||Hithahitham Sukham Dukham
Ayusthasya Hithahitham Jnanam Cha Thacha
Yathroktham Ayurveda Sa Uchyate||
"The Science of Life which explains the guidelines to be followed for making a healthy living is called Ayurveda"
Charaka Samhitha (Treatise on Medicine), Susrutha Samhitha (Treatise on Surgery) and Ashtanga Samgraha (Treatise on the basic principles) are considered to be the three major treatises in Ayurveda. Some of the treatises written between 9th and 16th century AD include Sharangadhara Samhita (Treatise on Ayurvedic Recipes), Bhavaprakasha (History and classifications), Madhava Nidana (Treatise on Diagnosis) etc.
Ayurveda advocates that every living and non-living being has five basic elements (Pancha Maha Bhoothas) in them namely earth, water, fire, air and ether which manifest itself in the human body as Vatha, Pitha and Kabha (or the Tridoshas).
 Air and ether form the Vatha principle, fire the Pitha principle and earth and water the Kapha principle. Every human being has his Prakruti (Constitutional Nature) determined by the dominance of Vatha, Pitha or Kabha or their combinations. Harmony in Prakruthi indicates good health.
The cause of a disease is diagnosed and treatment prescribed by monitoring the Tridoshas, Dhatus (that which supports the body functions), Malas (the metabolic bi-products formed in the body), Agni (which is responsible for metabolism) and the Prakruti of the patient. The outcome of an Ayurvedic treatment is ideal health, a relaxed mind and rejuvenated body.
There are seven Prakrutis or constitutional types:
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Under weight and slim, hair, teeth, bones and skin are brittle |
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Head, chest, hands, legs, joints, nose, eyes and lips are narrow and dry |
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Joint crepitation on movements |
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Intrinsic disposition: Friendly, calm, dependable, grateful, well-behaved, honest, joyful etc. |
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Diseases : Low resistance, Inclined to diseases of nerves and mental illness |
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Speech : Quick |
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Sleep : Disturbed |
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Dreams : Active, Violent, Vivid |
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Hunger/ Thirst : Variable |
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Favorite Foods : Sweet, Sour, Salty |
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Health : Weak, Mostly short lived |
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Movement : Slow but firm |
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Sweat : Profuse |
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Bowels : Constipated, dry, hard |
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Sex : Variable |
Characteristics of Pitha Type (Fire Dominant)
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Thin skin, head, chest, hands, legs, eyes, nose and lips are normal and not dry |
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Diseases : Medium resistance, Inclined to all metabolic diseases |
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Intrinsic disposition : Bold, aggressive, intelligent, witty, adventurous etc. |
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Favorite Foods : Cold, Bitter, Astringent, Sweet |
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Bowels : Semi solid, solid, oily, soft loose |
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Health : Medium strength, Medium life expectancy |
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Can have soft, thin hair (often blond) |
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Tendency for unpleasant bodily smell |
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Inclined to premature graying |
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Forming of wrinkles and baldness |
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Medium height |
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Cannot bear heat |
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Eyes become red more quickly |
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Speech : Sharp, Moderate |
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Sleep : Little |
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Dreams : Frightening, Violent |
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Hunger/ Thirst : Strong |
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Movement : Moderate |
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Sweat : Profuse |
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Sex : Average |
Characteristics of Kapha Type (Phlegm Dominant)
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Powerful, firm, big bones, often, overweight |
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Smooth, luxuriant, greasy dark hair |
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Head, chest, hand and legs, joints, nose, eyes, lips etc. are large, humid and firm |
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Intrinsic disposition: Friendly, calm, dependable, grateful, well behaved, resolute, honest, joyful etc. |
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Dreams: Often of swimming, beautiful panoramas |
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Diseases: Strong resistance, Inclined to all diseases of breathing organs and lymphatic system, diseases of joints etc. |
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Favorite Foods: Hot, spicy, bitter, astringent |
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Sleep: Deep |
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Hunger/ Thirst: Low, stable |
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Speech: Slow but steady |
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Can bear heat and cold |
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Movement: Slow but firm |
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Sweat: Medium |
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Bowels: Normal |
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Sex: Very intense |
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Health: Strong, High life expectancy |
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Thick skin |
Prakruties of single predominant Doshas and Thridosha predominant (Vatha, Pitha and Kapha) occur rarely. Usually combinations of two Doshas are seen.
Characteristics of Vatha Type (Wind Dominant)
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Ayurveda
