fundamentals of ayurveda

Fundamentals of AyurvedaInstructor

Dr.(Vaidya) Shekhar Annambhotla

Director & Founder

Ojas Ayurveda Yoga Wellness Center

Macungie, PA 18062

Phone: 484-347-6110

email:shekhar@ojas.us

www.ojas.us

“The Natural force within each of us is the greatest healer of disease”

- Hippocrates

COURSE CONENT

• What is Ayurveda?

• Basic principles of Ayurveda

• Branches of Ayurveda

• Three biological energies (Doshas) and their understanding in modern science understanding Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

• Qualities of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

• Functions of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

• Locations of Vata, Pitta and Kapha

• Functions of Vata, Pitta and Kapha

VATABalanced effects of Vata, Pitta, Kapha

PhysicalPsychological

Increased effects of Vata, Pitta, KaphaPhysicalPsychological

Decreased effects of Vata, Pitta, KaphaPhysical Psychological Effects of vitiation

• Aggravating factors of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

• Characteristics of Vata, Pitta and Kapha constitutions (Prakriti)

What is AYURVEDA?

“The Knowledge of Life”

AYU = LIFE

VEDA = KNOWLEDGE

Life = Mind + Body + Spirit

HIGHLIGHTS OF AYURVEDATraditional system of medicine from IndiaHolistic, natural healingComplementary and integrative system Addresses the root cause of imbalanceEach individual is uniqueRelationship between Microcosm and

Macrocosm

Treatment of the whole mind-body Rejuvenating and revitalizing systemPromotion of immunity, maintenance of

healthLifestyle recommendations - diet, daily &

seasonal regimen, yoga, meditation, herbs, physiological detoxification (Panchakarma)

Adopts multiple ingredients of whole

plants / herbs and minerals

AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO HEALTH

Therapeutic modalities which are:

Suited to an individual’s constitution

Seek to restore good health, balance, and harmony

at the levels of body, mind and spirit

Individuals are advised on:

Diet

Daily routine

Seasonal regimens

Exercise, including Yoga Asanas

Meditation

Herbs

Physiological purification methods such as

Herbal oil massages

Sweat baths

Herbal enemas

Herbal steam inhalations

Individual results will vary from person to person

Compound preparations:

Multiple ingredients of plants and minerals to help the

preparation function as a whole and to balance the total

function of the body.

Some herbs enhance the action, while others avoid or

minimize possible side effects.

AYURVEDIC HERBAL & MINERAL MEDICINES

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF AYURVEDA

• Five gross elements (Pancha Maha Bhutas)

• Three biological energies (Three Doshas)

• Three psychological energies (Three Gunas)

• Seven body tissues (Sapta Dhatus)

• Final refined product of digestion & metabolism, i.e., Vital Immunity (Ojas)

• Understanding of Vital Force (Prana)

• Knowing of Vital Energy (Tejas)

• Vital points (Marma Vignan)

• Thirteen channels of circulation (Srotas)

• Thirteen biological fires (Agnis)

• Four states of digestive fire

• Toxic, morbid substance (Ama)

• Six stages of manifestation of disease

(Kriya Kalas)

• Daily routine (Dinacharya)

• Seasonal regimen (Ritucharya)

• Dietetics (Ahara vigyan)

• Physiological Detoxification (Pancha Karma)

• Rejuvenation Program (Rasayana)

• Revitalization Program (Vajikarana)

THE EIGHT BRANCHES OF AYURVEDA

(ASHTANGA AYURVEDA)• Internal Medicine (Kaya chikitsa)• Surgery (Shalya tantra)• Ophthalmology & Otorhinolaryngology (Shalakya

tantra)• Pediatrics (Kaumara britya)• Toxicology (Agada tantra)• Psychology (Bhuta vidya)• Rejuvenation (Rasayana)• Revitalization (Vajikarana)

Three Biological Energies (Doshas) and their understanding in Modern Science

VATA

Cellular level

Functions of nucleus

Somatic level

Neurological activities

PITTA

Cellular level

Functions of mitochondria

Somatic level

Hormonal & enzymatic activities (Endocrinal)

KAPHA

Cellular level

Functions of protoplasm

Somatic level

Various secretary activities (Exocrinal)

UNDERSTANDING

VATA, PITTA, KAPHA

VATA is responsible for:

• Movement

• Transportation

• Communication

• Neurological activities

o Governed by SROTAS

PITTA is responsible for:

• Digestion

• Metabolism

• Transformation

• Hormonal, Enzymatic actions – Governed by AGNI

KAPHA is responsible for:

• Structure

• Cohesion

• Binding

• Lubrication

• Immune activities

–Governed by DHATU

VATA QUALITIES

• Dry, rough• Cold• Light• Subtle, minute• Changeable, moving• Clear, non-sticky• Coarse, brittle

PITTA QUALITIES

• Slightly oily

• Heat, warmth

• Sharp

• Liquid

• Sour

• Moving, flowing

• Pungent, sour

KAPHA QUALITIES

• Heavy

• Cold

• Soft

• Unctuous, oily

• Sweaty

• Stable

• Sticky

FUNCTIONS OF VATA• Breathing

• Cellular motion

• Flow of nutrients & waste products

• Heartbeat, blood flow

• Movement

• Natural urges

• Nerve impulses, blinking

• Sensory & motor functions

FUNCTIONS OF PITTA• Absorption

• Assimilation

• Body temperature

• Digestion

• Metabolism

• Perception

• Skin coloration & luster

• Understanding

• Vitality

FUNCTIONS OF KAPHA• All tissue substances• Growth• Healing• Immunity• Lubrication of joints• Moisturizing the skin• Resistance• Stability, strength, structure • Vigor

LOCATIONS OF VATA• Colon (Main)• Bladder / kidneys• Anus & rectum• Waist• Pelvis, reproductive organs• Legs, feet• Bones• Ears• Skin

LOCATIONS OF PITTA• Small intestine and stomach (Main)

• Sweat

• Plasma, blood

• Liver, spleen

• Endocrine glands

• Skin

• Brain

• Eyes

LOCATIONS OF KAPHA· Thorax (Main)

· Head, neck

· Mouth

· Joints

· Kidneys

· Adipose tissue

· Lymphatic system

· Stomach, small intestine

· Pancreas

BALANCED FUNCTIONS OF VATA

PHYSICAL• All movements of the body

• Circulation of the blood

• Control of the organs of action and perception

• Curiosity and natural interest

• Development of tissues

• Excellent energy level

• Flow of nutrients

• Greater vitality

• Liveliness

• Motivation of natural urges

• Nerve impulse, pulsation, heartbeat

• Normal respiratory function

• Proper coordination of all body functions

• Release of waste products

• Sensory & motor functions

• Sound sleep

• Stimulation of digestive juices

• Strong immunity

PSYCHOLOGICAL• Clear comprehension• Controlled and precise mental activity• Creativity• Desire to lead an active life• Enthusiasm• Inspiration• Mental alertness• Sense of exhilaration

INCREASED EFFECTS OF VATA

PHYSICAL• Aching pain, cramps

• Astringent taste in mouth

• Atrophy of bone marrow

• Bloating, gas, colic

• Brittle nails

• Constipation

• Contraction of joints, joint problems

• Cracked lips, feet and hands

• Craving for hot things

• Dehydration

• Discoloration

• Dislocation

• Dry, rough skin

• Excessive, irregular movements

• Giddiness

• Harshness of speech

• Hiccups

• Intolerance to cold

• Light or interrupted sleep

• Nervous twitches

• Non-specific fatigue

• Numbness

• Persistent bodily discharges

• Perversion of sense of taste

• Pricking pains

• Longitudinal lines on nails

• Loss of vigor and vitality

• Nerve pain

• Rigidity of the body

• Roughness

• Shortness of breath

• Split ends of hair

• Subluxation

• Thirst

• Trembling & twisting of body parts

• Tremors

• Underweight

• Wrinkles on forehead

PSYCHOLOGICAL

• Aimless talking

• Anxiety

• Astonishment

• Confusion

• Distraction

• Disturbed inspiration

• Excitation

• Indecisiveness

• Insecurity• Fear

• Harshness

• Hysterical behavior

• Impaired memory

• Inappropriate perception

• Mental agitation, worry

• Nervousness

DECREASED EFFECTS OF VATA

PHYSICAL

Diminished movements

Diseases manifested by an excess of Kapha

Impaired body functions

Impairment of sense functions

Irregular gastric fire

• Less building of tissues

• Less or slow elimination of waste substances

• Loss of consciousness

• Low vitality

• Lack of energy

• Nausea

• Slow, diminished movements

• Weakness

PSYCHOLOGICAL• Lack of enthusiasm

• Shallow inspiration

• Dull sensory perception with untimely responses

• Depletion of life force

• Loss of joy

• Grief

EFFECTS OF VATA VITIATION• Anorexia

• Arthritis

• Bipolar Disorder

• Chronic constipation

• Dandruff

• Depression

• Dry eczema

• Epilepsy

• Glaucoma

• Insomnia

• Kidney problems

• Lameness

• Macular Degeneration

• Mania

• Osteo Arthritis

• Osteoporosis

• Psoriasis

• Tension headaches

BALANCED FUNCTIONS OF PITTA

PHYSICAL Good appetite Balanced digestion Balanced heat regulation Balanced thirst Good eye sight Luster Softness in the body

PSYCHOLOGICAL

• Cheerfulness

• Exhilaration

• Valor

• Sharp intellect

INCREASED EFFECTS OF PITTA

PHYSICAL• Burning sensation

• Excessive heat

• Suppuration, sloughing

• Excessive perspiration

• Softening

• Itching, redness, discharge, bleeding tendency

– Bristling of body hair

– Bitter taste in mouth

– Craving for cold substances

– Excessive hunger

– Excessive thirst

– Combustion of tissues

– Loss of sleep

– Very sharp digestion

– Yellow coloration of stool, urine, eyes, nails, and skin

– Burning eyes and feet

– Broken capillaries

– Horizontal ridges on nails

PSYCHOLOGICAL Anger Irritation, annoyance Excessively critical Excessively cavalier Frustration Hatred, jealousy Overly aggressive, rage Disturbed intellect, internal storm Disturbed or short temper

DECREASED EFFECTS OF PITTA

PHYSICAL Impairment of vital essence Lessened or lack of urination Harshness of the body Heaviness Increased mucous Indigestion

Irregular pain and burningLack of lusterLack of softness in the bodyLow hunger & thirstLow temperaturePallor of nails and eyesPoor visionSlow digestionStiffnessTremors

PSYCHOLOGICAL

• Dull intellect• Lack of happiness

EFFECTS OF PITTA VITIATIONAcneAllergiesAnorexiaColitisConjunctivitisContact dermatitisEczemaFever

Hyperacidity Hypertension Inflammatory diseases Irritable bowel syndrome Jaundice Liver diseases Peptic ulcers Psychosis Rashes Rosacea

BALANCED FUNCTIONS OF KAPHA

PHYSICAL

• Binding, unctuousness

• Heaviness

• Lubrication of joints

• Plumpness

• Potency

• Stability of the body

• Strength, strong immunity

• Vitality

• Wound healing

PSYCHOLOGICAL• Absence of greed

• Affection

• Enthusiasm

• Firmness

• Forbearance and fortitude

• Forgiveness

• Generosity, knowledge

• Restraint, patience

• Understanding

INCREASED EFFECTS OF KAPHA

PHYSICAL

• Astonishment

• Blocking of the channels

• Bumps

• Cohesion

• Coldness

• Corpulence

• Coughing

• Disturbed potency

• Double chin

• Dullness of gastric fire

• Excessive excretion

• Excessive mucus

• Excessive oiliness

• Excessive secretions

• Excessive sleep

• Excessive sweat

• Fainting

• Firmness

• Flabbiness

• Heaviness

• Humidity

• Immobility

• Itching

• Lack of skin tone

• Leanness

• Lethargic

• Lethargy

• Lethargy, laziness

• Looseness of joints, skin

• Nasal allergies

• Nausea

• Numbness

• Oozing, itching

• Pallor of skin

• Physical dullness

• Puffiness

• Reduced sensory acuity

• Secretions from the mouth

• Separation of bones

• Sinus congestion

• Slow digestion

• Softening

• Stickiness

• Sweetness in mouth

• Swollen feet, ankles

• Weakness, lassitude

• Weight gain

PSYCHOLOGICAL· Attachment

· Laziness, inertia

· Dullness of mind

· Ignorance, emotional heaviness

· Negativity

· Dysphoria

· Possessive, inability to let go

· Greed

· Lust, envy, stupefaction

DECREASED EFFECTS OF KAPHA

PHYSICAL• Body aches

• Cramps

• Debility

• Dehydration

• Dryness

• Giddiness

• Heat

• Instability

• Internal burning

• Lightness

• Looseness of joints

• Loss of consciousness

• Tachycardia (Increased heart rate)

• Thirst

• Trembling

• Wakefulness

• Weakness

PSYCHOLOGICAL

• Absence of self control

• Lack of patience

• Less forgiving nature

EFFECTS OF KAPHA VITIATION Arthritis Asthma Bronchitis Cancer Colds Coronary heart disease Cough Depression Diabetes

Fibroid tumors Gallstones Edema Impotency Obesity Sinusitis Tumors Urinary stones Wet eczema

VATA AGGRAVATING FACTORS• Change of season from summer to autumn• Avoidance of tranquil, warm, moist places• Eating dry, rough, light, frozen or leftover

foods• Eating on the run• Excessive exposure to dry, cold, cloudy

weather• Excessive sexual indulgence• Excessive wakefulness (staying awake at

night, insufficient sleep)

• Falling down, bone fractures, injuries

• Fasting, insufficient food intake

• Fear, grief, worry, anxiety, agitation, anger, sadness, misery, mental shock

• Irregularity in daily and seasonal routines

• Major abdominal surgery

• Mental or physical exertion (excessive work, exercise, traveling, speaking)

• Never lubricating the body

• Repressing feelings

• Astringent, bitter, pungent foods

• Suppression of natural urges

• Use of drugs, especially cocaine and speed

• Excessive, sudden weight loss

(including due to disease)

• Exposure to high winds

• Working the night shift

• Vata period (time)– Afternoon & third part of the night – (2:00 pm – 6:00 pm and 2:00 am – 6:00 am)– Third hour after meal– After the age of 60

PITTA AGGRAVATING FACTORS

• Anger, hatred, jealousy, passion

• Avoidance of cool, fresh, peaceful places

• Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol

• Smoking tobacco

• Excessive consumption of tomatoes, chilies, raw onions, sour foods, and yogurt

• Engaging in frustrating activities

• Excessive exposure to heat, sunshine, fire

• Exercising at the hottest time of day

• Exertion, excessive activity, speaking and thinking

• Fasting (not invariably)

• Hot, sharp, sour, salty and pungent foods

• Intake of excess red meat and salted fish or other highly salted foods

• Pitta Period (middle age, midday, midnight, hot weather)– Midday & third part of the night – (10:00 am – 2:00 pm and 10:00 pm – 2:00 am)– Second hour after meals– Middle age between 30 – 60 years

• Repressing feelings

• Using drugs, especially cocaine, speed or marijuana

• Wearing tight, hot clothing

KAPHA AGGRAVATING FACTORS

• Avoidance of invigorating, warm, dry areas

• Denying your creative self

• Eating dessert every day, especially rich ones such as cheesecake or ice cream

• Excessive intake of fatty foods and oil

• Overeating

• Excessive rest and sleep (sleeping in the daytime, after meals or too much)

• Heavy, unctuous, cold, sweet, sour, saline, slimy food

• Insufficient mental and physical exercise or work

• Indulgence in inertia

• Kapha periods (childhood, morning, evening, cold and wet climate)

• Early morning and night– (6:00 am – 10:00 am & 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm)– First hour after meals– Childhood to middle age (0 – 30 years)

• Living on potato chips & beer

• Repressing feelings

• Using drugs, especially sedatives & tranquilizers

Ayurvedic Body types• Vata constitution

• Pitta constitution

• Kapha constitution

• Vata Pitta constitution

• Vata Kapha constitution

• Pitta Kapha constitution

• Pitta Vata constitution

• Kapha Vata constitution

• Kapha Pitta constitution

• Vata Pitta Kapha constitution

CHARACTERISTICS OF VATA CONSTITUTION

Irregular hunger and digestion

Display short-lived bursts of emotion

Enthusiasm, liveliness, imagination

Easy excitability

Changing moods

No set hour for bedtime

Keep irregular habits

• Light, interrupted sleep; tendency toward insomnia• Light, thin, body build• Love, excitement and constant change• Mental and physical energy comes in bursts• Perform activity too quickly• Quick to grasp new information, but with poor retention• Skip meals easily• Tendency to worry• Tendency toward constipation• Tire easily, tendency to over exert• Rapid gait (walking)

CHARACTERISTICS OF PITTA CONSTITUTION• Aversion to sun and hot weather• Cannot skip or delay meals• Enterprising character, likes challenges• Fair or ruddy skin, often freckled• Determined stride• Often thought to be too demanding, sarcastic, or

critical by others• Follow tight schedules and dislike wasting time• Medium build• Medium strength and endurance

• Precise, articulate speech• Sharp hunger and thirst, strong digestion• Sharp intellect• Take command of situations of feel that they

should• Tendency toward anger, irritable under stress• Wake up at night feeling hot and thirsty

CHARACTERISTICS OF KAPHA CONSITUTION

• Affectionate, tolerant and forgiving• Happy with the status quo and preserve it by

conciliating others• Cool, smooth, thick, pale, and often oily skin• Graceful movements, gliding walk• Charming eyes• Heavy, prolonged sleep• Ponder carefully for a long time before making

decisions

• Seek emotional comfort through eating• Slow digestion, mild hunger• Slow to grasp new information, but

excellent retentive memory• Solid, powerful build• Great physical strength and endurance

• Steady energy, slow and graceful in action• Tendency to be possessive, self-contented• Tendency toward obesity or overweight• Tranquil, relaxed personality, slow to anger• Wake up slowly, lie in bed a long time, and

often require coffee in the morning

BENEFITS OF SELF MASSAGE (ABHYANGA)

Cleanses the body Flushes toxins and impurities Stimulates the immune system Promotes free flow of energies Helps prevent accumulation of physiological imbalances Rejuvenates both the mind and body

Lubricates and promotes flexibility of joints, muscles and tissues

Rejuvenates the skin, promotes softness and luster Promotes youthfulness Invigorates the nervous and the endocrine systems through

stimulation of the vital points (marma) and cutaneous nerves throughout the skin that connect to every part of the body

Scientific Studies on Sesame Oil Massage

• Significant benefits from massaging newborns, such as enhanced weight gain and responsiveness

(Field T, Scafidi F, Schanberg S 1987 Massage of pre term newborns to improve growth and development. Pediatric Nursing 13:385-387)

(Rice R 1977 Neurophysiological development in premature infants following stimulation, Developmental Psychology 13:69-76)

• Dr. Edwards Smith found those who practice sesame oil massage daily have significantly less bacterial infection on their skin. This may have to do with the major component of sesame oil, linoleic acid, which makes up 40% of the oil. Lineoleic acid inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria, is an anti-inflammatory agent, anticaricinogen. Sesame oil has been shown to inhibit in vitro malignant melanoma growth (Smith & Salerno 1992) and human colon adenocarcinoma cell line growth (Salerno & Smith 1991), antioxidant (Fukuda et al 1986, Sugano et al 1990)

Scientific Study On Sesame Oil Gargle

Dr. Mary Martha Stevens, Chairperson of the Dental Hygiene Department of Wichita State University, found that people who gargled with sesame oil daily had significantly lower (p<0.001) bacteria colony types in sub-gingival probe specimens (“The effects of a sesame oil mouth rinse on the number of oral bacteria colony types.”

(Presented at the 11th International Symposium on Dental Hygiene, Ottawa, Canada, June 1989)