in the material universe at all scales of life and in both organic and inorganic
things. The five basic elements join together in different combinations to
make up the three doshas(or humours):
- Ether (space), represented in the hollow spaces of the mouth, nose,
gastrointestinal tract, thorax, capillaries and tissues – associated with
the sense of hearing (ear and speech) - Air, represented by movement of the various organs, i.e. expansion,
contraction and pulsation – associated with touch (hand) - Fire, the source of heat and represented by metabolism, digestion, body
heat and intelligence – associated with sight (eyes) - Water exists as secretions of the salivary glands and mucous
membranes – associated with taste (tongue) - Earth, represented by solid structures of the body, i.e. bones, cartilage
and muscles – associated with smell (nose).
These five basic elements control all biological and psychological func-
tions of the body, mind and consciousness. They are also responsible for
emotions, including anger, compassion, fear, greed and love.
The humours (doshas)
Ayurveda believes that people may be of seven broad constitutional types
(prakritis) each with a varying degree of predisposition to different diseases.
It is believed that prakriti (pra means before and akriti means conception) is
determined at conception and depends on the permutation and combination
of the doshas(where doshameans a ‘principle’ that is protective in health
or disease producing in ill-health). Among these, the three most contrasting
doshas, vata, pitta andkapha, are known collectively as the tridosha. Ether
and air are said to be the vata dosha, fire and water combine as the pitta
doshaand earth and water combine as the kapha dosha. Various responsi-
bilities are ascribed to the doshas:
- Vata is responsible for all body movement; it represents the nervous
system and controls the emotions of fear and anxiety. Vataareas
include the large intestine, pelvic cavity, skin and ears. - Pitta governs digestion, absorption, nutrition, skin colour, intelligence
and understanding. It arouses hate and jealousy. Pittaareas include the
small intestine, stomach, blood, eyes and skin. It governs all heat,
metabolism and transformation in the mind and body. - Kaphais present in the throat, chest, head, sinuses, nose, mouth, etc. It
governs body resistance and biological strength, promotes wound
healing and supports memory. Psychologically kaphagoverns greed,
envy and love.
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