Basic principles of ayurveda

1. WELCOME
To The Healing
World of
AYURVEDA

2. AYURVEDA- “Art of Total Health Care”
• Ancient Holistic system of healing
• Most ancient system of medicine
• India’s traditional system of medicine
• Evolved 5000 yrs. back in India.
• Upa(Sub) veda of Atharva veda
• Places equal emphasis on the body, mind and spirit

3. AYURVEDA- “Ancient Art of Healing”
The word meaning of Ayurveda is AYUS + VEDA
AYUS = LIFE
VEDA = KNOWLEDGE
Rather than a system of medicine it is a way of life
Ayurveda believes in a close relationship between man and universe and the flow
of cosmic energy in different forms between all living and non living things

4. AYURVEDA-OBJECTIVE
“Swasthasya swasthya samrakshanam
Athurasya vikaraprasamanam”
To maintain the health of a healthy person
To cure the health issue of a diseasedperson
To live gracefully and harmoniously in balanceof body ,mind and spirit
Ayurvedic system focus on CURING of illness as well as PREVENTION &
PROMOTION of health in Healthy individual

5. PANCHAMAHABHOOTHAS- “Five Subtlest”
These five elements are considered as the developmental stages of matter
 That which is rigid is PRITHVI- EARTH
 That which causes fluidity is APP - WATER
 That which causes heat is AGNI- FIRE
 That which causes mobility is VAYU- AIR
 That which causes space is AKASA- SPACE
 Every thing in the world is made up of five elements
 Predominance and permutations of elements in each matter makes different types
of things in the world

6. AYURVEDA -FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
Fundamental principles of Ayurveda has developed from same principle as
the development of whole world.
That is PANCHAMAHABHOOTHA THEORY (Five Basic Elements
Theory)
Everything in the universe non living and living is composed of five basic
elements

7. AYURVEDA – FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
THRIDOSHA(Bio-Energy) THEORY
These 5 elements
combines with each
other to give rise to three
Functional biostatic
energies in the body
Responsible for all the
biological , physiological
and psychological
functions of body and
mind.
Main factors responsible
for formation,existence
and distinction
Balance and imbalance of
these biostatic energies
are health and disease
respectively
VATHA, PITHA ,KAPHA

8. AYURVEDA –FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
THRIDOSHA THEORY
VATHA – AKASA(SPACE) + VAYU(AIR)
PITHA – AGNI(FIRE) + APA(WATER)
KAPHA – AP(WATER) + PRITHVI (EARTH)

9. Elements of the Three Doshas
Vata Pitta Kapha
Air + Ether Fire + Water Earth + Water
Attributes of the Three Doshas
Vata Pitta Kapha
Dry
Light
Cold
Rough
Subtle
Mobile
Clear
Oily
Sharp (penetrating)
Hot
Light
Mobile
Liquid
Heavy
Slow
Cold
Oily
Slimy (smooth)
Dense
Soft
Static (stable)
Cloudy (sticky)
Dispersing
(attribute, not a guna)
Fleshy
(attribute, not a guna)
Hard, Gross
(guna but not a classical attribute)
Astringent, Bitter
(taste)
Sour, Pungent
(tastes)
Sweet, Salty
(tastes)

10. MOVENMENT
Vata Dosha’ – is the bodily wind principle.
 It can be translated as movement. That which moves is termed as ‘Vata’.
 It supports the two other Dosha.
 It also governs our sensory and mental balance and promotes mental
adaptability and understanding.
 Vata controls the movement of blood in the circulatory system, air in the
respiratory system, and excretions out of our body.
 It controls the nervous system and moves nutrients to cells and tissues for
metabolism.
 It controls the thoughts and the activities of the mind.
 The intestines are the seat of Vata.
 Its qualities are dry, cold, subtle, light, mobile, rough, erratic, clear, fast,
mobile, bitter, astringent, and pungent.

11. TRANSFORMATION
‘Pitta Dosha’ – is translated as Body ‘Fire’ and that which digests
things.
 It is responsible for all chemical and metabolic transformations in
the body.
 It also governs our mental digestion and our capacity to perceive
reality and understand things.
 The small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, fat, eyes and
skin are the seats of Pitta.
 Its qualities are hot, oily, light, intense, fluid, sharp, soft, smooth,
sour, pungent, and salty.

12. STABILITY & FLEXIBILITY
‘Kapha Dosha’ – is biological ‘Water’ and that which holds things
together.
 It provides body and substance and gives support.
 It provides emotional support in life and governs such positive
emotional traits as love, compassion, modesty, patience and
forgiveness.
 It fills spaces in the body, giving biological strength, vigor and
vitality.
 The chest is the seat of Kapha. Its qualities are oily, cool, heavy,
stable, dense, smooth, dull, wet, slow, cloudy, sweet, sour, and
salty.

13. VATHA- “The Leader”
 Formed by the combination of space and air elements
 Motivating force in the body
 Responsible for controlling the nerve impulse and all higher cerebral functions
 Controls cell division and organ formation
 Responsible for elimination of waste products
 Vatha controls the mind and controls all the gross and subtle movements in the
body.
General Qualities
Dryness, lightness, coldness, roughness, subtlety and motility are the qualities

14. VATA
Basic Function Governs bodily functions concerned with movement
Qualities Moving quick, light, cold, minutes, rough dry, leads the order doshas.
Results of Balance Mental alertness
Proper formation of body tissues
Normal alimentation
Strong immunity
Sound sleep
Sense of exhilaration
Results of Imbalance Dry or Rough Skin
Constipation
Common fatigue ( non-specific cause )
Tension headaches
Underweight
Insomnia
Intolerance of cold
Anxiety, worry

15. PITHA- “The Energiser”
Forms from Fire element
Controls the digestion and metabolic functions of transformation
Thus it is responsible for formation of tissues and waste products from the
food that is ingested
Controls body temperature , anxiety , thirst , hunger and sexual desire.
General Qualities
Oily in nature, sharp acting, hot, light, viscous, flowing and fluid in nature

16. Pitta
Basic Function Governs bodily functions concerned with heat, metabolism, and energy
production
Qualities Hot, sharp, light, acidic, slightly, oily.
Results of Balance Normal heat and thirst mechanism
Strong digestion
Sharp intellect
Lustrous complexion
contentment
Results of Imbalance Rashes, skin inflammations
Heartburn
Premature graying, baldness
Hostility, irritability
Visual problems
Excessive body heat

17. Earth and water
Cohesiveness and building up process
Provides basic substratum of the body and controls the strength and
immunity.
It also responsible for growth , reproduction and sense of well being.
General Qualities
Oily in nature,cold,heavy,slow acting, smooth, viscous, rigid
KAPHA- “The Nourisher”

18. Kapha
Basic Function Governs bodily functions concerned with physical structure , and fluid
balance
Qualities Heavy, oily, slow, cold, steady, solid, dull.
Results of Balance Muscular strength
Strong immunity
Affection, generosity, courage, dignity
Healthy, Normal, Joints
Vitality and stamina
Stability of mind
Results of Imbalance Oily skin
Sinus congestion
Obesity
Slow digestion
Nasal allergies
Lethargy, dullness

19. PRUKRITI-Psychosomatic Constitution
Ayurveda, the Indian traditional system of medicine describes a unique
concept “Prakriti”, genetically determined, categorizing the population into
several subgroups based on phenotypic characters likeappearance,
temperament and habits.
The concept is claimed to be useful in predicting an individual’s susceptibility
to a particular disease, prognosis of that illness and selection of therapy.

20. Body Constitution- Your Uniqueness
Constitution or Body-mind typology is an important concept in Ayurveda.
Every individual has different physical , physiological and psychological
functions.
Maintenance of health ,prevention of disease, achieving longevity and
treatment depends on this fundamental theory of understanding human
being.

21. KAPHA PRUKRITI
KAPHA
- Fair complexion, oily skin with a heavy built
- Thick, black colored & curly hair
- Large eyes with a dreamy vision
- Slow & steady gait
- Prolonged, feeble voice
- Food habits are generally poor. Tend to eat less and can withstand hunger and thirst. Aversion to
sweet dishes is a common feature in Kapha personality.
A steady and reliable mind is an asset with Kapha prakriti, but it lacks self-initiation. Their decision is measured
and always correct. At the same time they are slow. They are bestowed with an excellent memory, but grasping
may be poor.
Kapha prakriti has an excellent endurance and exemplary stress tolerance. It has a deep-rooted determination
but lacks an initiative to start. Its temperament is highly conservative. Kapha prakriti tends towards
perfectionism. They are highly quality conscious.

22. KAPHA PRUKRITI
Kapha prakriti is caring and deeply involved in emotional relations. However, they fail to convey emotional
feelings due to a reserved attitude. The temperament is highly reliable and faithful.
Kapha constitution is frequently prone to an imbalance in Kapha. As a result, they are frequently subjected to:
-Indigestion
-Metabolic conditions like diabetes
-Hyper-reactive immunity problems like auto-immune disorders
-
Metabolic disorders due to sedentary nature
Kapha element in human personality provides a constructive stability in all phases of human endeavour. It is the
root of determination and excellent endurance. In today's context, we need the stability of Kapha prakriti in all
productive areas. Maybe their role is restricted to routine tasks.

23. PITTA PRUKRITI
Pitta
- Bright complexion, delicate skin, medium built
- Little, brown colored straight hair
- Bright eyes with penetrating vision
- Fast & steady gait
- Penetrating & commanding voice
Pitta persons have a good appetite and digestion. Stress eating is phenomenon of Pitta constitution. They have
an unnoticeable enthusiasm but lack creativity.
A Pitta person is very articulate but is generally reserved about sharing. This personality is dominated by high
level of conviction. An equally dominant feature is overconfidence.
Pitta personality always has a focused, self-centered mind. Cunning is a part of its target orientation. Its
decisions are quick, bold and success oriented.

24. PITTA PRUKRITI
They excel in every activity they choose. For that purpose, they employ all resources
indiscriminately.
Pitta constitutions do not allow you to be generous. They are proud of their
achievements. At the same time, they are thankless to the contributions by others.
Relations with Pitta prakriti are also highly materialistic. They are generally shrewd and
purposeful. One needs to oblige their supremacy to involve them emotionally.
A child with a Pitta prakriti is delicate but very intelligent. He or she cannot tolerate heat
and cries if forced to wear warm clothes, rashes erupt at the slightest provocation and
constipation is a word that does not exist in his or her vocabulary. The suckling Pitta
prakriti child is so sensitive that if the mother eats spicy food, he or she gets ulcers in the
mouth accompanied by fever - a sure sign that the Pitta dosha of the child is upset.

25. PITTA PRUKRITI
Pitta constitution is frequently prone to an imbalance in Pitta. As a result, they are frequently subjected to:
- Acidity and Peptic ulcers
- Skin diseases like hyper-sensitive reactions, Photo-dermatitis
- Inflammatory conditions in other organs
- Psycho-somatic diseases, due to persistent stress
- Frequency of food intake and concurrent aberrations in Pitta element, obesity and metabolic disorders are
likely.
Pitta element in human personality contributes to a constant progression through an uncompromising attitude.
In today's context, the aggressive nature of Pitta and its performance orientation are in high demand in every
sphere of life. Unfortunately, it is also likely to bring conflicts in the surrounding.

26. VATA PRUKRITI
Vata
- Dark complexion, dry skin & thin built
- Scanty, wavy, dry and brittle hair
- Small eyes with curious looks
- Fast, unsteady gait
- Hoarse, rapid voice.
- Food intake is generally irregular. Sweet and Salty tastes are generally preferred by Vata constitution.
A Vata personality bubbles with enthusiasm but lacks confidence. They are highly creative but lack the consistency needed to
translate ideas into action. They have an excellent grasp but may not have good memory and retention. They excel in the field of
fine arts but are poor performers in sports.
A Vata person is highly talkative, but lacks articulation. The confidence level of Vata prakriti is fragile. Anxiety levels of a Vata
personality are normally high. Their endurance levels and tolerance to stress is poor.
Vata temperament is more often driven by impulsiveness. Thus, they are very generous. Also, they manage bodily energies in a poor
fashion.
Due to lack of mental & physical consistency and endurance, their performance levels in every sphere of life tend to fluctuate often.

27. VATA PRUKRITI
- The health conscious Vata types need to remember that a salad meal is not a complete meal. This may
help in losing weight but alongside it will give backaches, joint aches and cracking joints - a sure indication that Vata
is vitiated.
The Vata prakriti child is typically never satisfied, always cranky and has a wiry appearance. He or she is more prone
to diarrhoea and teething troubles with accompanying stomach distention or loose motion.
Vata constitution is prone to an imbalance in Vata. As a result, they are more frequently subjected to:
- Constitution problems, Flatulence
- Respiratory problems
- Anxiety neurosis & stress induced problems
- Immunity disorders
The Vata element in human personality contributes to cultural and scientific evolution of society through its creative
approaches. In today's context, we need the creativity and imagination of Vata personality in the fields of advertising,
creative designing, research, academics etc. But they can't take up high task professions.

28. Formation of Constitution
At the time of union of sperm and ovum , predominance of Five elements
decides the constitution of every individual.
Once this proportion is sets, generally it remains permanent for the lifetime of
that individual.

29. Factors responsible for formation of “Prakruti”
 Nature of sperm& ovum at time of conception
 Nature of the condition inside the uterus
 Food and other regimens adopted by mother during
pregnancy
 Nature of 5 elements comprising the foetus

30. Depending upon the predominance of three functional biostatic energies. (VATHA, PITHA ,
KAPHA) we can classify the individual into different constitutions
There are 7 Body Types explained in Ayurveda.
Single Dosha Predominant-
 Vata,
 Pitta,
 Kapha
Duel Dosha Predominant
 Vata-Pitta
 Vata-Kapha
 Kapha-Pitta
Trodosha Predominant
 Vata-Pitta-Kapha

31. Importance of understanding-Body Types
As there is predominance of biostatic energies in each individual, each type
requires substance different or opposite to the constitution to maintain health.
For ex: Vata type of people possess qualities of coldness, dryness and
lightness. Hence these persons requires food which is warm and oily.
Otherwise, there is always a tendency for vatha to increase, giving rise to
vatha disease

32. Importance of understanding-Body Types
Tolerance of food , drinks , environment and even the benefits of treatment
depends on the type of constitution.
By understanding the constitution of individual , one can choose appropriate
food, drinks and environment
Hence for maintenance of health, every individual should know his
Body CONSTITUTION (Prakriti)
( Individual Uniqueness )

33. Assessment of Body Constitution
To assess your CONSTITUTION, fill out the form and mark the
answer according to your own personal long term nature.
If two answers apply for the same question, mark them both
If none is applicable leave it blank.

34. AYURVEDA BODY TYPE ANALYSIS-PRAKRUTI PAREEKSHA
VATA PITTA
KAPHA
Body Frame Thin, lanky, slim with thin
muscles
Medium, symmetrical with
good muscle development
Stocky, round, broad or large
Weight Lose weight easily Constant weight Gain weight easily
Chest Sunken, ribs showing Medium chest Broad, large chest
Hips Slender, thin hips Medium hips Wide, Heavy Hips
Schedule Irregular schedule / eating
times
Long workday Good at keeping a routine
Sleep Light sleeper Sleep well, average length Sleep deep & long, trouble waking
up
Appetite Irregular/small appetite Strong hunger Steady, moderate appetite

35. Thirst Irregular Thirst Strong/frequently thirsty Rarely Thirsty
Digestion Gas, irregular digestion Steady, strong digestion Slow, heavy digestion
Skin Thin skin Warm & rosy skin Thick, cool skin
Hair Dry, dark, frizzy hair Fine, straight, gray, reddish
hair
Thick, wavy hair
Eyes Sunken, small, active, dark
eyes
Sharp, gray, green, light
brown eyes
Large, calm, loving eyes
Lips Thin lips Bright red lips, face or palms Large, smooth lips
Speech Talks quickly Sharp language Slow, monotonous speech
Emotions Anxiety, fear, uncertainty Anger, irritable, ambitious,
analytical
Calm, greedy, stagnant
Mood Mood changes quickly Intense emotions Steady emotions

36. Personality Creative, imaginative Intelligent, efficient,
perfectionist
Caring, calm, patient
Conflict
makes me
Conflict makes me restless Conflict makes me angry,
irritable
Conflict makes me depressed,
lazy
Wealth Poor, spends frivolously Medium wealth, spends on
luxuries
Rich, holds on to money
Social Make and change friends
often
Friends are work related,
change with job
Friendships are long lasting,
sincere
Stamina Short bursts of energy Medium stamina Steady, high stamina
Climate Avoids cold Avoids heat Avoids humidity
Activity Hyperactive, quick Moderate pace, goal
oriented activity
Slow and steady activity

37. DOSHA ANALYSIS
Vata Pitta Kapha
Physical Constitution
frame
thin, lanky, boney and taller or
shorter than average
average build and size, weight
centered in middle
heavy, stocky, broad and
either very tall or very
short
weight low, difficulties in gaining
weight
moderate, no difficulties in
gaining or loosing weight
heavy, difficulties in
loosing weight
appetite
unpredictable, irregular,
variable
strong, cannot skip meals and
will have to eat again after 3 or
4 hours
constant but can skip
meals easily and tolerate
hunger and thirst
amount of
food
very variable, sometimes a lot,
sometimes a little
usually a lot, can eat large
quantities at once
usually not much, can feel
full with a little
skin texture
thin and dry, cool to touch,
rough
smooth and warm, oily T-zone
thick and moist/greasy,
cold
complexion dark, tans easily
fair with freckles, moles, prone
to sunburn
pale and hardly tans

38. hair dry, brittle and curly/frizzy soft, straight and fine
thick and wavy, tends to get
greasy
eyes small and dry, blink a lot penetrating gaze, reddish sclerae large and moist, white sclera
lips thin and dry, often chapped pink and soft full and smooth
teeth
crooked, irregular with receding
gums
yellowish, gums easily bleed large, white and straight
fingers & nails
delicate, small and long fingers
with chipped nails
regular fingers with pink and soft nails
wide, angular fingers with large
and hard nails
voice low volume, hoarse and cracking loud and sharp pleasant, harmonious, low pitch
body
temperature
feels colder than others; cold feet
and hands
feels hotter that others; palms, feet and
face warm or hot
normal, palms and feet cool
perspiration scanty with little odor
intense during physical activities or
when it gets hot, sharp smell
constant and moderate, sweet
smell
sleep
light sleeper, awakes easily and
may have difficulties falling asleep
sleeps deep and even, hardly needs
more than 8 hours sleep
long and sound sleeper, has
difficulties awakening even after
long hours of sleep

39. walk fast with a light step
average speed, determined
step
slow pace, steady step
weather
prefers warm climates, dislikes windy
dry and cold days
prefers cooler climates, dislikes
heat
adaptable to most climates but
can't stand cold and rainy days
Mental Constitution
temperament lively and enthusiastic, likes to change
purposeful and intense, likes to
convince
easy going and accepting, likes
to support
social
independent but insecure, nervous in
new situations
outgoing, assertive, accessible,
leader nature
follower, good listener,
accommodating, lots of friends
negative traits uncertain and jumpy furious and bossy greedy and possessive
under stress becomes anxious and worried
becomes irritable and
aggressive
becomes withdrawn and
passive
talk very talkative; fast, diffused speaking
talkative, good speaker, good
at arguments
slow, steady speaker, limited
speech, cautious
memory
short attention span, forgets things
easily
moderate, remembers details
clearly and forgets rather
slowly
excellent long-term memory,
hardly forgets anything
learning type
mainly verbal, might have difficulties in
truly understanding
lots of visual imagery, learns
efficiently
feelings and emotions
involved, usually grasping late
but ultimately understanding
well

40. dreams
flying, searching, restless, prone to
nightmares
fighting, violent, passionate and
colorful
few, sentimental, romantic,
watery, sad
love falls in and out of love easily intense, passionate love affairs
long term relationships full of
affection and love
creativity
distinct and detailed ideas in many
areas
inventive in technical or scientific
areas
creative when dealing with
business things
decisions
making decisions often feels like a
problematic and difficult process
makes decisions quickly and
determined
take their time to think things
through
interests travelling, dancing, arts sports, politics, luxury business, food, literature
finances
spends easily, doesn't save much and
often feels poor
spends money on certain chosen
things, luxury
saves money, spends freely on
food and entertainment
activity hyperactive, restless
active, enjoys exercise and
competition
somewhat lethargic
sex drive extreme or none at all passionate and dominating constant and loyal
beliefs erratic, rebel, changing determined, strong principles
permanent, doesn't change
easily
lifestyle erratic, free and unattached bustling, well planned regular, gets into a rut easily

41. DOSHA SCORE
 VATA:
 PITHA:
 KAPHA:
BODY TYPE ( Prakruti):
IMBALANCE (Vikruti) :