Six Stages of Disease, Part 3
In this series, we are examining the insidious and progressive nature of poor health and what we can do to ensure optimal health.
In Part 1, you’ll find a brief description of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), agni (digestive fire), and ama (toxic residue left over). Part 2 covers the remarkable regenerative power of the human body and the process by which our food is transformed into the tissues of the body. Further, health is attained by ensuring the soul, senses, and mind (atma, indriya, and mana) are blissful and peaceful.
In this article, we’ll conclude the series with a discussion of the accumulation of doshas that leads to disruption of balance and manifestation of disease.
Remember continue your current health and disease prevention strategies as outlined by your health care provider to avoid disrupting your health until such time as the provider states you are ready to make changes. This information is solely educational and designed to broaden your perspective on health and wellness. Please refer to Terms of Use and Disclaimer.
The Ayurvedic Model of Health
The first portion of an Ayurvedic text the Sushruta Samhita states, in order to have good health, the doshas must be in balance, the digestion strong, wastes eliminated from the body, and the soul, senses, and mind blissful. Only then is health revealed.
The cause of disease then, according to Shushruta, begins with the accumulation of doshas primarily due to actions such as improper dietary intake, sensory imbalances, changes in the seasons (both weather and life stages), results of past events, and harmful organisms. The advancement of the next stages begins with vague or non-specific symptoms that may not be reported. Ideally, preventative strategies should be implemented before progression occurs.
The first stages may not have overt signs indicating something is not quite right. Advancing to the next two stages, vague or non-specific complaints may be experienced by the individual. Eventually, full manifestation and disruption occurs.
Ayurvedic Therapy
Ayurvedic therapy includes prevention strategies of balancing the doshas, implementing daily and seasonal routines, strengthening the digestion (agni) with right foods, digestive aids, and the right environment. Therapy also includes eliminating toxic by-products of lifestyle and dietary choices by helping the individual make conscious choices and with purification practices essential to restore and retain health.
A strong digestion and well-functioning elimination system are instrumental for good health. When these systems are well-functioning, our vitality is maintained. When ama, the toxic residue of unprocessed food and sensory impressions, is present in the system, the individual will have a dull appetite, delicate digestion, and problematic elimination. They may feel fatigued, have pain, or experience a depressed mood.
Building ojas (the nectar of vitality), the end result of the healthy, unimpeded development of the seven tissues, occurs with good sleep and strong digestion. The skin glows, is clear and well hydrated. The person feels energetic, centered, has clear thinking processes, and is rarely sick.
In these short articles, we examined the definition of health based on the Ayurvedic model and considered how disease develops, according to Ayurvedic principles. We learned about the significance of agni (digestive-fire) relative to health and defined ama (toxic residue of unprocessed experience or food). Then we explored ways our vital energy can be depleted and how we can build ojas, which contributes to a feeling of vitality and health.
The Wisdom of Ayurveda course delves more deeply into the Eastern roots of Ayurveda and the Samkhya philosophy from which the science of life is derived. The course elaborates on the five elements, doshas, Ayurvedic therapy, and development of vitality. Find out more here.
Learn more about the doshas (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha)
Take the Dosha Quiz to begin your exploration.
Curious about Ayurveda? Enroll in the Wisdom of Ayurveda Course.
