Ayurvedic Fullbody Massage

How does Ayurveda work?

According to Ayurvedic fundamental's people are a combination of the three "Dosha's" or "Vata", "Pitta" and "Kapha". Each dosha has a specific quality and it is a combination of these three qualities of vata pitta and kapha which combine to make the unique qualities of every person on the planet. Just like the genetic code or DNA. The unique qualities of vata pitta and kapha are a combination of two of the five elements, Space, air, fire, water and earth.

Vata is the principle of movement. That which moves is called vata. Therefore, vata may be translated as the bodily air principle. However, the element of Air in the external atmosphere is not the same as the air in the body. Bodily air, or vata, may be characterised as the subtle energy that governs biological movement. This biological principle of movement engenders all subtle changes in the metabolism. Vata governs breathing, blinking of the eyelids, movements in the muscles and tissues, pulsation's in the heart and all expansion and contraction. Also to be considered are the movements of cytoplasm, cell membranes and movement of single impulses in nerve cells. Vata also governs such feelings and emotions as freshness, nervousness, fear, anxiety, pain, tremors and spasms. The large intestine, pelvic, bones, skin, ears and thighs are the seats of vata. If the body develops an excess of vata, it will accumulate in these areas.

Pitta is translated as fire, although the term does not literally mean "fire." The fire of a candle or the fire in a fireplace may be seen; however, the bodily heat-energy, the pitta-dosha, which manifests as metabolism is not visible in this way. Pitta governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism, body temperature, skin coloration, the lustre of the eyes; and also intelligence and understanding. Psychologically, pitta arouses anger, hate and jealousy. The small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, fat, eyes and skin are the seats of pitta. Pitta is formed from the elements fire and water.

The translation of kapha is biological water, and this bodily principle is formed from the two elements, Earth and Water. Kapha cements the elements of the body, providing the material for physical structure. This dosha maintains body resistance. Water is the main constituent of kapha, and this bodily water is responsible physiologically for biological strength and natural resistance in the body. Kapha lubricates the joints, provides moisture to the skin, helps heal wounds, fills the spaces in the body, and gives biological strength vigour and stability. Kapha also support's memory retention, gives energy to the heart and lungs and maintains immunity. Kapha is present in the chest, throat, head, sinuses, nose, mouth, and stomach, also Joints, cytoplasm, plasma, and liquid secretions of the body such as mucous. Psychologically, kapha is responsible for emotions of attachment, greed and long standing envy; it is also expressed in tendencies toward calmness, forgiveness and love. The chest is the seat of kapha.

A balance among the tridosha is necessary for health. For example, the air principle kindles the bodily fire, but water is necessary to control fire, otherwise the bodily fire would burn the tissues. Vata moves kapha and pitta, since kapha and pitta are immobile. Together the tridosha governs all the metabolic activities: anabolism (kapha) catabolism (vata), and metabolism (pitta). When vata is out of balance, the metabolism will be disturbed, resulting in excess catabolism, which is the breakdown or deterioration process in the body. When anabolism is greater than catabolism, there is an increased rate of growth and repair of the organs and tissues. Excess pitta disturbs metabolism, excess kapha increases the rate of anabolism and excess vata creates emaciation (catabolism). In childhood, anabolism and the kapha elements are predominant, since this is the time of greatest physical growth. In adulthood, metabolism and the element of pitta are most apparent, because at this stage the body is mature and stable. In old age, catabolism and vata are the most in evidence, as the body begins to deteriorate.