So, there is no escaping the forces of nature. They are present within every molecule of existence. By understanding the cycles and rhythms of nature and making some simple lifestyle adjustments, it is possible to reset the physiology'
s natural cycles and maximise its healing potential. When one lives in tune with nature one experiences better health than when one is struggling against it.
Maharishi VedicApproach to Health brings balance to the individual by working with the controlling principles in nature. There are three organising principles called doshas that operate throughout nature: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Vata is the dosha responsible for all movement in the universe. It is expressed as space and air and is illustrated by the wind. It shares the qualities of the wind, it is changeable, light, quick dry and cold. In the physiology it governs all motion and communication such as breathing, thinking, talking, elimination and nervous system activity.
Pitta dosha is responsible for energy and transformation. It is expressed predominantly as fire and is exemplified by the sun. In the physiology it governs all digestive processes and biochemical reactions. It is responsible also for processing information and therefore governs such things as vision and the intellect.
Kapha governs all structure and cohesion in the universe. It is expressed as water and earth and exhibits the qualities of solidity, moisture and heaviness. Kapha gives the physiology its structure and lubrication.
The three doshas can be found everywhere in varying combinations. We are all made up of a mixture of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Someone with a predominance of Vata in their make-up is more likely to have a light build, to be either tall or short, to have a tendency towards dry hair and skin and to be quick, in thought speech and action. They are more inclined to get very enthusiastic about new things but have trouble sticking to them. They tend towards creative or intellectual pursuits and can be described as airy.
A person with more Pitta in their nature will have a medium build, their complexion is generally fair or reddish and their hair may be of the colours of fire. They generally have strong digestion and good appeites and don?t like missing a meal. They tend towards order and perfection in their lives and make good organisers. They can be very focused and intense, and like the fire are pasionate by nature.
Someone with a more Kaphic constitution tends to have a larger build. Their skin is usually soft and oily and they have large lustrous eyes and thick hair. On the whole, they are slower in nature, slower in digesting food, slower in taking in information, and slower in speach. They have good stamina and when in balance are sweet natured and emotionally stable. We think of them as being grounded or earthy.
Most people are not purely one dosha but a combination of all three. This underlying constitution is called Prakiti. This is who we are. However, this is often obscured by Vikriti or imbalance. Imbalance is created by an increase or decrease in the doshas caused by lifestyle, diet change of seasons etc. When Vata becomes increased,we may experience too much of the qualities of the wind, becoming too changeable in the thinking resulting in indecision or forgetfulness, or too much dryness in the elimination causing constipation. We may become spaced out and feel that 'I am not myself', which is true, if you are no longer experiencing your basic nature you have become your imbalance. While someone with more Vata in their constitution is perphaps more likely to develop a Vata imbalance, it is possible for any Prakriti to develop any Vikriti.
