Ayurveda is one of the oldest natural medicine system.It is a great gift from India to the world.Ayurveda philosophy says, everything that exists in nature has been generated by the action of specific elements called DOSHA, such as the fire PITTA, the air VATA and the earth KAPHA, The term “Ayurveda” is composed of the terms “life” (ayu) and “knowledge” (see), therefore its meaning is “knowledge of life”, or “the art of good living”. In addition to medical science, it contains elements offers a complete vision of existence, teaches to know the true nature of the Human Being and its environment, and to maintain the balance between Universe.
subdoshas
Each of the three doshas is divided into 5 subdoshas found to a greater extent in specific places of the body and preside over specific functions as illustrated below.
VATA
| Name of the subdosha | Location | Normal functions | Disorders caused by its alteration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prana | Heart, brain, chest, ears, nose, throat | Breathing, ingestion of food. It supports the functions of the heart, mind, senses and intellect | Hiccups, cough, bronchitis, asthma, colds, hoarseness |
| Udana | Throat, navel, lungs | Language and funzionamentisono voice, singing, strengthens the mind, memory and enthusiasm | Eye diseases, ear, nose, head and throat. |
| Vyana | Located throughout the body | It promotes the functioning of the circulation channels such as blood vessels | Circulatory disorders, fevers, diarrhea, tuberculosis. |
| Samana | Stomach, duodenum and small intestine | It helps the action of digestive enzymes and assimilation of the final products of plastic pro. of food in various fabrics | Indigestion, diarrhea, insufficient assimilation |
| Apana | Colon, anus, bladder, navel, genitals and pelvic organs | Elimination of feces, urine, the spermatic fluid, menstrual blood, promotes childbirth | Diseases of the bladder, anus, testes, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, diabetes |
PITTA
| Name of the subdosha | Location | Normal functions | Disorders caused by its alteration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pachaka | Stomach, duodenum, small intestine | Digestion of food and separation of waste substances | Indigestion, swelling, love training |
| Ranjaka | Liver, spleen and stomach | Blood formation | Anemia, jaundice, hepatitis |
| Sadhakas | Heart | Memory and other mental functions | Psychic disorders |
| Alochaka | Eyes | Promotes normal vision | Visual disturbances |
| Bhrajaka | Skin | Color and brightness of the skin, absorbs the substances massaged on the skin | Skin diseases |
KAPA
| Name of the subdosha | Location | Normal functions | Disorders caused by its alteration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kledaka | Stomach | Moistens food by promoting digestion | Indigestion and related disorders |
| Avalambaka | Heart and chest | It protects the heart from excessive heat and energizes the limbs | Laziness, weakness of the heart and limbs |
| Bodhaka | Tongue | Perception of flavor, activates salivation | Alteration of the sense of taste |
| Tarpaka | Head, brain, sense organs | Nourishment of the sense organs | Loss of memory and dysfunction of the sense organs |
| Slesaka | Joints | Joint lubrication | Joint pain, impaired joint function |
Each DOSHA corresponds to a variety of beneficial foods but also a group of foods to avoid.
- The individual KAPHA must renounce fats, fried foods and desserts, preferring a light cuisine rich in fresh vegetables.
- For the VATA are allowed soups and savory dishes but also sweet, but we must avoid astringent and raw foods.
- PITTA can consume cold food, fruit and vegetables but also dairy products instead avoiding too much red meat, coffee and alcohol.
The basic principles And Health Benefits of Ayurveda Treatment
- Don’t eat too fast. Chew for a long time. Don’t get up from the table too full or still hungry. Stay seated a few minutes after the meal before returning to the activity.
- Avoid eating if the previous meal has not yet been digested, it is advisable to let three to six hours pass between meals.
- Eat while sitting, possibly at the same time, in a peaceful atmosphere with a serene mind. Avoid having to work, read or watch television during meals.
- The main meal of the day should be lunch. Breakfast and dinner should be light. Avoid eating just before going to bed. Cheese and yogurt are not recommended in the evening, as are products of animal origin, raw or cold foods.
- During meals drink water at room temperature, it is advisable not to drink in the half hour before the meal and in the hour that follows it.
- The daily diet should contain all six flavors (sweet, sour, salty, spicy, bitter, astringent) adapting it to the constitution and individual needs. Organic food should be preferred. It is however recommended to examine one’s own eating habits by modifying them based on the advice of Ayurveda relating to the constitution to which one belongs
- In general, avoid frozen or cold foods and drinks, preferring warm herbal teas and consuming ginger-flavored water to help cleanse the body.
- Abundant and continuous use of raw vegetables with the exception of fruit is not recommended. Prefer cooked and hot foods, consume them immediately avoiding long storage.
- Avoid consuming honey at high temperatures.
- Milk can be taken alone, with toasted bread, cereals or sweets. Do not take milk with fish, eggs, salt, yogurt, vegetables, meat.
- 11) Season the food with vegetable oil, abundant with spices, especially black pepper, chilli pepper and nutmeg which can speed up the metabolism.
