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Ayurveda

The Three Doshas (Tridosa)

Other important basic principles of Ayurveda are the gunas, dhatus, malas, srotas, and agni, all of which are interrelated. Their correct function is responsible for maintaining the equilibrium of the three doshas:

The Three Gunas
There are three gunas, known as "qualities of nature" which are the essential components of the mind. They determine the nature, beliefs and perception of each individual on the basis of their psychology and bodily constitution.

Similarly to the combinations of doshas within the body, the mind has a combination of gunas. Individuals are dominated by one or more gunas.

1. Sattwa characteristics:
Responsible for perception and knowledge. Associated with kindness, calmness, and thoughtfullness. The ability to perceive a higher state of consciousness, clarity, detatchment, lightness, awareness, connection to God.

2. Rajas characteristics:
The energy of movement and activity. Desires, wishes, ambitions, attachment.

3. Tamas characteristics:
The energy of heavyness and lethargy. Inertia, doubt, ignorance, pessimism, depression.

The goal is to transcend the self to achieve balance and purity of mind, to experience the subtle energy of a Sattwic mind.

The Dhatus (Tissues)
The seven dhatus are the basic tissues which maintain and nourish the functioning of the body. Proper amount of each dhatu and their balanced function is very important for good health:

1. Plasma (rasa)
2. Blood (raktha)
3. Muscle (mamsa)
4. Fat (meda)
5. Bone/cartilage (asthi)
6. Marrow (majja)
7. Reproductive tissue (shukla)

Each dhatu is developed out of previous tissue, of which plasma is the base. If plasma is not healthy, then all other tissues will be affected.

Diagnosis of the doshas helps determine which dhatu is experiencing imbalance.

The Malas (Wastes)
The Malas are the waste materials produced as a result of various metabolic activities in the body (e.g. sweat, urine, feces). Proper elimination of the malas is important for good health. An accumulation of malas causes disease within the body. Similarly, excessive functioning of the malas (e.g. excessive sweating) can trigger various conditions such as acne or fungi.

The Srotas
The Srotas are the different types of channels responsible for the transportation of different materials through the dhatus, and malas.

Agni
The agni are the various enzymes responsible for digestion and transforming of food.


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