The Three Doshas and Health
Although each person's metabolic type is
determined by a predominant dosha, all three doshas
are present in varying degrees in every cell, tissue, and organ of
the body.
According to Vasant Lad, M.A.Sc., an Ayurvedic
physician and Director of the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque,
New Mexico, the doshas are located in specific areas of the
body:
Vata
is motion that activates the physical system and allows the body to
breathe and circulate blood. The seats of the vata
are
the large intestine, pelvic cavity, bones, skin, ears, and thighs.
Pitta, the metabolism, processes food, air, and water and is responsible
for charging the hundreds of enzymatic activities throughout the
body. The seats of pitta are the small intestine, stomach,
sweat glands, blood, skin, and eyes.
Kaph,
the structure of bones, muscle, and fat
that holds the body together, offers nourishment and protection. For
example, the chest, the lungs, and the spinal fluid surrounding the
spinal cord are the seats of kapha
in the body.
When the doshas are balanced in
accordance with an individual's constitution, the result is vibrant
health and energy. But when the delicate balance is disturbed, the
body becomes susceptible to outside stressors, which may range from
viruses and bacteria to poor nutrition and overwork. Dr. Chopra notes
that imbalance in
the doshas is the first sign that mind and body are not
perfectly coordinated. He points out that once
people understand the characteristics and qualities ascribed to
their body types, they can take appropriate measures, through
changes in diet, lifestyle, and environment, to restore dosha
balance, which will prevent disease and ensure continued good health.
Medical online consultation with qualified doctors
Copyright © 2004-2005