Basics of Ayurveda

In our daily lives we consume various foods and engage in different activities without considering their impact on the tridoshas. Consequently, as we continue these activities without being aware of the potential outcomes, they tend to accumulate their effects and ultimately aggravate the doshas. These aggravated doshas are what eventually serve as the direct cause for diesases. Hence, understanding these factors is crucial for our daily lives. And fot the same reason, we will now understand the irritating factors of the doshas respectively.

One of the fundamental principles in Ayurveda is the concept of ‘Tridosha.’ The term ‘Tridosha,’ as commonly understood, refers to vata, pitta, and kapha, the three essential components of our body. ‘Tri’ signifies three, and ‘Doshas’ are not perceived as defects or imbalances in our body but rather as the fundamental elements of our living being. These doshas, when in their natural state or physiological equilibrium, provide benefits to our body and essentially perform all the necessary functions. However, when in their vitiated condition or pathological state, they disrupt other organs and tissues, leading to various types of diseases. As understood, the ‘Tridosha’ are the primary factors in maintaining optimal health. Consequently, it is crucial that we acquire knowledge about them.

The word ‘Ayurveda’ constitues of two words i.e. ‘Ayu’ + ‘Veda’. The word ‘Ayu’ represents life, it is a continous, ongoing entity that holds together the very essence of our being. It is a comprehensive term used for the sharira (our physical body), the indriya (our sense organs), the manas (our mind) and the atma (our soul). The harmonious alliance of these is what we call ‘Ayu’, one that sustains and maintains our lives. The word ‘Veda’ is dervied from ‘vid’ meaning knowledge or science.