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=== Doshas and Panchamahabhutas (Association between Doshas and 5 basic elements) ===

=== Doshas and Panchamahabhutas (Association between Doshas and 5 basic elements) ===

Panchamahabhuta (5 basic elements of nature) theory and Tridosha theory are among the basic theories of Ayurveda. The theory of Tridosha 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 refers to 3 doshas viz. Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These 3 doshas are believed to be the compounds which are made through a differential combination of Mahabhutas. It is believed that, every dosha is composed of all 5 elements but 1 or 2 of them have dominance in each dosha making it a unique compound. Each dosha, therefore, represents the physiological functioning of a living body, which eventually is the property of its component material. Ayurveda's 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.

Panchamahabhuta (5 basic elements of nature) theory and Tridosha theory are among the basic theories of Ayurveda. The theory of Tridosha fundamentally brings Mahabhuta theory into a practical, usable and understandable format for its application in balancing human health. It forms the basis of Ayurveda's physiology and subsequently paves the way to its clinical application. Tridosha refers to 3 doshas viz. Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These 3 doshas are believed to be the compounds which are made through a differential combination of Mahabhutas. It is believed that, every dosha is composed of all 5 elements but 1 or 2 of them have dominance in each dosha making it a unique compound as shown in the table below.

 

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 below. 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"

{| class="wikitable"

|Kapha Dosha

|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.

Doshas are the forces or bio-energies that create the Shariram (Physical body) along with their counterparts Dhatus and Malas. Thus, these 3 components are called as the roots of the physical body or functional units of the body. Among these 3 units, Doshas are significant because they have the capacity to vitiate the rest 2 units and further aggravate the imbalance in the body causing disease. Since the functions are chiefly governed by doshas, we can say that Doshas are the one that determine conditions of growth, aging, health and disease. Typically, one of the three doshas predominates at the very beginning of life and right at that point of the time, one's constitution or mind-body type is determined. This body-mind type remains unaltered for the whole life. This peculiar combination of doshas started from the life of an individual determines individual habits, emotional responses, tolerance capacity, expression, intelligence, movements and structure. Vaidyas stress on understanding this body type first. On the basis of this type known as 'Prakrti', they decide the plan of treatment to normalize the disturbed balance of doshas in the body to offer the best suitable treatment for the individual.

 

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.

There are clear indications when there exists an excess or depletion of a any dosha, throwing the system off balance. If left unattended,this vitiated dosha disturbs the equilibrium of dhatus and malas leading to disease development. The in depth descriptions about signs and symptoms of disturbances in Dosha levels are found in classical Ayurveda treatises.

== 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.