taste It is as im&ortant to reali3e that every foodHs uni?ue com(ination of attri(utes will influence its taste and the action it causes in the (ody. @ith every taste having a different action as detailed (elow. Astanga Hrdayam clearly descri(es the characteristics of each of the si* tastes and &ro(lems that might (e e*&erienced from its ha(itual over'consum&tion. )ost foods (eing a com(ination of two or more of these tastes e.g. coffee is (itter and &ungent. Sour +om&rised of the elements earth I fire it increases pitta and kapha and is good for heart and digestion. !timulates agni, moves inactive Vata energy down the &elvic cavity sets the teeth on edge and increases salivation. 6*cess use may cause looseness and fla((iness loss of strength giddiness itching irritation a whitish yellow &allor swelling thirsts and fever and diseases arising from e*cess pitta and kapha. S6eet Related to earth I water it increases pitta and vata &roducing greater strength in the tissues and value to the aged wounded emaciated and children. %niversally liked it often adheres to the inside of the mouth giving a feeling of &leasure contentment and comfort. Cood for the com&le*ion hair senses and o#a it also increases (reast milk and hel&s unite (roke &arts like (ones. 5y its virtue it &rolongs life and hel&s life activities. In e*cess however it may cause diseases arising from fat and e*cess kapha e.g. o(esity skin infections unconsciousness dia(etes enlargement of neck glands or malignant tumors etc. Salt The water I fire in salty taste increases pitta and kapha. It clears o(struction of channels and &ores and increases the digestive activity and salivation. $lso res&onsi(le for lu(rication and sweating it &enetrates the tissues. $n e*cess of it may cause (aldness and graying of the hair wrinkles thirst skin diseases (lood disorders and loss of (ody strength. Pungent Bire I air in &ungent increases vata and pitta and mitigates kapha. Increases hunger is digestive causes irritation (rings secretion from the eyes nose I mouth and gives a (urning

sensation to the mouth. It dilates the channels and (reaks u& the hard masses. 5ut an e*cess use of it may cause thirst de&letion of re&roductive tissue and strength fainting contracture tremors &ain in the waist and (ack and other disorders related to e*cess of pitta and kapha. !itter $ir I s&ace (eing its elements it increases pitta and kapha. .rying u& moisture from fat muscles faces and urine. It cleans the mouth and destroys the &erce&tion of taste. It is said to cure anore*ia worms (acteria &arasites thirst skin diseases loss of consciousness fever nausea (urning sensation. 5ut in e*cess it increases vata causing diseases of vata origin and de&letion of tissues.

Astringent $ir I earth increases vata and controls increased pitta and kapha. It cleans the (lood and causes healing of ulcers. Fike (itter it too dries u& moisture from fat. It a(sor(s water causing consti&ation and hindering digestion of undigested food. Its e*cess use causes stasis of food without digestion flatulence &ain in the cardiac region emaciation loss of virility o(struction of channels and consti&ation. !A(A$C $# S"ASO$A( TAST"S A$) !O)/ T/P" TAST"S The a&&arent contradictions (etween the tastes and ?ualities (eneficial to each (ody ty&e and the tastes and ?ualities suggested (y the cyclical nature of the seasons are to (e understood in the following way: The tastes which are generally good for each (ody ty&e may (ecome heightened or &revalent in the (ody and e*ternal environment due to seasonal influences. Bor e*am&le of the si* tastes the &ungent flavour naturally &redominates during the summerK although considered a generally good all'year taste for ;a&ha ty&es it needs to (e used in the summer season with discretion. This is (ecause in summer the &ungent taste &revails out of the si* tastes.,$ccording to the seasonal accumulation of the doshas in summers there is decrease of ka&ha and the &ungent taste also causes decrease in ka&ha and increase of vata which may lead to vata:ka&ha disorders/ !imilarly the salty taste which &redominates during autumn although considered a generally e*cellent all'year taste for Vata ty&es needs to (e reduced during the autumn season even (y Vata ty&es,$ccording to the seasonal accumulation of the doshas in autumn there is alleviation of &itta the salty taste also causes alleviation of &itta which may lead to &itta disorders/. In the early winter the sweet taste &redominates and although generally an e*cellent all'year taste for 2itta ty&es needs to (e reduced during the early winter even (y 2itta ty&es. ,$ccording to the seasonal accumulation of the doshas in winter there is increase in ka&ha and sweet taste also causes increase of ka&ha which may lead to ka&ha disorders/

Ta(le -9 TAST"S O& TH" S"ASO$S $ortherly Phase -.inter Solstice to Summer Solstice* Season )ry Tastes "lement Com'osition )osha Fate @inter 5itter $ir and s&ace Vata !&ring $stringent $ir and earth Vata I ;a&ha !ummer 2ungent $ir and fire Vata I 2itta 4ote: the dry tastes are created (y the &rogressive northward movement of the sun Southerly Phase -Summer Solstice to .inter Solstice* Season Rainy !eason ,early fall/ $utumn 6arly @inter )ry Tastes !our !alty !weet "lement Com'osition 6arth and fire @ater and fire @ater and earth )osha 2itta and ;a&ha 2itta ;a&ha

4ote: the moist tastes are created (y the &rogressive southward movement of the sun !eneficial Tastes According to )oshas Vata 2itta : : sweet sour salty !weet (itter astringent

;a&ha: &ungent (itter astringent Ta(le -= S"ASO$A( TAST" A)5USTM"$TS F$T6 @I4T6R V$T$ )a#or: sour salty unctuous 2ITT$ )a#or: sweet sourJ salty J warm unctuous )inor: sweet )inor: (itter astringent cool !2RI4C )a#or: sweet salty warm moderate unctuous alkaline )inor: sour &ungent !%))6R )a#or: sweet sour warm moderate unctuous )inor: (itter salty cool light )inor: astringent cool alkaline )a#or: sweet (itter cool moderate unctuous )inor: astringent light light )a#or: sweet (itter &ungentJ warm ;$2A$ )a#or: sour J astringent &ungent warm moderate unctuous )inor: (itter salty dry )a#or: &ungent moderate astringent alkaline ward dry )inor: (itter salty )a#or: (itter astringent moderate sweet warm dry )inor: &ungent cool

R$I4" !6$!O4 ,early fall/

)a#or: sweet moderate (itter J salty moderate unctuous warm

)a#or: (itter astringent moderate salty moderate sweet warm moderate unctuous )inor: &ungent cool )a#or: sweet (itter salty J warm moderate unctuous

)a#or: (itter astringent &ungent warm light

Tem&erate +limates

)inor: sour

)inor: salty sour dry

Tro&ical and !emitro&ical

)a#or: sweet salty moderate unctuous warm

)inor: astringent &ungent

)a#or: moderate salty J &ungent (itter warm moderate unctuous.

+limates $%T%)4

)inor: (itter &ungent )a#or: sweet sour warm light )inor: salty )a#or: sweet (itter astringent cool light )inor: &ungent )a#or: (itter astringent moderate &ungent J warm moderate )inor: &ungent sweet unctuous )inor: sweet

)inor: astringent dry )a#or: (itter astringent moderate sweet warm light

6$RF" @I4T6R

astringent )a#or: salty (itter J moderate sour warm unctuous

)a#or: &ungent astringent (itter warm moderate unctuous )inor : salty

91ata ty'es: If strong tendency to Vata disorders use (itter as minor tastes and increase the use of sweet and salty tastes during the seasons indicated. 9Pitta ty'es: If strong tendency to 2itta disorders use sour &ungent and salty as minor tastes and increase the use of (itter astringent and sweet tastes during the seasons indicated. 94a'ha ty'es : If strong tendency to ;a&ha disorders use sweet sour and salty as minor tastes and increase the use of &ungent (itter and astringent tastes during the seasons indicated. R vata &itta I ka&ha disorders can (e seen in the charts mentioning increase in the respective doshas in )OSH C M!A(A$C"S S

Ta(le -> S"ASO$A( )O:S A$) )O$:TS +limates Fate @inter .O !our salty moderate sweet unctuous su(stantial ?uantity of !2RI4C food 2ungent astringent moderate sweet moderate salty warm !ummer moderate ?uantity of food !weet (itter astringent cool moderate unctuous sufficient fluid !weet moderate sour moderate salty warmfood !our salty unctuous moderate sweet moderate unctuous warm !weet (itter astringent cool light non'oily !alty (itter astringent moderate sour warm moderate unctuous )oderate ?uantity The D!easonal .ontsE may (e used occasionally as a minor taste. !ee &revious chart. m'ortant Rules And Regulations Related to ) "T 2 CO$C"PT O& ) "T $ A/UR1")A 2 ;* )efination 2 .iet is that what we eat. It includes everything we eat or drink. .iet is the cause of the very e*istence 6nergy +olour I O#a ,immunity:%ltimate &urified form of all the !harir .hatus i.e 5ody tissues/ of every living (eing on this earth. <* =)iet: is the cause of the (irth maintenance I destruction of all forms of life on this earth. Brom .iet only we ac?uire following things constant growth unham&ered growth 6nergy @ell(eing Aealth +olour 2ro&er functioning of the Indriyas ,!ense Organs/. Im&ro&er dietis the ma#or cause of all illness according to $yurveda. Brom all a(ove statements one can say that In short everything de&ends on diet. A/UR1") C CO$C"PT O& &ORM O& ) "T .O4T 6*cess sweet &ungent (itter dry cold raw foods !our e*cess sweet (itter too many fluids cold !alty sour &ungent hot insufficiency of fluids 2ungent (itter astringent light cold food. e*cess unctuous

Rainy !eason ,early fall/ Tem&erate Tro&lcal and !emitro&ical +limates $utumn 6arly @inter

2ungent (itter astringent e*cess sweet cold dry !our salty &ungent hot oily e*cess food heavy foods !weet e*cess sour e*cess cold dry e*cess food raw foods

$ccording to $yurveda 5ody is said to (e made u& of 2anch )aha(hutas ,2entads/ I hence the food also needs to (e 2anch(hautic ,)ade u& of 2anch ,five/ )aha(hutas/ then only food can get digested I (e utili3ed for the growth of 2anchamaha(hutas ,the (asic constituents of (ody/ which in turn results in growth of (ody. The diet should (e made u& of all the si* tastes i.e. !weet !our !alty Aot 5itter $stringent. It has also (een stated that according to the &ro&erties diet again can (e of 7 ty&es i.e. Aeavy to digest I 6asy or light to digest . deal )iet The ideal diet should have following &ro&erties:' -/ 7/ taking it. </ 0/ 1/ 9/ =/ >/ It should give energy instantaneously : immediately after taking it. It should have the ca&acity to withhold the (ody I give its strength I It should satisfy the one taking it . It should (e hot unctuous not dry when taken. !hould (e taken in &ro&er ?uantity. It should not (e incom&ati(le .,mentioned in uneasy com(inations (elow/ It should increase the strength of (ody. It should (e tasty:it should (e such that it should (e liked (y the one who is

energy to carry on its regular functions.

The food ,.iet/ with all a(ove &ro&erties is said to (e ldeal diet. The .iet which is of all the &ro&erties e*&lained a(ove can only do the functions &rescri(ed to it. >* &U$CT O$S O& ) "T -food* -/ 7/ </ 0/ 1/ ?* i/ ii/ iii/ iv/ v/ Instantly satisfying. Cives strength:energy. )aintains the (ody I maintains the functions of the (ody . Increases longevity. Increases the .igestive fire Vitality Recollecting 2ower I O#a .

T"26! OB .I6T That which can (e drunk That which can (e licked 6asily chewa(le e.g. Rice etc. Aard food su(stances which need to (e chewed e.g. !ugarcane which should (e sucked e.g. )ango. meat.

There are four ty&es of diet

!ome have given 9 ty&es in addition to the four stated a(ove :

vi/

@hich needs mastication (y teeth these include very hard food materials e.g.

various nuts. !ome have stated > ty&es : forms of food : .iet. In addition to the a(ove 9. vii/ viii/ @* Those which can only (e eaten after (eing grinded into &owder various &astes etc. Bood su(stances like !uger candy etc. $ccording to 4ature .iet has (een classified into 7 ty&es Aeavy .iet I Fight diet.

Rain water Raktashali ,Red rice/ !athe !ali ,Old rice/ )udga 6ina ,(lack deer/ I lava ,kind of (ird und in airid regions/ are light : laghu. )ilk sugarcane fresh Rice %dad, (lack gram/ I meat of the animals from $noo& .esh land with a(undant water I &lantation ,)arshy lands e?uatorial Rain forests/ are considered to (e Curu ,Aeavy/ A* Seven Conce't of )iet

The following &oints are im&ortant in the making the .iet com&lete ,&romoting health/ or im&ro&er' ,giving Rise to various diseases/. -/ 7/ </ 0/ 1/ 5asic nature : &ro&erties of the food +om(ination of 7 or more food material changes the ?ualities : &ro&erties of .ue to (oiling roasting etc. there is change in the &ro&erties of the food. Tuantity of food we take. Region has 7 meanings the region where the food is (eing taken I !econdly region means the area the food is (een &roduced affects the &ro&erties of food material. 9/ =/ The time when one takes the food. The order in which one takes the food.

food material.

B*

T M" O& TA4 $# ) "T

2ro&er e*cretion of urine I !tools .oshas go to the there res&ective sthanas i.e sites strotasas are clean and free from (lockage I indriyas i.e. sense organs are shar& and attentive one feels lightness of (ody 5elching with &ro&er smell to it. @ith &ro&er e*cretion of $&aan vayu Aeart (ecomes 4irdosha i.e. we feel like eating I drinking. @hen all the a(ove signs are &resent then only one should eatK as this is the &ro&er time for taking the diet. It is said that when the .oshas go to their own res&ective &laces I the !trotaras ,channels/ (ecome clean then only one should take Bood. ,UA$T T/ O& &OO) TO !" TA4"$

It is decided according to digestive ca&acity of $gni. If $gni is weak then one should take food only once or should take food in less ?uantity. Bood taken once i.e. at one time which gets digested com&letely I &ro&erly is said to (e )atra:Tuantity of food to (e taken. +onsidering four &arts of the !tomach one should take food such that 7 &arts of the !tomach get filled (y the food taken one &art to (e filled (y water or other li?uid matter I one &art should (e ke&t free for the Vayu : Cas to move . One should take diet in &ro&er ?uantity. The ?uantity of diet to (e taken de&ends on the digestion ca&acity of the &erson which varies from &erson to &erson I so does the )atra. <C* The amount of food which without distur(ing the e?uili(rium of dhatus I doshas of the (ody gets digested as well as meta(oli3ed in &ro&er time is to (e regarded as the &ro&er ?uantity. The &ro&er ?uantity of food does de&end u&on the nature of food articles. If the food article is heavy only three fourth or half of the stomach ca&acity is to (e filled u&. 6ven in the case of light food articles e*cessive intake is not conducive to the maintenance of the &ower of digestion I meta(olism. MPORTA$C" O& &OO) TA4"$ $ PROP"R ,UA$T T/ Taken in $&&ro&riate ?uantity food certainly hel&s the individual in (ringing a(out strength com&le*ion ha&&iness I longevity without distur(ing the e?uili(rium of dhatus I doshas of the (ody. ndicated &ood 20 One should regularly , can take everyday/ take !hastika ,a kind of rice harvested in si*ty days/ !ali ,ory3a sativum/ yellow gram food cooked in Rock !alt $malaka ,em(lica officinalis/ Rain @ater Chee )eat of animals dwelling in arid climate I Aoney. Contradicted &ood 2 One should not regularly take heavy articles such as dried meat dry vegeta(les lotus rhi3omes I lotus stalk. One should never take meat of a diseased animal. )oreover one should not regularly take (oiled (uttermilk ins&issiated milk with &ork (eef meat of (uffalo with fish curd I (arley. OR)"R $ .H CH O$" SHOU() TA4" TH" ) "T Birst one should eat food of sweet taste for the &ur&ose of Vata 2itta &acification. !weet taste is hel&ful for &acification of vata dosha &resent in the digestive tract or intestines. Then one should take sour I salty su(stances for they do the function of increasing the digestive #uices. Fastly one should take food of (itter and &ungent taste for the &ur&ose of &acification of ;a&ha . One should take fruits like &omegranate first in the diet. Then one should take li?uid material I then lastly semisolid I solid food. " #HT &ACTORS )"T"RM $ $# TH" UT ( T/ &OO)8

The 6ight factors which determine the utility or otherwise of various ty&es of food are. -/ 7/ </ 0/ 1/ 9/ =/ >/ nature of food articles method of their &rocessing com(ination Tuantity Aa(itat Time Rules governing intake of food. @holesomeness to individual who takes it.

<;* RU("S &OR TA4 $# &OO) Aealthy individuals as well as &atients should o(serve the following: @hile having food articles which are most wholesome (y natureK one should eat only that food in &ro&er ?uantity which is hot unctuous I not contradictory in &otency I that too after the digestion of the &revious meal food should (e taken in &ro&er &lace with all the accessories without talking I laughing with concentration of mind I &aying due regard to oneself not too fast or too slowly. m'ortant Rules And Regulations Related to )iet -/ 7/ </ 0/ 1/ 6at to live (ut dont live to eat. 6at food which is (eneficial. 6at food in a moderate ?uantity. .ont eat food &ro&erties of which are not known to you. .ont eat food in a hurry or when you are in a distur(ed state of mind full of tensions

strains and emotional out(reaks. Regain &eace of mind and then en#oy food with ha&&y and hearty mood. 9/ =/ >/ G/ @ash your hands feet and mouth using clean utensils in a clean &lace which is well Bill half ?uantity of stomach with food one fourth ?uantity with water and li?uid $ &erson who takes only one full meal a day is called "ogee ,or "oga &ractitioner/. Ae $ &erson who takes two full meals in a day is called 5hogiE i.e. a lusty and greedy lighted and well'ventilated. su(stances and kee& the remaining one fourth for air. takes light (reakfast in the morning and the healthy and ha&&y life. &erson who lives mostly to eat and suffers from illness and or ill health from time to time. -8/ $ &erson who takes full meals more than two times is called Rogee or a sick &erson. Ae a gluttonous &erson and lives only to eat. Ae is always sick and away from health. --/ .ont do yogic e*ercises immediately after taking food. It is safe to do them three hours after taking food. It is (etter therefore to do "ogic e*ercise early morning or in the evening when the stomach is em&ty. -7/ .ont take food immediately after doing yogic e*ercises (ut one hour after doing them.

-</ .ont go to (ed immediately after taking su&&er wait for a minimum of one hour after it. -0/ $ccording to $yurveda well (alanced diet consists of food stuffs having si* tastes namely !weet !our !alty 2ungent 5itter and $stringent. )iet and Mind 2 "ogic and $yurvedic as&ects. )odern .ietetic consideration is only related to (ody. 5ut it is a uni?ueness of "ogashastra and $yurveda which shows intimate relationshi& (etween diet and mind. 5oth the sciences assert with &roofs that diet affects mentality of a human (eing. !atva ,virtue/ Ra#a ,$ggressive desire/ and Tama ,Ignorant sloth/ are the (asic ?ualities of mind. !atvaguna is always strengthening invigorating and vitalising. !atvaguna e*&resses essence understanding &urity clarity com&assion and love. Ra#oguna im&lies movement aggressiveness and e*troversion and it o&erates on a sensual level. Tamoguna manifests ignorance inertia heaviness and dullness. !atvaguna is a &ositive virtue and it strengthens and sta(ili3es mind. Ra#oguna and Tamoguna are negative attri(utes which desta(ilise and weaken the mind. "et all the three attri(utes are re?uired of course in a (alanced state and having a strong control of satvaguna are necessary for normal functioning of the mind. $s the final goal of yoga &ractitioner is elevation and u&lifting of mental faculties to attain eternal (liss or moksha he:she should do everything to go on increasing his satvaguna through &ro&er diet and good (ehaviour. "oga (ecomes the destroyer of all woes and sorrows and can (e accom&lished only (y him who is regulated and moderate in diet and recreation regulated in s&eech and actions and regulated in thinking and slee&ing too. The Taste Process The first su(#ective e*&erience of a su(stance on the tongue is taste ,rasa/. $ short time later one feels heating or cooling energy ,virya/. Binally the su(stances have an action on urine fasces and sweat ,vi'ak/. Bor instance for hot chilli &e&&ers one immediately e*&eriences its &ungent taste ,rasa/ and heating energy ,virya/ o(serving a (urning sensation in the faces and urine ,vi&aka/ . Virya D Aeating or +ooling 6nergy @hen any medicinal her( or food su(stance is &ut in the mouth the first e*&erience is its taste. Fater and in some cases immediately you feel its heating or cooling energy either in the mouth or stomach. This change is all due to its action or &otent energy called Virya. 5y e*&erience one can form general rules a(out what a taste Ofeels likeO in the (ody. Bor e*am&le the sweet taste has a cooling energy due to its heaviness. This action &rovokes kapha and is &leasing to pitta and vata. 5ut there are occasional e*ce&tions to this rule. Aoney is sweet (ut have heating energy. This une*&ected effect is termed Prabhav. In this same way sour taste is usually heating e*&ect in the instance of lime which is cooling.

Vipak D 2ost'.igestive 6ffect The final &ost'digestive effect of the taste on the (ody mind and consciousness is called Vipak. @hile sweet and salty taste have a sweet vipak sour taste has a sour vipak (ut that of &ungent (itter and astringent tastes are all &ungent. ;nowledge of the energy and &ost' digestive effect of food or medicinal her(s makes understanding of its action on (odily system easy. This knowledge (eing essential for (oth healing and cooking. Prabhav D !&ecific %ne*&lained $ction @hen two su(stances of similar taste energy and &ost'digestive effect show entirely different action it is called &ra(hav. There is no logical e*&lanation for this. $ll gem stones crystals and mantras aid healing due to their prabhav. rabhav is therefore the s&ecific dynamic hidden action of the awareness &resent in the su(stance. )iet Planning Choice of &ood In &lanning the diet it is necessary to know which food to have or avoid (ased on ones &ersonal doshic constitution or im(alance. Bor easy reference therefore some of the acce&ta(le and avoida(le items for each doshic ty&e has (een listed (elow: Ta(le -G &ruits 1ata $o a&&les dates figs ,dry/ &omegranate raisin &ears /es $vocades gra&es lemons (ananas sweet oranges 2lum Pitta $o a&&les,sour/ (erries,sour/ cran(erries straw(erries (anana lemon /es a&&les,sweet/ (erries,sweet/ coconuts dates figs avocados 4a'ha $o (ananas dates gra&es water melons sweetners melons /es a&&les (erries cran(er ries &omegr anates dried fruits straw(e rries in small amount s figs ,fresh/ &eaches sweet melons mango

mango

&lums &omegranates

coconut

)airy 1ata $o cheese /es dairy Pitta $o yogurt /es fresh ghee 4a'ha $o milk /es #ust a little cows milk Bresh whole sour cream fresh whole un' homogeni3ed milk clarified (utter cheese dairy goat milk and ghee in modera tion &owdered yogurt un'homogeni3ed milk Chee little (utter white meat ,chicken fish or turkey (aked or (roiled/ chicken (roth

#rains 1ata $o 5arley /es white or (rown (asmati rice Pitta $o +orn /es white or (rown (asmati rice wheat 4a'ha $o 5read,with yeast/ /es (arley (uckwh eat cousou corn cereals granola millet wheat Oats ?uinoa millet oat,dry/ ?uinoa &olenta (arley oat (ran oats wheat or wheat (ran oat,cooked/ wheat white rice cane s millet muesli oats oat (ran small amount of wheat

ta&ioca

Meat 1ata $o turkey /es white meat ,chicken fish and turkey ' (aked or ra((it &ork lam( (roiled/ chicken (roth chicken ducks eggs &ork salmon sardines Pitta $o meat /es (aked or (roiled chicken turkey or white fish in moderate amounts (uffalo chicken duck 4a'ha $o (eef /es fresh water fish shrim& ra((it venison small amount of white meat

1egeta%les 1ata $o +a((age, raw/ +auliflow er,raw/ 2eas 2otatoes !&inach 6gg&lant )ushroo m Raddish,r aw/ !&inach /es (eets cauliflower,cooke d/ Feeks carrots as&aragus cilantro fennel and a little (it of garlic green (eans greens chillies Pitta $o 5eet greens +arrots Carlic Creen +hillies Onion 2e&&ers 2rickly &ear Radishes /es as&aragus (roccoli ca((age cucum(er cooked onions sweet &otatoes s&routs s?uash and a small amount of okra and cauliflower 4a'ha $o +ucum(er Olives 2otato 2um&kin !&aghetti !?uash Tomato,raw/ /es as&arag us (eets (itter melons (roccoli (eet greens ca((ag e garlic fennel

Tomatoes ,raw/

Okra &arsni&s &um&kins radishes, &refera(ly cooked/

!&inach Turni&s

carrot horsera dish leafy greens leeks

lettuce okra cooked onions s&inach s&routs s?uash turni& and a small amount of artichok e (urdock root and (russel s s&routs

S'ices 1ata $o /es Pitta $o /es 4a'ha $o /es

+arawas

$#wan $lmond e*tract

$#wan $nise

5lack &e&&er cardamom

!alt

chillies ginger cinnam on clove fenugre ek and (ay leaves $#awan $rvise $safoeti da 5ay leaf +arawa y +innam on

$ruise 5asil 5ay leaf 5lack &e&&er $ll s&ices are good. cilantro cummin corriander and fennel seeds turmeric and asafoetida,hing/

$safoctida 5asil 5ay leaf Carlic Cinger )ace

coriander seeds cinnamon cilantro fennel seeds fresh (asil

2i&&ai )ustard

dill turmeric and a small amount of cumin and fresh ginger

!eeds

.ill )ace

4utmeg !affron

$uts 1ata $o /es Pitta $o /es 4a'ha $o /es

4one

small amount of almonds &ecans and sesame seeds

$lmonds +ashew 2eanuts 2inenuts

sunflower seeds and almonds in moderate amount

$lmonds

small amount of almond s charole

5lack @alnuts 5ra3il nuts Bil(erts Aa3elnuts 2eanuts 2ine nuts @alnuts

Uneasy Com%inations for all %ody ty'es The ne*t im&ortant factor re?uiring attention in the &lanning of diet is the incom&ati(ility of certain com(inations of food that distur( the normal functioning of gastric fire and interfere with the e?uili(rium of the three doshas there(y creating to*ins ,ama/ the root cause of all ailments. $ list of the same is indicated (elow : Ta(le 78 Milk 6ith Melons 6ith Starches 6ith Honey 6ith Radishes 6ith $ightshades 6ith /ogurt 6ith "ggs 6ith &ruit 6ith Corn 6ith (emon 6ith .ater in Ayurveda 2 .ifferent synonyms for water are used (y the (rilliant scholars of $yurveda re&resenting either the &ro&erties of the water or im&ortance of the water in human life. Leevanam is a synonym for water which means life. Fife could not e*ist on this &lanet without water. Bor an $yurveda fish meat curd sour fruits (read containing yeast cherries yogurt grains starch fried foods dairy &roducts eggs tea dairy (ananas dates most fruits when mi*ed with an e?ual amount of clarified (utter (oiled or cooked honey milk (ananas raisins &otato yogurt milk melon cucum(er tomato egg&lant milk sour fruits melons hot drinks meat fish mangos starch cheese milk meat yogurt melons cheese fish (ananas with any other food dates raisins (ananas yogurt milk cucum(ers tomatoes

&hysician water is not only an essential nutrient (ut is one among the five (asic elements essential for the creation of this universe. It is Lalamaha(hoot i.e water element. $ccording to charaka li?uid unctuous cold soft sticky I sweet taste are the attri(utes of the su(stances &redominanted (y water. )oistening unctuous (inding oo3ing softening and e*hilarating are the effects of watery edi(le su(stances on the human (ody. Taste is also an attri(ute of #alamha(hoot. $ccording to caraka water is the (asis of taste. @ater is (asically tasteless (ut as soon as it falls from the sky gets endowed with the &ro&erties of the five elements or comes in contact with other su(stances I taste a&&ears in water. Classification of .ater2 +haraka while descri(ing the various ty&es of water mentioned that entire water is only one which falls down as rain from the sky that while falling or having fallen down de&end on &lace and time. Ae further says that water while falling down from sky I coming in contact with the moon the air I the sun which follows time gets im&regnated with the &ro&erties of cold hot unctuous non unctuous etc. I so on as it rests on the ground. Soil + The .ater 2 $ccording to +haraka the &ure rain water has (y nature si* ?ualities namely cold &ure wholesome &alata(le clean I light. 5ut when water falls on earth its &ro&erties change according to the soil on which it has fallen. In white soil it (ecomes astringent in &ale it (ecomes (itter in (rown alkaline in usara i.e red saline in hilly area &ungent I in (lack soil it (ecomes sweet. The water from rain hailstone and snow is tasteless. The Season + The .ater 2 $ccording to charaka' ,-/ The fresh rain water of the rainy season is heavy cases (lockage to the channels I sweet. That of autumn is thin light and which does not (lock the channels in the (ody. ,7/ In early winter water is unctuous a&hrodisiac strength &romoting I heavy. ,</ In later winter it is light and alleviates ka&ha I vata. ,0/ The water of s&ring season is astringent sweet I rough. ,1/ In summer it is non (locking for channels. The River + The .ater 2 +harakacharya has descri(ed the &ro&erties of water from different rivers. Its a a huge ecological o(servation. It shows the wisdom I the e*tent of eco'friendly nature of oriental thinking. The river originating from Aimalayas constantly used (y the sages having water that is o(structed agitated I (eaten is wholesome I virtuous says +haraka. ,$ccording to modern science the water agitated I (eaten (y the (ig stones in the (ed of the river contains more

o*ygen/. Those originating from Aimalaya carrying stones I sand have clean water which is like nectar. This rivers flowing towards west have clean water I are wholesome while those #oining the eastern sea are mostly mild flowing I do not have clean water. #ood .ater The water which falls from the sky is called as $indrya Lala. It is the &rinci&al drinking water. 5est water is slightly astringent sweet thin non slimy light non rough I does not (lock the channels of the (ody says +haraka. 5ala Maha%oot + Human !ody 2 @hile descri(ing the &redominance of )aha(hootaas in human (ody in +harak samhita +harakacharya cleared stated that D the li?uid mo(ile dull unctuous soft I slimy &lasma (lood fat ka&ha &itta urine sweat etc. along with the taste I gustatory sense are &redominantly made u& to Lala )aha(hoot. These are the watery ingredients of the (ody. Udakavaha Srotas 2 !trotas are defined as trans&orting &assages of dhatus undergoing transformation. Bor udakavaha srotas the orign is &alate I &ancreas. The sym&toms of their affliction are dryness of tongue &alate li&s throat &ancreas I e*cessive thirst. The signs mentioned a(ove are the early signs of dehydration irres&ective of the cause. It is clear from the descri&tion mentioned a(ove that the udakavaha strotas is ment for maintaining the water (alance of the (ody.

JRules for 6ater intake2 @ater should not (e taken (efore food as it diminishes the digestive fire in the stomach I ham&ers digestion. @ater with food, advis!d in #as!s o% r!gu"ar ston!s in th! !$#r!tory syst!m/ causes weight gain I &ost&ones digestion. @ater after food ham&ers digestion I aggravates ka&ha (ecause of which one feels drowsy. +old water taken in normal I cold climates causes consti&ation irrita(le (owel syndrome I weight gain. It should always (e taken in hot tem&eratures. Aot : lukewarm water is good for digestion alleviates vata I ka&ha I is fat cutting. Thus should (e used in o(esity. This should (e avoided in hot tem&eratures &itta diseases I &ersons of &itta constitution. $n ideal time for drinking water after meals is at least half an hour after you have had food . .rinking a glass of luke'warm water hel&s flush out all to*ins accumulated overnight in the (ody is hel&ful in consti&ation I relieves one of gases. Jlukewarm water should (e avoided (y &itta (ody ty&es in summers or if a &erson is suffering from gastric a#idity. )ehydration 2 Thirst is an urge to drink water. @ater is so vital for all our (ody &rocesses that thirst com&els us to drink long (efore we get dehydrated i.e. dangerously low level of water in the (ody. +harakacharya in his to&ic dealing with urge s&ecifically mentioned that the urge of thirst should not (e held. !u&&ression of thirst gives rise to dryness of throat I mouth deafness fatigue de&ression I cardiac &ain. Bor which cold I gratifying drinks are recommended. It (ecomes easy to control the com&lications when thirst itself is alleviated. Aence one should overcome thirst (efore it leads to other disorders. 6*cessive thirst due to loss of fluid dries u& the &atient I kills him instantly. Aence one should take rain water mi*ed with honey. The ground water which is astringent in &ost digestive fate thin light cold fragrant of good taste I non (locking of channels should (e considered as rain water. .ater n )isease 2 +haraka recommends naturally cold water in different conditions of thirst (urning sensation fainting giddiness e*haustion &oisoning I (leeding disorders naturally . In hiccu&s difficulty in (reathing acute fever cory3a after intake of ghee disease of chest I throat ka&ha I vata disorders unctuosness in the (ody I #ust after evacuation hot water is wholesome. Intake of too much water is not wholesome in case of aneamia $scitis cory3a .ia(etes Tumor &oor digestion diarrhea I s&leen enlargement. Aowever if the desire is intolara(le

one should drink water added with sugar I honey or some other suita(le I favourite &re&aration. .ater n &ever 2 In condition of thirst hot water should (e given in fever. Thirst caused (y wine I &itta, e*cessive heat / cold water (oiled in small ?uantity is advisa(le. 5oth the a(ove ty&es of water are a&&etisers digestive anti&yretic channel cleansing strength &romoting &roducing relish I are wholesome. @ater (oiled with musta, parapatak, usira, #handana, udi#hya , Sunthi, names of her(s/ self cooled should (e administered to alleviate thirst I fever. .ater n !enign Tumor The &atients of (ening tumor should use water (oiled with "aghu pan#hamoo", grou& of her(s/ . .ater in )ia%etes $ &erson suffering from .ia(etes should drink water &rocessed with the drug of salasardai grou& ,grou& of her(s/ or kusa or honey water : tri&hala water : #uice of tri&hala which hel&s in controlling the sugar I kee&ing the (ody free from &ost' dia(etic com&lications. .ater n Anaemia + 5aundice Bor those suffering from $naemia water (oiled with her(s of "aghupan#hamu"a I for those suffering from Laundice the gra&e #uice I the #uice of ama"aki is recommended. .ater in Panchakarma 2 In virechana karma ,2urgation/ after taking &urgative drugs if there is consti&ation I the im&urities are discharged in little ?uantity I with delay the &atient should drink hot water. 5y this tym&anitis thirst vomiting I consti&ation are &acified. In charaka it is stated that Dhot water digests the undigested unctuos su(stances (reaks ka&ha I carminates mind. Aence hot water should (e given in emesis &urgation in her(al water I oil enema for &acification of vata I ka&ha. .ater Pre'aration 2 @ater &re&ared with different su(stances are mentioned in +harak samhita. To avoid the re&etition these water &re&arations are discussed here in short. ;* Shadanga'aneeya - 6ater 6ith siE her%s * in o%esity

@ater (oiled with musta, parapatak, ushir, #handan, udi#hya , sunti is called as !hadanga&aneeya. !hadanga&aneeya is indicated in all ty&es of fever I (ening tumour.It is fat cutting I very useful in o(esity. <* Trina'anchamool 6ater8

This is indicated in e*cessive thirst. The water (oiled with -rinapan#hamoo" I mi*ed with sugar candy is called as Truna&anchamool Lala. >* .ater in eEcessive thirst

In e*cessive thirst the water (oiled with tender leaves of matrulunga, v!tas, roots o% kush, kasha , madhuyashti is advised. This water is then filtered I allowed to cool for the use. @ater &re&ared with .aghu pan#hamoo", (ruhat an#hamoo", Dashamoo" are also some other e*am&les of the water &re&ared useful in different disease conditions. Co6 Milk + !uffalo Milk D An Ayurvedic 1ie6 Point 2 +harak samhita is the oldest one in all $yurvedic tests. In the +harak !amhita the &ro&erties I the usage of cow I (uffalo milk are descri(ed . The descri&tion is (ased on the &anchamaha(hautic theory. Co6 Milk 2ro&erties 5est among the Re#uvenator tonics . !uffalo Milk 2ro&erties 6nhances !lee& I decreases e*cessive a&&etite. In the descri&tion from +harak !amhita the &ro&erties of cows milk I (uffalos milk are com&ared. !o the (uffalos milk is colder more unctuous heavier than the cow milk. It means though the Cunas ,&ro&erties/ are same in (oth the milk (ut their &ercentage I &ro&ortion with each other varies in the two ty&es. This difference in the &ro&ortion of )aha(huta influences the &ro&erties of the milk. )ore of 2ruthvi I Lala )aha(huta are the causative factors of ;a&ha dosha and hence (uffalos milk increase the ka&ha dosha in the (ody. 5ecause of this increase in ka&ha dosha it enhances the slee& I controls e*cessive a&&etite. On the other hand (ecause of the &ro&ortionate com&osition of gunas I the (alance of 2anchamahadhutas the cow milk is descri(ed as the (est re#uvenator I also it delights the mind. +harakacharya stated that (ecause the &ro&erties of cows milk I O#a are the same the cows milk is the (est among the re#uvinater tonics. #"$"RA( RU("S TO !" PR"SCR !") &OR "1"R/ $) 1 )UA(2 @hen a &erson comes for ayurvedic counselling you may directly &rescri(e him the general rules which are to (e followed (y every &erson. These constitute of the following:

- )incharya i.e regime to (e followed everyday 7 Rutucharya i.e regime to (e followed in that &articular season < Uneasy com%inations which are to (e avoided (y all. 0 )ake the individual aware of the conce't of an ideal diet + functions of food8 Ae should (e informed a(out the time 7 Guantity + order in 6hich the food should %e taken.,all this information is given a(ove in importan#! o% di!t/ 1 Rules of 6ater intake as given a(ove, in water according to ayurveda/should (e &rescri(ed to all individuals. 0 The food articles -diet* to (e taken I avoided on daily %asis should (e &rescri(ed from ta(le no8 ;J i8e choice of food according to vata: &itta : ka&ha which will (e most (eneficial for the individual. 1 &ood articles &rescri(ed out of the ta(le no.-G should (e taken from ta%le no8<; kee&ing in mind that they dont aggravate the individuals .oshas with res&ect to his (ody constitution I season in which he is dwelling., refer $OT" <; at the end of food charts/ 9 The regime for 6oman:s cycle ,&eriods/ is also common and hence should (e &rescri(ed to all woman. = In the regime of Rutucharya and .inacharya the &rescri(ed hair oil massage oil etc should (e different according to the (ody constitution. $&art from common &rescri&tions here are some &rinci&al guidelines with e*am&les a(out how to &rescri(e seasonal routines I diet to all healthy individuals according to their &ersonal (ody constitution I the season they are dwelling in. )"T"RM $ $# TH" !O)/ T/P" O& A$ $) 1 )UA(2 Ta(le -7 I -< which give information a(out &hysical characters and emotional characters a(out each (ody ty&e. One should tick the &articular characters he has for each of the .osha and count them. The ma*imum num(er of characters in a &articular dosha gives his ma#or (ody ty&e and the second is his minor (ody ty&e i.e if one finds ma*imum characters of Vata .osha and lesser of 2itta .osha and the least of ;a&ha .osha his (ody ty&e is &redominant in Vata and less dominant in 2itta. Ae has a dual (ody ty&e i.e. Vata 2itta., you can match it with ta(le no.-8 and see which of the &hotogra&h ty&e does the individual resem(le/. $fter diagnosing the constitution of the individual if he is &redominant in ka&ha dosha ta(le -- will give him the .os and donts of each dosha. In ;a&ha .osha and even in diseases related to ;a&ha dosha,increase in ka&ha dosha' ta(le no > ta(le no.=' ailments caused (y the im&airment of five ty&es of ka&has/ one must (e &rescri(ed to take less ?uantity of food which is warm and take food having &ungent (itter and astringent taste. Ae should (e advised to o(serve fast once a week. Ae should do oil massage with stimulating oils like saha#haradi oil etc. Ae should do regular and vigorous e*ercise I have ka&ha tea. Her%al dietary su''lements as mentioned earlier like .uggul/ 'itopaladi &hurna/ +rikatu/

&havanprash should %e 'rescri%ed strictly under medical guidance8 Fikewise for &itta I vata (ody ty&es. If a &erson is dwelling in the rainy season ,early fall/ it is (ut natural that even the seasonal aggravations of Vata .osha will (e there. This is given in ta(le -1. The tastes of seasons and seasonal taste ad#ustment are given in ta(le no -9 I -=. $ &erson having Vata dosha &redominant should (e &rescri(ed I strictly told to follow the regime of early rainy season ,given in, r!gim! in rainy s!ason/. The tastes given for this season are )a#or' !weet moderate salty moderate unctuous warm. )inor 2ungent astringent etc given in the same ta(le. Ae should (e &rescri(ed with the season dos I donts given for rainy season in ta(le ->.The food articles ,diet/ to (e taken on daily (asis should (e &rescri(ed from ta(le no. -G i.e choice of food according to vata which will (e most (eneficial for the individual. , on the same guidelines &rescri(e routines for &itta (ody ty&es dwelling in autumn I ka&ha (ody ty&es dwelling in s&ring/V..a"&ays r!m!mb!r that b!%or! aggravation th!r! is a##umu"ation o% th! sp!#i%i# Dosha &ith r!sp!#t to th! s!ason, refer ta(le no.-1/.So i% th! -9 I -= no #harts ar! %o""o&!d in th! a##umu"ation p!riod i.! /0 days prior to th! aggravating s!ason , th!r! &ou"d b! minimum aggravation o% th! Doshas , thus th! ai"m!nts, refer ta(le no < 0 1 9 = I >/ r!"at!d to it V n this 6ay Ayurveda can %e the %est 'reventive natural medication8 If an individuals (ody ty&e is 2itta';a&ha and he his dwelling in the early rainy season where there is aggravation of Vata .osha. Ae should (e &rescri(ed with the general rules given in regime for rainy season as (oth the .oshas forming his (ody ty&e are not dominant in this season, ta(le no.-1/.The &rescri&tion should include seasonal taste ad#ustments I seasonal dos I donts for &itta, ta(le -= I ->/. The food articles ,diet/ to (e taken on daily (asis should (e &rescri(ed from ta(le no. -G i.e choice of food according to &itta which will (e most (eneficial for the individual. Bood articles &rescri(ed out of the ta(le no.-G should (e taken from ta(le no.7- kee&ing in mind that they dont aggravate &itta I ka&ha,refer note <; at the end of food charts/. Ae should follow the .incharya and avoid the uneasy com(inations given for all (ody ty&es in ta(le 78. These com(inations should (e avoided (y every individual as mentioned earlier.