Whatever is happening in nature is also happening in us
As is the human body, so is the cosmic body.
As is the human mind, so is the cosmic mind.
As is the microcosm, so is the macrocosm.
As is the atom, so is the universe.
Upanishads
The ultimate cause of health or illness lies in our awareness.
The stronger our connection is to the field of pure consciousness, where the power to create anything or remedy anything exists, the healthier we are. This is why Ayurveda is a consciousness-based health care system and why the Raju Vaidyas put so much attention on enlivening and restoring the inner ‘smriti’—the memory of wholeness and health deep inside.
The Science of Ayurveda teaches us that DOSHAS are bio-energies. These energies exist in nature and in us. They vary in amounts and combinations dependant on our individual mind body type. Doshas are comprised of the 5 elements - Earth, Air, Water, Space and Fire. As we move through daily life our doshas are always changing. [ just like nature ]
The three doshas function together in cycles, giving rise to all of the rhythms and patterns in nature.
From the movement of the galaxies to the orbits of planets, doshas are everywhere. The seasons come and go in cycles, days and nights flow in tides. It is all governed by repeating, sequential cycles of the doshas. The cycles of spring and youth are dominated by Kapha Dosha. Summer and adulthood by Pitta Dosha. Winter and old age by Vata Dosha.
Vata is like the wind- It gives rise to all movement in the universe. Inside us, it is connected to the nervous system and anywhere there is bodily motion—even the movement of our thoughts. Our sense of touch and hearing are predominately vata functions. The main qualities of vata are moving, light, subtle, changing, quick, and dry.
Pitta is like the sun- It governs all the heat and energy in the universe. In our bodies it is connected to metabolism and digestion. Sharp thinking is also a pitta function. Pitta is especially important for healthy blood and skin and is connected to our sense of sight. The main qualities of pitta are hot, sharp, bright, energetic, slightly oily, and moist.
Kapha is like a mountain - It gives stability and structure to everything in the universe. In our physiology it is connected to the structure, strength, fat content, and moistness of the body, and is related to our sense of taste and smell. The main qualities of kapha are steady, stable, slow, unctuous, sweet, and wet.
Applying the PRINCIPLE OF OPPOSITES CREATE BALANCE helps us to bring the doshas back into alignment. The Principle of Opposites also shows us how we can balance activity [vata] by taking rest [kapha]. In contrast, we can use the opposite influence [more activity] to keep kapha from becoming too steady and still [inertia].
A warm, cooked and unctuous diet will bring the opposite qualities of pitta and kapha to reduce an aggravated vata situation [e.g. dry skin and joints or worry]. If pitta is too strong, we can favour the sweeter, cooler tastes in our diet and avoid strong spicy, or sour foods.
LIKE INCREASES LIKE is an important concept in Ayurveda - it helps us understand how imbalances develop in our lives + how we can reverse them.
If we don't get enough rest and are under stress, or work too much and don't take regular meals [all vata qualities], Vata Dosha becomes too strong and imbalances result [too much change for the mind and body to handle]. We can balance the situation by doing the opposite things - increase rest, avoid stress, reduce our work-load, eat on time and don't go hungry. All of which increase kapha.
In contrast, too much sleep [increasing kapha], not much exercise [reducing vata and pitta] or focus [reducing pitta], and a heavy [kapha increasing] diet brings on too much Kapha Dosha - so dullness and kapha health problems will result. Again, we can do the opposite to reduce or pacify kapha in our lives and keep it balanced.
Since Pitta Dosha is energetic and focused, and especially if we are already very pitta, we can avoid aggressive [pitta-sharp] situations and pushing ourselves too hard [pitta-heat and ambition] by relaxing more out in nature [kapha] and taking breaks [kapha] and breathing in fresh air [vata] to keep our pitta even.
As we begin to make changes in our lives, it is important not to focus on choices we have made in the past or label things good or bad.
The mind has a significant influence on the body, and whatever we think becomes more likely to happen. It is our present and future health habits that will make the real difference.
We are fortunate to have a direct link to authentic Ayurveda through the Raju family Vaidyas, with powerful remedies and sharing of wisdom for any situation.
