Popular Searches

Health and Fitness World

Ayurvedic Body Types

Ayurvedic Body Types - The Five Element Theory

Ayurveda considers the human body as a blend of the five basic elements: space, air, fire, water and earth. The specific intelligences that are responsible for orchestrating the natural world also guide all physiological processes within us. These fundamental principles are called 'manhabhutas' or five great
elements. These elements are the basic building blocks of nature which are responsible for all physical existence.

Ayurvedic Body Types - The Tridosha Theory

One of the most powerful conceptual tools in Ayurveda is the three dosha theory. This explains how the five elements which make up the physical creation dynamically combine to control all processes within the human physiology. The three doshas are actually condensed forms of the five elements: Vata is air and
space, Pitta is fire and water and Kapha is water and earth. Tri-doshas regulate every physiological and psychological process in the living organism. A harmonious state of the three doshas creates balance and health; an imbalance which might be an excess or deficiency manifests as a sign or symptom of disease.

Prakruti: The Constitutional Type - Ayurvedic Body Type

Each human being is born with a unique combination of the three doshas known as 'prakruti' and this unique, natural balance is responsible for the physical, mental and emotional differences among people. The interplay among them determines the nature or constitution of the individual. By identifying the individual prakruti, Ayurveda can help each person create his or her own regime for ideal health.

The Effects of Seasons on Ayurvedic Body Types

Ayurveda recognizes the intimate relationship between the individual and all aspects of the individual's environment. Seasonal changes and climatic conditions have a particularly significant effect on health. As the predominance of the elements in the environment changes, it will impact the balance of
the doshas within us too. If we can recognize and respond to these environmental changes, an ideal balance of the doshas can be maintained.

Panchakarma: The Science of Rejuvenation - Ayurvedic Body Types

The human body is blessed with natural healing intelligence which is capable of constantly rejuvenating itself. When doshuic imbalance and weakened digestive capacity allow toxic impurities to form, this natural capacity of the body gets blocked. Ayurveda offers the gift of Panchakarma, the science of 'cleansing' to rectify this condition. In this process, the body is purified of the degenerating influence of these toxic substances thus freeing it
naturally to exercise its inherent remunerative abilities.

The message of Ayurveda is simple; positive health is more than the mere absence of any disease; rather, it is the dynamic integration of our environment, body, mind and spirit in which one attains higher consciousness.

To achieve this, Ayurveda prescribes for each individual a specific daily routine (dinacharya) and seasonal routine (ritucharya). Ayurveda recommends that in order to be optimally healthy we should tune our bodies to the nature's cycle. Dinacharya offers recommendations on daily activities appropriate for different times of the day, wholesome diet according to prakruti and season, exercise such as yoga, meditation etc.

Ancient classical texts of Ayurveda such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Samgraham, Ashtanga Hridayam, Sarangadfhara, Samhitha, Bhaisalya, Ratnavali etc. are the treatises of effective practices and behalf formulations and these form the basis of Ayurvedic pharmaceuticals.

Ayurvedic therapies form part of the rejuvenation process, daily personal care routine or treatment for ailments. The oils and other preparations used re specific to constitution viz., vita, pita or kappa Ayurvedic body types. The oils carry the subtle healing essences of the herbs deep into the tissues of the body, thus
promoting purification at cellular level.

Ayurveda though originated in ancient India, does not consider only Indian climate or nature. Its guidelines are based on eternal universal principles and the ultimate concept of 'Universal family', thus offering health and fulfillment for every human in every culture or geographical location on earth.

In simplest terms, Ayurveda is the wisdom that explains the conditions that are necessary for each of us to thrive; regardless it is healthy or diseased individual. It provides the knowledge to understand what is required, and the tools to achieve them. When we align ourselves with the natural balancing forces of the universe, profound changes can occur in body, mind and soul.

The information you find on this site is provided in good faith, and is, to the best of our knowledge, accurate, however, no responsibility or liability is accepted for any choice made from the information given.

Ayurvedic Body Types:

Vata - Air and Space

Kapha - Earth and Water

Pitta - Fire