Doshas: Ayurveda and Modern approach
Dosha
दूष्यते अनेन इति दोषः ।
Based on the verse mentioned above, it's evident that a Dosha is a factor with a predisposition to become imbalanced and, in turn, induce imbalance. In their inherent states, these doshas serve to safeguard and maintain stability in the body.
वायुः पित्तं कफश्चोक्तः शारीरो दोषसङ्ग्रहः|
मानसः पुनरुद्दिष्टो रजश्च तम एव च||५७|
Acharya Atreya, in sharing the wisdom of Ayurveda, conveyed that the body is regulated by three physical or sharirika doshas, while the psychological aspects are governed by two manasika doshas. Vata (vayu), Pitta, and Kapha pertain to the sharirika doshas, while Rajas and Tamas relate to the manasika doshas.
Prakruthi
Prakruti, in Ayurveda, refers to an individual's unique constitution or natural state of being. It encompasses one's physical, mental, and emotional characteristics, as well as their inherent strengths and vulnerabilities. Prakruti is determined by the three fundamental energies or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
These doshas are combinations of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) and are present in varying proportions in each individual. Everyone has a unique blend of these doshas, which contributes to their specific Prakruti. Understanding one's Prakruti helps in tailoring lifestyle, dietary choices, and wellness practices to maintain balance and promote overall health.
Types of Prakruthi
Ekadoshaja Prakruti: This refers to an individual whose constitution is primarily influenced by one dominant dosha. In other words, one dosha is more prominent in its makeup compared to the other two doshas. It's nearly accurate to suggest that this type is almost nonexistent today, given that the continual reproduction across generations and the merging of various phenotypes serve as evidence of a blend involving all doshas.
Dwidoshaja Prakruti: This refers to a constitution where two doshas are more or less equally dominant, while the third dosha is less prominent. For instance, someone with a "dwidoshaja Pitta-Kapha prakruti" would have Pitta and Kapha as the dominant doshas, with Vata being less influential. This constitution tends to manifest qualities and tendencies from both dominant doshas. Here, an individual may display characteristics and phenotypes associated with all three doshas. However, to determine their prakruti, we consider any two doshas whose characteristics are most prominent among the three.
Sama Prakruti: As mentioned earlier, this refers to a constitution where all three doshas are in balance. The qualities of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are present in a harmonious proportion, leading to a state of overall well-being and health. It can be deduced that like ekadoshaja prakruthi, sama prakruthi is also almost non-existent today again due to the same reasons.
Panchamahabhuta and dosha
सर्वम् द्रव्यम् पाञ्चभौतिकमस्मिन्नर्थे
Charaka Samhitha Sutra sthana
In the universe, everything is composed of the five fundamental elements known as "panchamahabhuta." Each of these elements is a combination of the subtle forms of the five primary elements, with one element being dominant. The Vata dosha is the result of a combination of the Vayu (air) and Aakasha (ether) mahabhutas. The doshas can be symbolically represented by the wheel-like form above.
The Pitta dosha is formed through the fusion of the Agni (fire) and Jala (water) mahabhutas, and the wheel-like symbol above represents this combination.
The Pitta dosha is formed through the fusion of the Agni (fire) and Jala (water) mahabhutas, and the wheel-like symbol above represents this combination. The wheel depicted above serves as a symbolic representation of the same.
Importance of Vata or Vayu Dosha
वयुस्तन्त्रयन्त्रधरः
--Charaka Samhitha
पित्तं पङ्गु कफं पङ्गु पङ्गवो मलधतवः।
वायुना यत्र नियन्ति तत्र गच्छन्ति मेघवत् ॥
--Astanga Hridaya
The provided verses offer insight into the pivotal role of Vata dosha in the functioning of the entire body. The statement indicates that Vata dosha is not limited to a specific organ or system but has a systemic influence. It affects digestion, circulation, respiration, and the overall balance of the body.
Qualities of doshas
Vata Dosha Gunas
| Charaka Samhitha | Astanga Hridaya |
| रूक्ष - Rough | रूक्ष - Rough |
| लघु - Light | लघु - Light |
| शीत - Cold | शीत - Cold |
| चल - Dynamic | खर - Coarse |
| विशद - Non-slimy | चल - Dynamic |
| सूक्ष्म - Subtle | सूक्ष्म - Subtle |
| खर - Coarse |
Pitta Dosha Gunas
| Charaka Samhitha | Astanga Hridaya |
| सस्नेह - Mildly Unctuous | सस्नेह - Mildly Unctuous |
| उष्ण - Hot | तीक्ष्ण - Sharp |
| तीक्ष्ण - Sharp | उष्ण - Hot |
| द्रव - Liquid | द्रव - Liquid |
| अम्ल - Sour | लघु - Light |
| सर - Fluid | सर - Fluid |
| कटु - Pungent | विस्र - Having a typical pungent smell |
Kapha Dosha Gunas
| Charaka Samhita | Astanga Hridaya |
| गुरु - Heavy | स्निग्ध- Unctuous |
| शीत - Cold | शीत - Cold |
| मृदु - Soft | गुरु - Heavy |
| स्निग्ध - Unctuous | मन्द - Slow Moving |
| मधुर - Sweet | श्लक्ष्ण - Smooth |
| स्थिर - Immobile | मृत्स्न - Loamy |
| पिच्छिला - Slimy | स्थिर - Immobile |
Modern Correlation
In this comparison, Vata dosha, often associated with qualities of movement and change, shares similarities with the dynamic nature of the nervous system, which coordinates and controls the body's communication and responsiveness. Pitta, as the dosha responsible for metabolic processes and the transformation of substances, can be paralleled with the vital role of blood and bodily fluids in nourishing and maintaining the body. Kapha, akin to stability and potential energy, aligns with the role of soft tissues and their support in forming the physical structure, lending durability and cohesion to the body's framework.
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