Ayurveda
Ayurvedic medicine, defines health as soundness of body (sharira), mind (manas) and Self (atman). Each of these must be nurtured if the individual is to create health. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach based upon the understanding that no single agent by itself causes disease or brings health.
TRIDOSHA
Ayurveda views the person as a composite of 3 forces:
1. Vata The force symbolized by AIR
2. Pitta The force symbolized by FIRE
3. Kapha The force symbolized by WATER
The quality and the relative balance of these forces determines health and disease. When these forces act harmoniously, the functions of digestion, absorption and elimination (physically & mentally) create health. As these 3 forces are responsible for specific areas of body/mind function, the symptoms of imbalance indicate which of these forces is deficient or excessive.
Constitution
The concept of constitution (prakriti) is central to Ayurveda. Individuals are comprised of the 3 forces (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) in unique combinations so that no 2 persons are alike. The constitutional determination provides insight into the deeper workings of an individual. With this it is possible to become aware of the foods, spices, herbal medicines, emotions, thoughts, climates, colours, activities and so on that tend to either balance or unbalance a particular individual and to either improve or aggravate various types of illness. Furthermore, it is possible to outline the disease tendencies of the different constitutions so that a preventive lifestyle may be observed; also, health promotion for individuals of different constitutions can follow a rational, time tested approach utilizing all that nature provides.
A disease will manifest in different constitutions in different ways. An individual with a predominantly Vata constitution will experience symptoms that are different than those for Pitta or Kapha, even though they all have been diagnosed with the same disease . Constitutional treatment of the individual is a priority since the constitution is fundamental to health and illness.
Disclaimer:-The information presented here is not presented with the intention of diagnosing any disease or condition or prescribing any treatment. It is offered as information only, for use in the maintenance and promotion of good health in cooperation with a licensed medical practitioner. In the event that any individual should use the information presented on this website without a licensed medical practitioner's approval, that individual will be diagnosing for him or herself. No responsibility is assumed by the author, publisher or distributors of this information should the information be used in place of a licensed medical practioner's services. Copyrights@1999 Dr. Preeti Kachroo Herbal Education Network. All Rights Reserved.
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