Description

Charaka Samhitha (Treatise on Medicine), Susrutha Samhitha (Treatise on Surgery) and Ashtanga Samgraha (Treatise on the basic principles) are considered to be the three major treatises in Ayurveda. Some of the treatises written between 9th and 16th century AD include Sharangadhara Samhita (Treatise on Ayurvedic Recipes), Bhavaprakasha (History and classifications), Madhava Nidana (Treatise on Diagnosis) etc. Ayurveda advocates that every living and non-living being has five basic elements (Pancha Maha Bhoothas) in them namely earth, water, fire, air and ether which manifest itself in the human body as Vatha, Pitha and Kabha (or the Tridoshas). Air and ether form the Vatha principle, fire the Pitha principle and earth and water the Kapha principle. Every human being has his Prakruti (Constitutional Nature) determined by the dominance of Vatha, Pitha or Kabha or their combinations. Harmony in Prakruthi indicates good health. The cause of a disease is diagnosed and treatment prescribed by monitoring the Tridoshas, Dhatus (that which supports the body functions), Malas (the metabolic bi-products formed in the body), Agni (which is responsible for metabolism) and the Prakruti of the patient. The outcome of an Ayurvedic treatment is ideal health, a relaxed mind and rejuvenated body. Under weight and slim, hair, teeth, bones and skin are brittleHead, chest, hands, legs, joints, nose, eyes and lips are narrow and dryJoint crepitation on movementsIntrinsic disposition: Friendly, calm, dependable, grateful, well-behaved, honest, joyful etc.Diseases : Low resistance, Inclined to diseases of nerves and mental illnessSpeech : QuickSleep : DisturbedDreams : Active, Violent, VividHunger/ Thirst : VariableFavorite Foods : Sweet, Sour, SaltyHealth : Weak, Mostly short livedMovement : Slow but firmSweat : ProfuseBowels : Constipated, dry, hard Sex : Variable Characteristics of Pitha Type (Fire Dominant) Thin skin, head, chest, hands, legs, eyes, nose and lips are normal and not dryDiseases : Medium resistance, Inclined to all metabolic diseases Intrinsic disposition : Bold, aggressive, intelligent, witty, adventurous etc.Favorite Foods : Cold, Bitter, Astringent, SweetBowels : Semi solid, solid, oily, soft looseHealth : Medium strength, Medium life expectancyCan have soft, thin hair (often blond)Inclined to premature grayingMedium heightEyes become red more quicklySleep : LittleHunger/ Thirst : StrongSweat : ProfuseTendency for unpleasant bodily smellForming of wrinkles and baldnessCannot bear heatSpeech : Sharp, ModerateDreams : Frightening, ViolentMovement : ModerateSex : Average Characteristics of Kapha Type (Phlegm Dominant) Powerful, firm, big bones, often, overweightSmooth, luxuriant, greasy dark hairHead, chest, hand and legs, joints, nose, eyes, lips etc. are large, humid and firmIntrinsic disposition: Friendly, calm, dependable, grateful, well behaved, resolute, honest, joyful etc.Dreams: Often of swimming, beautiful panoramasDiseases: Strong resistance, Inclined to all diseases of breathing organs and lymphatic system, diseases of joints etc.Favorite Foods: Hot, spicy, bitter, astringent Sleep: DeepSpeech: Slow but steadyMovement: Slow but firmBowels: NormalHealth: Strong, High life expectancyHunger/ Thirst: Low, stableCan bear heat and coldSweat: MediumSex: Very intenseThick skin Prakruties of single predominant Doshas and Thridosha predominant (Vatha, Pitha and Kapha) occur rarely. Usually combinations of two Doshas are seen. Vatha TypePitha TypeKaphaTypeVatha Pitha Kapha TypeVatha Pitha TypeVatha Kapha TypePitha Kapha Type