Keeping healthy using the knowledge of ayurveda Part - 1

 

Keeping healthy using the knowledge of ayurveda.

Ayurveda sought to empower people with the knowledge of how to keep oneself healthy.

In the not so distant past the human being and the right way to live according to the laws of nature was the focus. People were naturally healthy in those times and devoted their time to other aspects of life.

People intrinsically understood the basics of health. When they felt heavy or uneasy they knew that some acute problem would crop up that would clear the sloth.

They welcomed the fever, cough, cold, whatever that happened, took rest, kept themselves hydrated, and fasted. After the acute phase subsided they recovered quickly and felt energized again.

While today we worry about the acute diseases and rush to the hospital at the drop of a hat, in those times the opposite was the case.

People felt worried if in any year they did not suffer from any acute disease. They knew that was a problem and did self-cleaning to ward off any unforeseen event.

There were internal and external cleansing practices that were a way of life. People enjoyed good health because of them.

The following is the basics of ayurveda shared by Dr Rasraj Prajapati. By studying it you will realize that health is your own responsibility. Doctors are not needed.

Ayurveda's three doshas; The blueprint of your body mind type.

Understanding doshas is the first step to mastering your health, energy, mood & longevity.

What Are Doshas?

In Ayurveda, Doshas are three bio-energetic forces formed from the Pancha Mahabhutas (5 elements):

• Vata = Air + Ether
• Pitta = Fire + Water
• Kapha = Earth + Water

They govern all physiological and psychological functions.

VATA Dosha – The Energy of Movement

• Traits: Creative, quick-thinking, sensitive
• Physique: Light, dry, agile
• Responsible for: Breathing, circulation, nerve impulses, motion
• Imbalance leads to: Anxiety, insomnia, constipation, dryness

PITTA Dosha – The Energy of Transformation

• Traits: Focused, analytical, driven
• Physique: Moderate build, warm, oily skin
• Governs: Digestion, metabolism, intellect
• Imbalance leads to: Anger, heartburn, inflammation, perfectionism

KAPHA Dosha – The Energy of Structure & Cohesion

• Traits: Calm, loyal, nurturing
• Physique: Solid, slow metabolism, smooth skin
• Governs: Immunity, lubrication, growth, stability
• Imbalance leads to: Lethargy, weight gain, congestion, depression

You Are a Unique Dosha Constitution (Prakriti)

Each person is born with a specific Dosha ratio.

Most people are:

• Dominant in 1 Dosha (e.g. Vata)
• Dual types (e.g. Vata-Pitta)
• Very few are Tridoshic (balanced)

Know your Prakriti → Know your health path.

Dosha Imbalance = Vikriti

• Modern lifestyle, diet, stress, and climate disturb our natural balance.
• This imbalance (vikriti) is the root of disease.
• Ayurveda's goal: Restore Prakriti by managing Vikriti.

Mental Tendencies by Dosha:

• Vata → Imaginative, scattered, prone to worry
• Pitta → Sharp, judgmental, intense focus
• Kapha → Content, slow-paced, emotionally steady

Emotional awareness is Dosha awareness.

Diet Guidelines by Dosha- to be adopted:

• Vata: Warm, moist, grounding foods (ghee, oats, root veggies)
• Pitta: Cooling, mildly spiced, hydrating foods (coconut, cucumber)
• Kapha: Light, spicy, dry foods (millets, ginger, legumes)

Lifestyle for Balance:

• Vata: Routine, warmth, oil massage
• Pitta: Rest, nature, compassion practices
• Kapha: Exercise, lightness, stimulation

Your day should match your Dosha’s needs.

Dosha-Specific Herbs:

• Vata: Ashwagandha, Bala, Licorice
• Pitta: Brahmi, Shatavari, Guduchi
• Kapha: Tulsi, Trikatu, Punarnava

These herbs help correct energetic imbalances at the root.

Work & Productivity by Dosha:

• Vata: Inspired starters, visionary thinkers
• Pitta: Strategic planners, goal crushers
• Kapha: Reliable maintainers, team supporters

Your Dosha determines your natural career rhythm.

Sleep by Dosha:

• Vata: Light sleepers, prone to insomnia
• Pitta: Need cooling down before bed
• Kapha: Heavy sleepers, may oversleep

Ayurveda aligns even your sleep hygiene with your constitution.

Daily Routine (Dinacharya):

• Morning: Kapha- dominant – ideal for movement
• Midday: Pitta-dominant – best for meals & productivity
• Evening/Night: Vata-dominant – time to rest, reflect & relax

Even time has a Dosha.

Yoga by Dosha:

• Vata: Slow, grounding practices (Yin Yoga)
• Pitta: Cooling & balancing (Moon Salutations)
• Kapha: Energizing, heating styles (Vinyasa, Power Yoga)

Movement heals when matched with your energy type.

Spiritual Evolution & Doshas:

• Vata → Bhakti (Devotion)
• Pitta → Jnana (Knowledge)
• Kapha → Karma (Service)

Each Dosha has a pathway to the divine. Ayurveda supports not just the body - but also the soul.

You can’t change your Prakriti - but you can manage your Vikriti.

Healing begins when you honor your type and live accordingly.

Ayurveda is not about becoming someone else - it's about coming back to yourself.

In Summary:

• VATA = Movement
• PITTA = Transformation
• KAPHA = Structure

Know them. Balance them. Respect them.

This is Ayurveda - the art of living in tune with your nature.

Rooted in Timeless Knowledge:

• Charaka Samhita
• Sushruta Samhita
• Ashtanga Hridaya

These ancient texts offer clinical precision - long before modern biology emerged.