When we hear the word ‘Ayurveda’, the next words come to mind are- Vata, Pitta, Kapha and Agni.

So let’s understand what they are and mean.

It is now a proven fact that everything is made up of 5 elements- Ether (Space), Air, Fire, Water and Earth.

However, there is something more that holds together these 5 elements in everything - whether a tree, a bird, our body, stars and the whole Universe - some form of ‘Intelligence’.

This ‘Intelligence’ is manifested in 3 principle energies experienced by us everyday - energies of:

1. Movement- referred to as VATA, composed of Ether and Air

2. Transformation- referred to as PITTA, composed of Fire and Water

3. Cohesion- referred to as KAPHA, composed of Earth and Water

How it relates to my body?

Simplistically, these 3 energies (referred often as doshas) manifest in us as

• VATA is responsible for all movements in the body and mind – for example, breathing, heart beat pulsation, elimination, blood circulation, cell division and arrangement, enthusiasm, thinking and creativity.

• PITTA is responsible for the metabolism and digestion in the body which produce the required nutrients for sustaining our cells and body, body temperature, hunger, thirst, complexion, lust and courage.

• KAPHA  provides stability, structure, immunity to body, lubrication of joints, stamina, cellular growth. It protects tissues, governs reproductive capacity, retention of knowledge and compassion. Our body is made up of 70% water.

  PRANA or Life Force is the ‘Intelligence’ that co-ordinates these 3 energies and simply keeps us alive.

Each individual’s body constitution is a unique combination of these 3 energies, governed by Prana and Ayurveda considers this ‘Uniqueness’ in treatment and health restoration.

Agni is principally the digestive fire, but also refers to the ‘fire’ or trans-formational power present in each of 7 bodily tissues. Agni facilitates tissues to covert the elements in the food we eat to respective tissue materials. It keeps all 3 doshas in balance and an optimal state of Agni is essential for good health. Strong or weak Agni can lead to doshic imbalances.

How it relates to my health?

Any imbalance of one of more of the energies produce disease conditions internally. Such imbalance also reduces immunity, lowering body’s resistance to external pathogens- bacteria, viruses- and climatic actions.

What causes imbalance of energies?

Our eating habits, type of food, lifestyle, climatic conditions, action of pathogens, accidents, stress are a few reasons for causing imbalance. Some hereditary and karmic dispositions may also cause such imbalances as per Ayurveda.

Generally, the imbalances are manifested as:

VATA imbalance produces the problems like constipation, hypertension, fatigue and mental health issues like anxiety, restlessness.

PITTA when imbalanced, the person may suffer from skin rashes, burning sensations, peptic ulcers, excessive body heat, heartburn, indigestion and anger issues.

KAPHA when goes out of balance, it can cause overweight, excessive sleep, cysts, diabetes, asthma and depression.

How Ayurveda treatment restores health?

Ayurveda believes that total health can be achieved by restoring the balance, through a vast array of preventive and rejuvenative practices :

• lifestyle and dietary recommendations,

• bodywork therapies,

• herbal medicine remedies and tonics,

• detoxification regimens,

• exercises and

• mental health practices.

  All of these are individually tailored according to person’s unique constitution to maximize benefit .