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→Doshas and Panchamahabhutas (Association between Doshas and 5 basic elements)
=== Doshas and Panchamahabhutas (Association between Doshas and 5 basic elements) ===
=== Doshas and Panchamahabhutas (Association between Doshas and 5 basic elements) ===
The theory of ''Tridosha'' (three ''doshas'' namely ''Vata, Pitta'' and ''Kapha'') fundamentally brings ''Mahabhuta'' theory into a practical, usable and understandable format for its application to the cause of human health. It forms the basis of Ayurvedic physiology and subsequently paves the way to its clinical application. ''Tridosha'' symbolizes the physico-biological properties of compounds made through a differential combination of ''Mahabhutas. Tridosha'', therefore, represents the physiological functioning of a living body, which eventually is the property of its component material. Ayurvedic idea of disease and health is conceived around this concept by identifying a balance of ''Tridosha''and eventually that of the ''Panchamahabhuta'' representing health. An imbalance of ''Mahabhuta,'' therefore leads to qualitative disturbance of physiological functions subsequently identified as a disharmony of ''dosha'' causing a disease.
The functions of input–output, throughput and storage or incidentally of ''Vata'', ''Pitta'' and ''Kapha'' are primary requisites for the existence of any living system. In turn, these are considered to be the manifestation of compositional complexity of a person. Consequently, a ''Mahabhautic'' root to the ''Vata'', ''Pitta'' and ''Kapha''is identified as described in Table 3. By observing the function of their representative ''dosha'', a deficit or the excess of the ''Mahabhuta'' can be identified as the cause behind the state of sickness or health.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Sr NO
!Predominant Mahabhuta
!Representative Dosha
|-
|1
|Akasha + Vayu
|Vata Dosha
|-
|2
|Agni
|Pitta Dosha
|-
|3
|Jala + Prthvi
|Kapha Dosha
|}
=== Significance of Doshas ===
=== Significance of Doshas ===
''Doshas'' are the forces that create the physical body. They determine conditions of growth, aging, health and disease. Typically, one of the three ''doshas''predominates and determines one's constitution or mind-body type. By understanding individual habits, emotional responses, and body type, practitioners can adapt their yoga practice accordingly. The same applies for Ayurveda treatments focused on alleviating any doshic excesses (illness) via powerful herbs and/or through the improvement of general lifestyle practices such as pranayama, meditation and yoga postures.
There are clear indications when there exists an excess of a ''dosha'', throwing the system off balance. For example, with excess ''vata'', there can be mental, nervous and digestive disorders, including low energy and weakening of all body tissues. With excess ''pitta'', there is toxic blood that gives rise to inflammation and infection. With excess ''kapha'', there is an increase in mucus, weight, edema, and lung disease, etc. The key to managing all ''doshas'' is taking care of ''vata'', as it is the origin of the other two
Individual constitution is determined at birth and is the same throughout life. The three general types are determined according to the predominant Dosha, but combinations and variations also exist. Two Doshas may exist in equal strengths. The balance of Doshas will show typical conditions and tendencies towards excess.
== Manasa Doshas ==
== Manasa Doshas ==
[[Manas (मनः)|Manas]] commonly correlated with mind is one of the integral components of one’s life. Vedas and Bhagvadgita hava clearly mentioned that Satva, Raja and Tama are the 3 properties of manas which carry individual significance. Among these 3 properties Ayurveda makes differentiation and considers Satva as Guna (Good quality) of mind while Raja and Tama are regarded as Doshas of mind.
[[Manas (मनः)|Manas]] commonly correlated with mind is one of the integral components of one’s life. Vedas and Bhagvadgita hava clearly mentioned that Satva, Raja and Tama are the 3 properties of manas which carry individual significance. Among these 3 properties Ayurveda makes differentiation and considers Satva as Guna (Good quality) of mind while Raja and Tama are regarded as Doshas of mind.