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KAA 101: Ayurvedic Philosophy and Anatomy (Tarka Sankhya and Sharir)
The Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor Program
Ayurveda: The Science of Life
Ayurveda is a word in the Sanskrit language of Indiathat literally translates to the science [or wisdom] oflife. Ayur translates to life and Veda translates towisdom, knowledge or science. Since its originthousands of years ago, Ayurveda has a continuous
What Makes Ayurveda Special?� It respects the uniqueness of the individual.
� It considers all the levels of the individual – Body,
mind and spirit.thousands of years ago, Ayurveda has a continuoustradition of professional practice, research andeducation. It has become an inseparable part of theculture and daily lifestyle of traditional families inIndia. During the last thirty years, many originalAyurvedic Sanskrit texts have been translated intovarious European languages, including English. Thishas gradually led to the current popularity ofAyurveda in the West.
mind and spirit.
� It offers natural ways of treating dis-
eases and promoting health.
� It emphasizes prevention.
� It empowers everyone to take
responsibility for their own well-
being.
� It is cost-effective.
� It works.
Origin and Background
Ayurveda is a part of the Vedic system of knowledge. Among thefour Vedas—Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and AtharvaVeda—Ayurveda is a part of the Atharva Veda.
Between 1000 – 700 BC, Ayurveda developed into eightbranches or specialties and two schools: Atreya (the school ofphysicians) and Dhanvantari (the school of surgeons).physicians) and Dhanvantari (the school of surgeons).
The chanting of mantras and the religious aspect of medicine inthe Vedas was gradually supplemented by observations based onscientific thinking. The material scattered throughout the Vedaswas collected, subjected to rigid tests for efficacy and thenrearranged. Such compilations are called Samhita when writtenin Sanskrit:
1. Charaka Samhita2. Sushruta Samhita3. Ashtang Hridaya Samhita
These are the three oldest, most authentic and most respectedSamhitas. They are called the Brihat Trai, or Great Trio.
Origin and Background
� A classical text book of Internal Medicine (Kayachikitsa).
1. The Charaka Samhita
� Considered the prime work on the basic concepts of
Ayurveda.
� Represents the Atreya Sampradaya, or Atreya School of
Physicians.
� A systematic work divided into eight sections which are
further divided into 120 chapters.
Origin and Background
� Represents the Dhanvantari School of Surgeons and isconsidered in Ayurveda to be the father of surgery.
2. The Sushruta Samhita
� Contains sophisticated descriptions of surgicalinstruments and various procedures such as plasticsurgery.
� Contains descriptions of the marmas—vital points inthe body that are comparable to the system ofacupuncture meridians in Chinese Medicine.
� Hastam eva pradhan yantram. The word surgerycomes from the Greek word meaning manualoperation. Sushruta emphasizes that among all surgicalinstruments, the hand is the most important becauseall other instruments are useless without it.
Origin and Background
� Vagbhata wrote the Asthang Hridaya in poetic verse.
� Broken into two sections: The Ashtanga Sangraha and
3. The Asthang Hridaya
� Broken into two sections: The Ashtanga Sangraha andAshtanga Hridaya.
� The Ashtanga Sangraha is the third importantcomposition of the great triad. It is divided into 150chapters that deal with all eight branches of Ayurveda(Ashtanga: eight, Sangraha: collection).
� The Ashtanga Hridaya is more concise than AshtangaSangraha and is written in verse—a beautiful poetryform; this makes it easier for a student to rememberimportant subjects in a concise form.
Asthanga Ayurveda: 8-Fold Classification
1. Kayachikitsa | Internal Medicine
� Deals with the prevention, etiology, prognosis and management of disease.
2. Shalya Tantra | Surgery
� Various surgeries are described. The first plastic surgery was described in the Sushrut Samhita.Various surgeries are described. The first plastic surgery was described in the Sushrut Samhita.
3. Shalakya Tantra | Ear, Nose, Throat and Eye Diseases
� The Ayurvedic branch of ophthalmology and Oto-rhinolaryngology - diseases of eye and ear, nose and throat.
4. Kaumarbhritya | Pediatrics
� Deals with prenatal and postnatal baby care and with the care of the mother before conception and during pregnancy. Various childhood diseases and treatments come under this branch.
� Ayurveda describes several methods for conceiving a child.
Asthanga Ayurveda: 8-Fold Classification
5. Agada Tantra | Toxicology
� This branch deals with the toxicity and purification of herbs as well as mineral and animal products.
6. Bhuta Vidya | Psychiatry
� Ayurveda is equally concerned with mental diseases and their treatment. Treatment methods include not only diet and herbs, treatment. Treatment methods include not only diet and herbs, but also yogic methods for improving the state of mind. There is ample material for research on this branch in the Atharva Veda and other Ayurveda chapters.
7. Rasayana| The Science of Rejuvenation
� This therapy is used to prevent disease and promote healthy living.
8. Vajikarana | The Science of Aphrodisiacs
� This branch deals with the means of increasing sexual vitality and efficiency. For achieving healthy and intelligent progeny, the therapy of Rasayana and Vajikarana are closely interrelated. Vajikarana medicines also act as rejuvenatives.
Ayurveda: The Philosophical Foundation
There are six fundamental systems of
philosophy derived from the Vedas or Vedic
Systems often referred to as Shatdarshana.
The word shat translates to six andThe word shat translates to six and
darshana translates to philosophy or
understanding. These systems include the
Sankhya, Nyaya, Vaisheshika,
Yogadarshana, Mimamsa and Vedanta.
They are considered the most important
philosophies derived from the Vedic texts.
Sankhya PhilosophyThe 24 Basic Principles of Existence
� One of the oldest philosophical
theories.
� The word sankhya is derived from sat
meaning truth and khya meaning to
realize.realize.
� Another definition of Sankhya is a
number that is related to the 24
elemental building blocks (principles)
which constitute the Sankhya view of
the universe (See diagram to the
right)
Sankhya Philosophy
Purusha | Pure Consciousness
� The origin of creation
� Conscious ground for creation � Conscious ground for creation
� Passive in Creation
� Reflects in each and every
living being
� Male energy
Artwork by Bonnie Lanz, 2007
Sankhya Philosophy | Step 1
1. Prakriti| The First Step of Creation
� The entire universe is created from Prakriti
� Contains prime attributes behind all things as forms
of perception of perception
� Has three qualities called Gunas: Sattva, Rajas and
Tamas� Sattva Guna is knowledge, clarity, and purity
� Rajas Guna is action, mobility and stimulus
� Tamas Guna is ignorance, inactivity, heaviness and
darkness
� Prakriti and its three Gunas are responsible for the
diversity in the universe while the existence of
Purusha is responsible for unity.
Sankhya Philosophy | Step 2 – 3
2. Mahat | Cosmic Intelligence
� The First Manifestation of Prakriti
The cosmic intelligence, intuition
3. Ahankara| The Cosmic Ego
Ahankara represents the power of
differentiation or diversification, the awareness� The cosmic intelligence, intuition
and/or wisdom
� Buddhi is individual intelligence
� In every cell of an individual there is
inborn intelligence. This intelligence
puts everything in its proper place.
differentiation or diversification, the awareness
of the self, or the feeling I am.
The three Gunas manifest here in the form of
Sattvic Ahankara, Rajasic Ahankara and
Tamasic Ahankara.
Sankhya Philosophy | Step 4
4. Manasa| Mind
Manasa represents the formulatingManasa represents the formulating
principle of emotions and ideas, as well as
the individual consciousness projected by
Rajas Ahankara. It connects the inner and
outer worlds.
1. Ears
Sankhya Philosophy | Step 5 - 9
5 – 9. Panchagyanendriyani| The Five Sense Organs
The five sense organs are derived from Sattvic
2. Eyes
3. Skin
4. Tongue
5. Nose
The five sense organs are derived from Sattvic
Ahankara. They perceive sound, vision, touch, taste
and smell respectively. The entire knowledge of the
universe is obtained through these sense organs.
Therefore they are called Gyana Shakti, or the
knowledge of all that is.
1. Vocal Chords
Sankhya Philosophy | Steps 10 - 19
10 – 14. Panchakarmendriyani
The Five Organs of Action
The Five Organs of Actionderive from Rajas
15 – 19 Tanmatras
The Five Causal Elements
The Five Causal
Elements derive1. Shabda (Sound)
2. Feet
3. Hands
4. Urethra
5. Anus
derive from RajasAhankara. As organs ofaction, Rajas is calledKriya Shakti, whichtranslates to the actionsdirected toward all that is,or the nine powers ofaction.
Elements derive
from Tamas
Ahankara and
represent the
unmanifested
forms of the five
elements.
2. Sparsha (Touch)
3. Rupa (Vision)
4. Rasa (Taste)
5. Gandha (Smell)
Sankhya Philosophy | Steps 20 – 24
20 – 24.Panchamahabhutas | The Five Elements
All matter is created by the combination of these five material elements. Therefore Tamas is
called Dravya Shakti, which translates to the power of substance.
Nyaya Philosophy
� Founded by the sage Gautama
� First written between the 3rd and 4th
century BC and called the Nyaya Sutras
� Divided into five chapters
1. Pratyaksha | Direct Perception
� Observed via the senses and the mind. The
mind is the instrument for acquiring
knowledge, happiness, sorrow, desire and
The Four Pramanas | Means of Knowledge
� Deals with the logic for achieving truth
� Accepts four means of knowledge or
proofs, called Pramanas, which
Ayurveda has accepted in the process
of obtaining practical information
about the health of a patient or client
(See right)
knowledge, happiness, sorrow, desire and
in the planning of action.
2. Anumana | Inference
� Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
3. Upamana | Analogy
� Racing mind, swan pulse, snake pulse.
4. Shabda | The word spoken by an authority (Apta-
Upadesa | Authoritative Instruction)
� Teachers, books
� Originated by Kanada.
� Deals with the creation of
1. Dravya | Substance (Herbs, fruits, wood)
2. Guna | Quality (Cold, hard, heavy)
The Seven Prameyas | Categories of Knowledge
Vaisheshika Philosophy
� Deals with the creation of
the universe and explains
the seven categories of
knowledge or objects of
cognition (Prameyas).
3. Karma | Action (Digestive, laxative, nervine)
4. Samanya | Similarity (Like increases like)
5. Vishesha | Dissimilarity (Opposites cure or neutralize)
6. Samavaya| Unbreakable Relation (Ginger and heat have a
samavaya relationship)
7. Abhava | Absence or Non-Existence (In Amalaki or garlic, the
salty taste is absent, so there is an Abhava of salty taste.
Another example: Kapha has an Abhava of heat.)
Akash (Space) � Vayu (Air) � Tejas (Fire) � Aap (Water) � Prithvi (Earth)
The Sequential Flow of the Elements
Panchamahabhutas | The Five Elements
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. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
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Panchamahabhuta Qualities
Akasha (Ether/Space)Subtle, soft, clear, smooth,
expanding
Vayu (Air)Rough, dry, light, cold,
mobile
Teja (Fire) Hot, sharp
Flowing, wet, dull, soft, . . . .
. . .
. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .
. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
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� Akasha is the most subtle element
while Prithvi is the grossest.
� The elements are nothing but the
different densities of Akash.
� The denser elements have subtler
elements infused within them.
Aap (Water)Flowing, wet, dull, soft,
cloudy
Prithvi (Earth)Gross, heavy, static, hard,
dense
Akash | The Principle of Space
Panchamahabhutas | Akash
Main Quality Non-Resistance
Sense Sound
� Bhoutic Composition: Akasha
� Nothingness is the quality of space. Akash serves as the medium in which the other bhutas are able
to manifest.
� Sound is born from and propagates through space.
� For example: The breaking of chalk, our voice, the quality of wood.
� A close relationship exists between each bhuta and sense organ. Akash's corresponding sense organ
is the ear. The ear is a hollow, spacious structure containing very thin, light bones and is responsible
for transmitting sound from the environment into our neural impulses.
Vayu| The Principle of Movement
Panchamahabhutas | Vayu
Main Quality Movement
Sense Touch
� Bhoutic Composition: Akasha + Vayu
� Subtle vibrations create Vayu which gives direction to all motion and change and to all processes
and functions in creation.
� Vayu impulses blood to move through our arteries and veins, food to move through our digestive
tract and nerve impulses to be carried at lightning speed to and from the brain.
� Sense of touch arises from Vayu.
Tejas| The Principle of Conversion, Heat and Light
Panchamahabhutas | Tejas
Main Quality Conversion,
Illumination
Sense Sight
� Bhoutic Composition: Akasha +Vayu + Agni
� Light and heat are produced from the friction inherent in movement.
� The sun offers the most striking example of this principle. The sun's heat is directly and indirectly
responsible for conversion (metabolic processes). Without it, there would be no transformation and
no life.
� Conversion is the key concept in defining Agni’s role in creation.
� Sense of sight is intimately associated with the element of Agni. Without Agni and light creation would
not be possible. Agni allow us to see form, degrees of dark and light and various frequencies of color.
Aap| The Principle of Liquidity and Cohesion
Panchamahabhutas | Aap
Main Quality Cohesion
Sense Taste
� Bhoutic Composition: Akasha + Vayu + Agni + Aap
� Agni condenses to form Aap (Water), e.g. steam, which, when it cools becomes water
� Governs a substance's ability to change shape without separating or losing its integrity.
� Water is the most common manifestation of Aap Mahabhuta on this planet and is the major component of all life.
� In the sap of the plant or tree, water acts as a medium through which Vayu carries nutrients to leaves and branches.
� In the blood it performs the same function, binding nutrients and oxygen within itself so that Vayu can move them throughout the body.
� As saliva and digestive secretions, it binds nutrients together, which are broken down by agni.
� In the form of Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), it surrounds and protects brain and spinal cord.
� Aap protects the mucous membranes of the body and lubricates the joints so that solid structures can move or flow more freely over one another.
� Sense of taste arises out of Aap Mahabhuta. The ability to taste is dependent upon the liquidity that exists within the mouth in the form of saliva.
Prithvi| The Principle of Form and Structure
Panchamahabhutas | Prithvi
Main Quality Stability
Sense Smell
� Bhoutic Composition: Akasha + Vayu + Agni + Aap + Prithvi
� Aap (Water) dries and forms Prithvi (Earth). A substance or particle with shape indicates the
presence of Prithvi Mahabhuta.
� All structures whether an atom, molecule, rock, mountain, planet, solar system or galaxy, is
determined by Prithvi.
� Governs the shape and structure of every branch, leaf and flower in plants and every organ, tendon,
muscle and bone in animals and humans.
� Sense of smell arises from Prithvi Mahabhuta.
The Importance of the Panchamahabhutas in Health
Panchamahabhutas
All natural things are comprised of Panchamahabhutas.
For example: Fruits, vegetables, grains, plants, herbs, animals and humans areFor example: Fruits, vegetables, grains, plants, herbs, animals and humans are
comprised of different combinations of the Mahabhutas, which is why herbs can
be digested by the body while synthetic medicines cannot.
Mahabhutas with opposite qualities are used in treatment with the goal of
maintaining or restoring balance. For example, to lose weight (heaviness is a
quality of the earth element) we use lighter foods (popcorn is predominantly
comprised of the air element). In lightheadedness we use grounding, heavy
foods such as particular nuts and seeds (soaked overnight in water) or root
vegetables.
In Pitta aggravation (heat), we use bitter and astringent herbs (cooling) and use
cooling foods such as salads, fruits or grains.
Panchamahabhutas & Tanmatras
� Sound cannot exist without space and lack of
resistance, qualities of Akasha.
� Touch depends on vibration or movement, aspects
of Vayu.of Vayu.
� Sight occurs because of light and heat,
characteristics of Agni.
� Taste cannot function without the liquid and
cohesive nature of Aap.
� Smell needs Prithvi's solidity and form.
The Garden of the Five Senses, New York
Using the Mahabhutas and Their Senses as a Diagnostic Utility
Panchamahabhutas & Tanmatras
� The Sense of Sound
� By auscultating certain parts of the body, the physician understands the quality of the organ.
� We can hear an asthmatic person breathe heavily.
� Gurgling sounds in the stomach is a sign of bloating.Gurgling sounds in the stomach is a sign of bloating.
� The Sense of Touch
� Nadi Vigyan-pulse diagnosis is the most exceptional diagnostic tool in Ayurveda
� Palpation of abdomen gives idea about different digestive organs – tenderness, enlargement, bloating etc.
� Palpating Joints, tender area on the body etc gives more information about the underlying cause
� The Sense of Sight
� Visual inspection of the client also important.
� It gives idea about person’s Prakriti or Vikriti
� The Sense of Smell
� Body odor, foul smell, smell of the urine are examples
� Ancient texts identify twenty types of diabetes based on the specific degeneration of the tissues giving specific smell to urine.
We do not use the sense of taste in Diagnosis
Panchamahabhutas and Tanmatras
The Relationship of Sense Organs, Organs of Action, Bhuta and Tanmatra
Panchamahabhuta Sense Organ Tanmatra Organ of ActionAkasha (Ether) Ear Shabda (Sound) Vocal Cords
Vayu (Air) Skin Sparsha (Touch) HandsVayu (Air) Skin Sparsha (Touch) Hands
Teja (Fire) Eyes Rupa (Sight) Feet
Aap (Water) Tongue Rasa (Taste) Urogenital System
Prithvi (Earth) Nose Gandha (Smell) Anus
The Tridoshas | Actions and Qualities
The Tridoshas are thethree energies governingall the functions in thebody. While modernmedicine is based on the
Dosha Composition Description Qualities
Vata Air + Ether
The energy of action,
transportation and
movement.
Dry, rough, light,
cold, subtle and
mobile.body. While modernmedicine is based on thestructure of the body,Ayurveda is based on theenergies behind thatstructure. The fiveMahabhutas give rise tothree doshas, or Tridoshas:Vata, Pitta and Kapha:
Pitta Fire
The energy of
transformation,
conversion and
digestion.
Oily, sharp, hot,
light, moving, liquid
and has acidic smell.
Kapha Water + Earth
The energy of
construction,
lubrication and
nourishment.
Moist, cold, heavy,
dull, soft, sticky and
static
Vata | That Which Gives Energy
Quality Actions
DryReduces wetness, dampness. Helps reduce mucus,
congestion, water retention and swelling.
Light
Makes body light, helps release weight and create a
feeling of being energized while reducing lethargy and
Bhoutic Composition: Air + Ether
In nature, Vata is like the wind. It is constantly moving
and scattering things around. Vata is called the King of
the Doshas mainly because it is the moving force behind
everything, including Pitta and Kapha.
Light feeling of being energized while reducing lethargy and
ama buildup.
ColdBalances heat and reduces burning and excessive
acidity.
Rough Breaks sliminess, congestion and reduces toxin buildup.
SubtleHelps reach the microscopic (very narrow) channels of
the body.
MobileBalances static; moves energy, nerve impulses. Makes
movement possible.
Vata | That Which Gives Energy
Location
Main Location: Abdominal cavity
below the umbilicus.
Actions and Functions
� All movements and functions of the body andmind
� Sensory and motor nerve regulation and
Other Locations: Colon, pelvis and
pelvic organs, thighs, legs, skin, ears,
brain and nervous system, lungs
� Sensory and motor nerve regulation andpropagation of impulses
� Voluntary and involuntary actions� Breathing� Removal of wastes� Speech (movement of vocal cords)� Pumping of the heart� Sense of touch� Kindles digestive fire� Absorbs nutrients� Openings of the cell walls and energy channels� Development and delivery of the fetus
Management
� Vata-balancing diet and lifestyle.
� Shodhana: Snehana, Swedana, Basti
� Shamana: Vata-balancing herbs
Vata | That Which Gives Energy
Causes of Aggravation Signs of Aggravation
� Fall and early part of winter.� Eating too many dry, bitter, pungent,
astringent, light, cold, stale or processedfoods.Drinking too cold drinks or food
� Dry: Skin, hair, eyes, ears, lips, joints, stools,bloating, gas, dehydration.
� Light: Light-headedness, restless mind,ungroundedness, dizziness, thinness, weightfoods.
� Drinking too cold drinks or food� Drugs.� Exposure to cold and wind, dark (less light).� Listening to loud noise, bright light, too
much TV.� Erratic work or life-style schedule.� Fasting, wrong dieting, less sleep,
interrupted sleep.� Excessive exercise, running, staying up late,
holding natural urges.� Stress, fear, anxiety, insecurity, worry.� Excessive bleeding, excessive cleansing.� Sexual overindulgence.
ungroundedness, dizziness, thinness, weightloss.
� Cold: Cold body, poor circulation, musclespasm, constriction, tightness, pain, asthma.
� Rough: Breaking of skin and lips, varicose veins.� Subtle: Tremors, twitching, fear, anxiety,
insecurity.� Mobile: Racing mind, restlessness, fast actions,
chatter, fidgeting, obsessive compulsive,bipolar, manic depression, muscle twitchingand palpitations.
� Clear: Racing mind, agitated mind
Pitta | That Which Produces Heat or Anger
Quality Actions
Oily
Balances dryness, maintains luster of the skin,
emulsifies food; mixes food with digestive enzymes
for proper digestion.
Sharp
Breaks down food chains into tiny particles, cooks
food, digests foods (especially those with heavier
qualities), penetrates through blockages, and
Bhoutic Composition: Fire
In nature, Pitta is like the sun’s heat, giving light and
transforming things. It is the heat or transformative energy in
the body. Pitta helps us to think, discriminate, be confident,
have clear vision, speak to the point, and see different things
and colors, digest food, maintain body temperature, protect
from excess heat and cold, and give luster to skin.
Sharp qualities), penetrates through blockages, and
sharpens memory and thinking. Helps in planning and
gives confidence.
HotKeeps us alive, maintains acidity of digestive enzymes
and maintains body temperature.
Light Illuminates mind, intelligence and life.
AcidicGives acidic smell to sweat and bile, emulsifies and
digests fatty foods.
Spreading Helps the flow, mixes and moves food.
LiquidMakes food liquid, helps digestion and overall flow in
the body.
Location
Small intestine, lower part of stomach,
Rasa Dhatu, Rakta Dhatu, sweat
glands, skin, eyes, liver, spleen,
Actions and Functions
� Digestion
� Assimilation
Pitta | That Which Produces Heat or Anger
glands, skin, eyes, liver, spleen,
pancreas.� Absorption
� Transformation
� Maintenance of body temperature and
luster of the skin
� The creation of thirst
� Discrimination, intelligence and leadership
� Clarity of speech, boldness, vision (physical
and mental)
Management
� Pitta-balancing diet and lifestyle
� Shodhana: Snehana, Swedana, Virechana
� Shamana: Pitta balancing herbs
Causes of Aggravation Signs of Aggravation
� Summer
� Eating very sour, salty or pungent
food; Too much yogurt, sour juices,
� Oily: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, oily skin, acne,
skin blisters.
� Sharp: Gastritis, ulcers, acid reflux, heartburn,
irritability, anger, sharp pain, sharp headaches.
Pitta | That Which Produces Heat or Anger
food; Too much yogurt, sour juices,
junk food.
� Smoking, alcohol, hallucinogenic or
excessive medicinal drugs.
� Outdoor activities in the afternoon,
exposure to sun.
� Anger, irritability, sexual indulgence.
� Excessive competition, intellectual
stimulation.
irritability, anger, sharp pain, sharp headaches.
� Hot: Fevers, infections, inflammations, excessive
perspiration, red hot eyes, desire for cool drinks,
thirst, burning, hyperacidity and insomnia.
� Light: Dizziness, sensitivity to heat and light,
ringing in ears.
� Acidic: Acidic smell to feces, sweat and urine, skin,
breath, jaundice, yellow hue to the skin, skin
infections.
� Mobile: Vertigo, dizziness.
� Liquid: Excessive perspiration, thirst, urination.
Vata | That Which Gives Energy
Personality
Vata people are generally slim and slender, either short or tall with prominent bones and less
muscles. Their other physical characteristics are oval face, small eyes (many times roll eye balls
often), dry skin, thin hair, small joints (may crack often), and long fingers. Variability is Vataoften), dry skin, thin hair, small joints (may crack often), and long fingers. Variability is Vata
nature. Their metabolism and sleep pattern is always changing.
They talk a lot, walk a lot and complain a lot. They do lot of hand gestures almost like they talk
with their hands. They are good in attracting people with their talking and expressions. They are
very intuitive, imaginative and artistic. They are good in writing poems, creating art, or dancing.
They love to travel, or be constantly on the go.
The Vata mind is like a busy bee, constantly buzzing around, moving in circles. They are born
worriers- worry about everything and anything. Often feel anxious, nervous and worried. Many
times their mind is in the future, not enjoying the present moment. They are good at playing
“what if” game. Vata slogan is “Can I change my mind?”
Personality
Pitta people are medium built and height, with strong muscles. Sharpness is the main
characteristic of Pitta personality - Sharp nose, sharp eyes and sharp chin and
(unfortunately) sharp tongue. They tend to have receding hairline or get early graying or
balding.
Pitta | That Which Produces Heat or Anger
balding.
Pitta people are good speakers. They speak to the point (no beating around the bush).
They are very precise, goal seeking, orderly and tidy. Pitta people are list makers; they
can’t do anything unless planned. They are always “on time” machine.
The Pitta mind is like a bull. Once set on the goal, it is difficult to change. Many times it
is in the present so Pitta people are generally witty. Many times they are also
opinionated, criticizing others or telling people what is right and wrong (that is why they
create enemies). Pitas get irritable or angry quickly, especially when things don’t
happen their way. Pitta’s metabolism is very sharp. They are always hungry and angry.
Their slogan is “Do it my way or the highway”.
Kapha | The One that Helps to Connect or Adhere
Quality Actions
MoistLubricates the whole body and joints, reduces dryness, friction
and facilitates the function of any and all tissues.
Cold
Protects the body against too much Pitta, such as heat,
burning and acidity, maintains alkaline medium or pH of body,
acts as a cooling energy.
Helps to create stability and/or groundedness in the body and
Bhoutic Composition: Water + Earth
In nature, Pitta is like the sun’s heat, giving light and
transforming things. It is the heat or transformative
energy in the body. Pitta helps us to think, discriminate,
be confident, have clear vision, speak to the point, and
see different things and colors, digest food, maintain
body temperature, protect from excess heat and cold,
and give luster to skin.
Heavy
Helps to create stability and/or groundedness in the body and
mind, increases weight by nourishing the Dhatus, builds the
tissues.
StaticProvides stability, counterbalances and/or protects against the
hyperactivity of Vata, protects Dhatus.
StickyProvides insulation; protects Dhatus, protects against the
hyperactivity of Vata.
SoftKeeps the tissues supple, helps protect against too much
action and/or friction. Maintains tissue consistency.
CloudyProvides insulation against sharpness of Pitta, protects
Dhatus.
Slow Slow sluggish movement, slow thinking.
Smooth Smooth surface of the organs, smooth movements.
Location
Above the diaphragm.
Main location: Stomach, lungs,
lymphatic, mucus membrane,
Actions and Functions
� Supports the body
Maintains body's lubrication
Kapha | The One that Helps to Connect or Adhere
lymphatic, mucus membrane,
peritoneal cavities, joints, mouth,
brain and spinal cord (cerebral spinal
fluid).
� Maintains body's lubrication
� Moistens joints
� Develops and strengthens the tissues
� Gives strength and stamina
� At the subtle level it creates forgiveness,
love, compassion, calmness, happiness,
contentment
Management
� Kapha-balancing diet and life style
� Shodhana: Snehana, Swedana, Vamana
� Shamana: Kapha balancing herbs
Causes of Aggravation Signs of Aggravation
� Late Winter, Spring, the rainy season.
� Moist: Clammy skin due to too much oil
� Cold: Cold body, colds, cough, congestion,
sinus problems, pale color
Kapha | The One that Helps to Connect or Adhere
� Eating too much sweet, sour or salty
food, junk food such as candies, ice-
creams, desserts, donuts, oily fried
food, red meat, excessive milk and
cheese products.
� Excessive eating and drinking.
� Excessive sleep, lack of exercise or
physical activity.
sinus problems, pale color
� Heavy: Heaviness, obesity, lethargy, weak
Agni, indigestion, Candida, food allergies
� Static: Laziness, excessive sleep, lethargy
� Soft: Excessive saliva in the mouth, white-
coated tongue
� Liquid: Water retention, swelling on the body,
swollen joints, ascitis, heavy mind, slow
thinking
Personality
Kapha people are well built, full-bodied people. Their features are rounded – Round
face, round big eyes, roundish nose, and sweet looks. They have long and thick hair.
Kapha | The One that Helps to Connect or Adhere
Kapha people are loving, nurturing, caring and are peacemakers. They want
everybody to be happy. Their slogan is “Don’t worry be happy.” They have good
endurance and strong immune system. They are good listeners and speak very little.
At times they tend to be shy. Kaphas tend to gain weight very easily and retain water,
causing swelling. Bit lazy, Kaphas like to rely on others and like to follow others.
Kapha mind tends to get heavier, many times stays in the past – day dreaming about
past incidences. Kapha people get attached quickly and have a hard time letting go.
The Twenty Tattvas | Qualities
Heavy/Light | Guru/Laghu
Cold/Hot | Shita/Ushna
Wet/Dry | Snigdha/Ruksha
Dull/Sharp | Manda/Tikshna
Attribute V P K Attribute V P K
Heavy ↓ ↓ ↑ Light ↑ ↑ ↓
Dull ↓ ↓ ↑ Sharp ↑ ↑ ↓
The Tattvas and Doshas
Dull/Sharp | Manda/Tikshna
Smooth/Rough | Slakshna/Khara
Dense/Flowing | Sandra/Drava
Soft/Hard | Mridu/Kathina
Static/Mobile | Sthira/Chala
Gross/Subtle | Sthuia/Sukshma
Cloudy/Clear | Picchila/Vishada
Dull ↓ ↓ ↑ Sharp ↑ ↑ ↓
Cold ↑ ↓ ↑ Hot ↓ ↑ ↓
Oily ↓ ↑ ↑ Dry ↑ ↓ ↓
Smooth ↓ ↑ ↑ Rough ↑ ↓ ↓
Dense ↓ ↓ ↑ Liquid ↑ ↑ ↓ Eventually
Soft ↓ ↑ Hard ↑ ↓ ↓
Static ↓ ↓ ↑ Mobile ↑ ↑ ↓
Gross ↓ ↓ ↑ Subtle ↑ ↑ ↓
Cloudy ↓ ↓ ↑ Clear ↑ ↑ ↓
The Twenty Tattvas | 1 – 4
Tattva Bhoutic
Composition
Notes/Description Examples
Guru (Heavy) Prithvi and Aap Build the tissues and create
heaviness in the body.
Generally, all sweet, sour and salty
tastes are heavy
Foods: Grains, cheese, yogurt,
candies, ice cream, salty junk food,
red meat
Herbs: Ashvagandha, Bala,
Shatavari, muesliShatavari, muesli
Laghu (Light) Akash, Vayu Help to reduce weight and increase
energy.
Food: Popcorn, corn flakes, rice
flakes, rice cakes, leafy vegetables
Herbs: Neem, Aloe Vera, Brahmi,
Jatamansi
Manda (Dull) Prithvi, Aap Create dullness, sluggishness, and
lead to slow action. Neutralize
excessive acids in the body and help
prevent acidity and burning, etc.
Foods: Milk, grains, cheese
Teekshna (Sharp) Teja Help to break down food chains and
digest foods. Hot and pungent foods
have this quality. Their main action
is transformation and cleansing
(Shodhana).
Foods: Sharp cheese, jalapeño,
garlic, chilies, salts
Herbs: Chitrak, Pippali, Ginger,
black pepper
The Twenty Tattvas | 5 – 8
Tattva Bhoutic
Composition
Notes/Description Examples
Sheeta (Cold) Aap, Vayu Substances which are cold or
create coldness in the body.
Generally, sweet, astringent and
bitter tastes are cold.
Foods: Cold water, ice-cream,
Cucumber, watermelon
Herbs: Turmeric, Neem, Chirata,
Ashok
Ushna (Hot) Teja Increases Agni, helps digest,
promotes expansion, perspiration
(swedana) and creates anger and
irritability.
Includes substances with a
pungent taste and hot potency or
temperature.
Foods: Ginger, chili, spicy food,
hot water
Herbs: Guggul, Chitrak
Snigdha (Oily) Aap Produce lubrication, moisture
(kledana), smoothness, love and
compassion.
Foods: Oils, butter, ghee, animal
fats
Herbs: Castor oil
Ruksha (Dry) Vayu Dry itchy skin, dandruff and dry
stools are examples of the effects
due to dry substances.
Foods: Dry toast, popcorn, dry
fruits, millet, barley, bitter melon
Herbs: Kirata, Patol, Neem
The Twenty Tattvas | 9 – 12
Tattva Bhoutic
Composition
Notes/Description Examples
Shlakshna (Smooth) Aap, Akasha Create smoothness, moisture and
lubrication (Ropana).
Foods: Oils, ghee, and aloe gel
Herbs: Amalaki, Draksha,
Shatavari
Khara (Rough) Vayu Helps reduce cholesterol and
blockages in the channels. Also
Herbs: Guggul, shilajeet, Vacha,
Karanja blockages in the channels. Also
causes dryness, cracks and
fissures.
Karanja
Sandra (Dense) Prithvi Increases viscosity and promotes
cohesiveness and solidity
(prasadana).
Foods: Butter, ghee, oil, mango,
milkshakes, yogurt
Herbs: Anant, Bala, Ashvagandha
Drava (Liquid) Aap Has a liquefying (vilodana) action.
Helps to carry nutrients to
different tissues and carries waste
products from the tissues.
Foods: Water
Herbs: Licorice
The Twenty Tattvas | 13 – 16
Tattva Bhoutic
Composition
Notes/Description Examples
Mrudu (Soft) Aap, Akasha Causes looseness (Shlathana) and
suppleness in the tissues.
Foods: Ghee, butter, oils, yogurt
Herbs: Chandana, Amalaki
Kathina (Hard) Prithvi Creates strength, rigidity and
hardness (drudhikarana). Makes
Foods: Cheese
Herbs: Khadirahardness (drudhikarana). Makes
the bodily tissues stable and
strong but may cause
constipation.
Herbs: Khadira
Sthira (Stable)
Prithvi Has a strengthening, stabilizing
(dharana) and enduring action.
Produces support and firmness.
Foods: Meats, grains, Lentils,
beans
Calcium
Chala (Mobile) Aap, Vayu Has a laxative, stimulating
(prerana) action. Promotes
movement.
Herbs: Triphala, Castor oil
The Twenty Tattvas | 17 – 20
Tattva Bhoutic
Composition
Notes/Description Examples
Sthoola (Gross) Prithvi Creates bulkiness. Covers the
other tissues (samvarana). Causes
obesity and decreases Agni.
Foods: Meat, fatty substances
Sookshma (Subtle) Akasha, Vayu, Teja Can pass through minute channels
and break obstructions easily. Can
Foods: Alcohol, various illegal
drugsand break obstructions easily. Can
pervade (vivarana) the entire body
quickly.
drugs
Herbs: Neem, kirata, camphor,
chitrak
Picchila (Cloudy) Prithvi, Aap Has the action of adhering
(lepana) or causing cloudiness.
Creates sliminess, heaviness and
coating.
Foods: Okra, psyllium, black gram,
basil seeds, natural gums
Vishada (Clear) Teja, Vayu, Akasha Removes cloudiness (Kshalana),
heaviness and creates clarity. For
example: Clarity of thought and
mind; Clear vision.
Herbs: Neem, Chitrak, Turmeric
The End