The Ancient Science of Ayurveda and The Concept of Prakriti
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is known to be the oldest healing science. In Sanskrit, Ayurveda translates to “The Science of Life”. This ancient wisdom and its principles emphasis on total wellness; the prevention and maintenance of health. Ayurveda helps us understand how to create a balance of the body with right thinking, diet, lifestyle and the use of herbs. Hence, the art and science of Ayurveda work to harmonise internal and external balance in our lives.
Ayurveda is a timeless healing system which recognises that every individual is unique and requires comprehensive healthcare management. This exceptional quality of Ayurveda sets it apart from the modern-day medicines.
Ayurveda defines the five significant elements of creation: space, air, water, fire, and earth, as the portals between the internal and external realms. The ancient practice of Ayurveda uses these five elements known as Panchamahabhuta to create the three doshas that are present in every individual.
Now, let us understand the concept of Prakriti in Ayurveda, and how the five elements influence and maintain the balance in our body.
What is Prakruti?
Prakruti refers to the primal creative or natural force which represents the intended state of an individual’s being. Your Prakruti stays the same throughout your life. In Ayurveda, understanding Prakruti helps you to achieve a state of wellness and health. As the natural creative force, Prakruti creates your body structure, physiological processes, behavioural traits along with your susceptibilities towards imbalances, diseases and disorders.
The knowledge of Prakruti provides excellent healthcare management which can help you to maintain your original state of balanced health. Here, Ayurveda defines an individual’s nature based on the combination of these five elements of creation.
We all know the five elements of creation. Now, let us find out how they make up the entire existence of a being.
The five elements of nature
Space: Akshamahabhuta, Space or Ether is the space in which everything happens. Without this matter cannot exist.
Air: Vayumahabhuta, Air or Wind is the gaseous form of matter which is mobile or dynamic. It is clean and pure, existence without form.
Water: Jalmahabhuta or Water is the liquid form of matter defined by change. It represents fluidity and smoothness. It includes all bodily fluids such as blood, mucous, and saliva.
Fire: Agnimahabhuta or Fire is the power that transforms solids into liquids, to gas. It converts energy from one form to another, like metabolism and digestion.
Earth: Prithvimahabhuta or Earth is the solid-state of matter. It represents stability, fixity and rigidity like bones, cells, tissues and everything that forms our body structure.
Now, let us understand the three bio-energies in detail.
Three Principle Energies of the Body
According to the science of Ayurveda, the three principles of energy or doshas are present in everyone. The combination of the five elements creates energies known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These bio-energies are required for the body to function.
Body, mind and consciousness are different facets of an individual that work together to maintain the balance. The three doshas are present in each individual in different proportions; one is primary, one secondary, and the third is least prominent.
The concept of Prakriti in Ayurveda defines characteristics of the predominant dosha in the various physical, psychological and physiological natures.
Vata is the energy of movement: Composed of Space and Air, it governs the flow of breath, muscle and tissue movement, blinking, movement of the heart and other movements like nerve impulses. When Vata is in balance, it promotes creativity and consciousness. When Vata is out of balance, it causes fear and anxiety.
Pitta is the energy of digestion and metabolism: Made of Fire and Water, it governs digestion, absorption, metabolism, nutrition, assimilation, and body temperature. In balance, Pitta promotes intelligence and understanding. When out of balance, Pitta creates anger, hatred and jealousy.
Kapha is the energy of lubrication and structure: Formed of Earth and Water; it keeps everything together. Kapha governs lubrication, growth, fat regulation, regeneration, nourishment, hydration, immunity and stamina. In balance, it promotes forgiveness and calmness, and when Kapha is out of balance, it gives birth to feelings like possessiveness, greed and envy.
Once you get to know the proportions of the three doshas within your body, you can rectify the imbalances in yourself with proper healthcare management. Our team at Mi.Bo.So can guide you through yoga and meditation to maintain the balance of the three bio-energies in your body.
We hope this article has helped you understand Ayurveda and the importance of its art.
Originally Published On: https://miboso.life/blogs/concept-of-prakruti-in-ayurveda/
