Balancing Of Doshas

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The Alleviation of the Doshas with Rasas (tastes):

• Sweet, sour and salt decrease vata
• Bitter, pungent and astringent decrease kapha
• Astringent, bitter and sweet decrease pitta
• Bitter, pungent and astringent increase vata
• Sour, salt and pungent cause increase pitta
• Sweat, sour and salt increase kapha

The Two Kinds of Aushadhi (awakening through herbs):

Shodhana and samana are the two kinds of Aushadhi; shodhana is the method of forcibly eliminating the aggravated doshas from the body, thus purifying it. Samana is the method of mitigating the aggravated doshas within the body itself.

Different medicinal procedures can be used. Basti (enemas) is effective for treating vata, virechana (purgation) is valuable for mitigating pitta and vamana (vomiting) is helpful for kapha. The use of medicated oil (especially gingilly oil), both internally and externally, is ideal for controlling vata, ghee for pitta and honey for Kapha.

Conclusion:

When increased, the doshas produce their respective features (signs and symptoms) according to their strength, and when decreased, the signs and symptoms become less intense. When in a normal, balanced state, the doshas contribute to the healthy growth of the body. Hence by adopting suitable awareness of ones food and activities, the body will be protected from the intensification or reduction of the doshas.

Yoga researchers around the world are examining the concept of doshas. Various yogic techniques like asana and pranayama have a direct impact on the doshas, which can be seen in the classical yogic texts. Authors like Dr. Frawley and others are trying to bring the ancient teachings to contemporary society. Ask your yoga consultant today about how yoga can help balance your doshas.