AYURVEDA
Basic Principles & their
practical application
Prof. Dr. ABHIMANYU KUMAR
M Sc (Psy) MD (Ayurveda), DCA, D.Yoga, PhD (Ayurveda)
DIRECTOR
ALL INDIA INSTITUTE OF AYURVEDA
New Delhi (India)
&
Director General
CENTRAL COUNCIL FOR RESEARCH IN AYURVEDIC SCIENCES
e mail : ak_ayu@yahoo.co.in
Problems of Modern Life-Style

STRESS- Physical, mental, emotional.

HEALTH PROBLEMS- Physical, mental and
emotional diseases (including psychosomatic
disorders).

DISTURBD FAMILY RELATIONS.

VIOLENCE & CRUELTY.

CORRUPTION/ DISHONESTY/ IMMORALITY.

DRUG ADDICTION.

NEGLECT OF LAW & ORDER AND ETHICAL, MORAL
AND SOCIAL DISCIPLINE.
AYURVEDA LIFE-STYLE
IS ABLE TO OFFER BEST SOLUTION OF
THE PROBLEM
APPROACH OF AYURVEDA
*PHILOSOPHICAL * HOLISTIC
*HUMANISTIC
AYURVEDA
More Life and Health oriented
than Disease and Treatment
Human body is inherently endowed with an unique
power of
SELF DEFENCE
SPONTANEOUS HEALING
(against injury and disease)
Role of Medicine
To assist the Nature
Dharma(Religion)
Four Goals
Of
Human
behavior
Artha (Wealth)
Kama (Pleasure)
Moksha( Salvation)
LOKA (Cosmos)
PURUSHA
(Individual)
Constant interaction
To
Maintain
Homeostasis
Ayurvedic Theory of Life (Ayu)
SHARIRA
(Physical Body)
ATMA
(Conscious element)
LIFE
(Ayu)
SATTVA
(Psyche)
INDRIYA
(Senses)
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
Ayurveda and Modern Medicine
AYURVEDA
Modern Medicine
# Experiential Science.
# Experimental Science.
# Holistic or Totalistic.
# Analytical approach.
# Functional oriented
science.
# Structure or organ
oriented.
AYURVEDA’S APPROACH OF
LIFE STYLE MANAGEMENT
IS PRAKRITI (Ayurveda Body & Mind
constitution) BASED
WHY TWO PERSONS
ARE NOT SAME ?
PHYSICALLY & MENTALLY
YES,
IT IS DUE TO THE UNIQUE
COMPOSITION OF PRAKRITI
(CONSTUTUTION) IN EVERY
INDIVIDUAL
PRAKRITI
(Ayurvedic Body-Mind Type)
Determine the total Personality
(Physique, Physiology & Psyche)
Prakriti
(Ayurvedic Body-Mind Type)
Understanding of human life.

Health status.

Disease susceptibility.
Preventive & promotive health care.

Treatment.


PANCHMAHABHUTAS
(Five basic elements)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
AKASHA ( Ether / space)
VAYU (Air / motion )
TEJA ( Fire / radiant energy )
JALA (water / cohesive factor )
PRITHVI ( Earth / mass )
The Theory of Tri-dosha
Panchamahabhuta
AKASHA
Biological applications of
Panchamahabhuta
VATA
VAYU
(Motional energy)
TEJA
PITTA
JALA
PRITHVI
(Chemical activities)
KKAPHA
(Solid substratum)
WHAT IS PRAKRITI ?
Panchamahabhuta
DOSHAS
Genetically
determined
relative
proportion of
DOSHAS
within the
normal range.
PRAKRITI
PHYSICAL
(SHARIRIKA)
MENTAL
(MANASIKA)
PHYSICAL CONSTITUTION
DEPENDING UPON THE RELATIVE
PREPONDERANCE OF THE THREE DOSHAS
PHYSICAL CONSTITUTION IS OF
SEVEN TYPES
PERSONALITY TRAIT
VATA PRAKRITI
VERY SENSITIVE AND REACT QUICKLY TO
CHANGES IN THEIR ENVIRONMENT.
EXCEPTIONALLY CHANGEABLE LIFE
STYLE.
SOMETIMES DEMAND COMPANIONSHIP
BUT OTHER TIMES DEMANDS SOLITUDE.
LOVE TO TRAVEL FOR FUN.
FIND DIFFICULT TO CONCENTRATE ON
ONE THING
RECOGNISE THE NEED OF SELF
DEVELOPMENT BUT ARE RARELY
CONSISTENT WITH ANY ONE PROGRAMME
PERSONALITY TRAIT
PITTA PRAKRITI
COURAGEOUS
*
PRACTICAL IN LIFE.
*
BELIEVE IN FAIR PLAY
*
MAKE FRIENDS EASILY CONSIDERING THEIR UTILITY.
*
DEDICATED TO THEIR OWN SELF-DEVELOPMENT.
*
Pitta Prakriti
WELL ORGANISED LIFE STYLE.
GOOD IN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT.
ENJOY THE COLD WINTER AND
DISLIKE THE SUMMER.
FOND OF SLEEPING
PREFER TO TAKE SWEETS.
PERSONALITY TRAIT
KAPHA PRAKRITI

USUALLY SLOW AND NEVER IN HURRY TO GET ANYWHERE.

NEVER TAKE RAPID FIRE DECISION.

LAISSIEZ-FAIR ABOUT EVERY THING IN LIFE.

VERY LOYAL FRIENDS.

GOOD LISTENER.

HAVE ATTACHMENT, POSSESSIVENESS & GREED.

PREFER WARMTH.
MANASIKA PRAKRITI
(Mental constitution)
IS A RESULT OF THE ACTIVITY
OF THE THREE GUNAS AT THE
TIME OF CONCEPTION.
Three Gunas
 SATVA
GUNA.
 RAJAS GUNA.
 TAMAS GUNA.
Manasika Prakriti
(Mental constitution)
Classified into 16 sub-types.
SATVA
MAKES THE PERSON:





PURE.
CLEAN IN THOUGHTS.
COURTEOUS TO ELDERS.
BALANCED MIND.
ATTACHED TO KNOWLEDGE.
RAJAS
MAKES THE PERSON:





EXTROVERT.
ADMIRER OF GOOD FOOD, STRONG
PERFUMES.
GENEROUS TO SUBORDINATES.
RESULT ORIENTED.
FAST ACTING.
TAMAS
MAKES THE PERSON:





INERT.
RELUCTANT.
PERVERTING.
UNTIDY.
MALICIOUS.
Relation of Doshas and three mental types
(gunas)

A. VATA MENTAL CHARACTERS
i. Sattvika- Energetic, positive mental energy,
adaptive, flexible, strong sense of humanity, quick
in comprehension and good in communication.

ii.Rajasika- Restless, agitated, indecisive,
unreliable, anxious, nervous, hyperactive,
disturbed.

iii.Tamasic- Depressed, fearful, dishonest, self
destructive, tendency to sexual perversions,
mentally disturbed, prone to drug addiction
B. PITTA MENTAL CHARACTERS

i. Sattvika- Clear, perceptive, intelligent,
discriminating, courageous, warm, friendly,
leadership abilities,

ii. Rajasika- Ambitious, critical, dominating,
aggressive, impulsive, manipulating, angry,
proud

iii.Tamasic- Destructive, criminal, involved in
illegal activities.
B. KAPHA MENTAL CHARACTERS

i. Sattvika- Peaceful, calm, stable, loving,
supportive, nurturing, devoted, loyal.

ii. Rajasika- Materialistic , attached, greedy,
requires comfort and luxury, sentimental.

iii. Tamasic- Lethargic, dull, thief, insensitive,
apathetic.
Sharir
a(Body
)
D
I
E
T
S
L
E
E
P
R
E
G
U
L
A
T
E
D
S
E
X
PRESENT TREND OF
LIFE STYLE
EATING
Rapid and Mechanical act
Vata Consttution
Appetite & Digestion
ALWAYS ANXIOUS TO EAT.
USUALLY EAT LESS THAN THEY WANT.
APPETITE IS VARIABLE.
CONSTIPATION.
EXPERIENCE VARIATIONS IN BOWEL HABIT.
Pitta Constitution
APPETITE & DIGESTION
GOOD APPETITE & ENJOY EATING.
ALWAYS READY TO EAT.
RARELY CONSTIPATED.
STOOLS YELLOWISH & WELLFORMED
SOMETIMES LOOSE
SOMETIMES STOMACH BECOMES VERY
SENSITIVE. (EVEN MILK, FIGS & DATES.)
Kapha Constitution
APPETITE & DIGESTION

MODERATE DESIRE FOR
FOOD.

PRONE TO EMOTIONAL
EATING.

LIKE TO TAKE LIGHT
BREAKFAST.

DIGESTION IS FAIR.

BOWEL HABIT IS REGULAR.

IF CONSTIPATED, THEN
RESPOND WITH MEDIUM
STRENGHTH LAXATIVE.
RASAS( TASTE) OF FOOD
LIKE OUR BODY, FOOD
IS ALSO MADE UP OF
FIVE ELEMENTS
(PANCHA MAHABHUTA).


RIGHT BALANCE OF 5
ELEMENTS IN FOOD
MAKE BALANCE OF
DOSHAS IN OUR BODY.
GOOD HEALTH &
LONGEVITY
Basic Functions of different Tastes

Madhura(sweet):
Provides a sense of satisfaction.

Amla(sour):
Provides Refreshing Sense.

Lavana (Salt):
In Small Amount Increases Digestive Capacity.

Katu (Pungent):
Hottest Of All The Tastes.

Tikta (Bitter):
Coldest & Lightest Among All.

Kashaya (Astringent): May Slow Down The Digestion.
Consideration of Ayurvedic
Dietetics

Nature (Prakriti) of the Consumer.

Taste of food articles.

Doshika status of food articles.

Method of preparation.

Combination of food articles.

Emotional effect.

Environmental considerations.

Time.
Quantity.

NIDRA (Sleep)
Recurring natural function of the body
Sleep provides:
•
Healthy body
•
Strength
•
Virility
•
Sharpened Senses
•
Long Life
NIDRA (Sleep)
Untimely & inadequate Sleep
•
Fatigue
•
Weakness
•
Sterility
•
Numbed Senses
•
Other illnesses
How much sleep do you need ?

Vata constitution:
6-7 hours.

Pitta constitution:
7-8 hours.

Kapha constitution:
8-9 hours.
Disturbance in Normal Sleep pattern
Day
Night
Sleep
Awaken
Kapha
Vata
Body more
unctuous
Dryness in
body
SEX DRIVE
Vata Constitution
THINK A LOT ABOUT SEX.
SEX DESIRE CHANGES FREQUENTLY.
FIND FANTASIES MORE SATISFYING.
THAN PHYSICAL ACT.
FERTILITY IS LOWER THAN AVERAGE.
Pitta Constitution
AMPLE SEXUAL DESIRE.
ABLE TO BALANCE THE DESIRE & IT’S
FULFILLMENT.
DELAYED SEXUAL GRATIFICATION PUT THEM
TO ANGER.
AVERAGE IN FERTILITY.
Kapha Constitution

STEADY DESIRE.

AROUSAL IS
SLOW,BUT ONCE
AROUSED REMAIN
FOR LONG TIME.

FERTILLITY IS
EXCELLENT.
Regulated sexual activities

Too much sexual acts aggravate Vata.

Vata-person should have less sex.

Pitta-person should have moderate sex.

Kapha-person could tolerate more sex.

Un-satisfying sex and sex with different
partner destroyes ojas (vital force).
LIVE IN TUNE WITH NATURE
Follow the rules of Nature
according to your
Prakriti ( Body mind Type) and
observe
DAILY & SEASONAL REGIMEN
SEASONS

VATA SEASON:
Fall and Winter.
(Cold, windy, dry & light)

KAPHA SEASON: Spring.
(Wet and cool)

PITTA SEASON: Summer.
( Hot, sometimes humid)
Fall and Winter Season

Tends to provoke Vata.

If not regulated, causes anxiety, insomnia, constipation, high
B.P., dry skin.

Balanced Vata-(Positive vata qualities)- Enthusiasm, energy,
creativity.

Maintain a regular schedule.

Massage with warm oil.

Don’t miss any meal.

Take warm food and drinks.
Spring season

Tends to provoke Kapha..

If not regulated, causes heaviness and dullness. Tendency of
depression. Respiratory problems.

Balanced Kapha-(Positive Kapha qualities)- happiness, strength,
good immunity, romance.

Enjoy hot food.

Good amount of exercise.

Cut down sugar consumption.

Deep and vigorous massage.
Summer season

Tends to provoke Pitta.

If not regulated, causes inflammatory conditions, fever,
hyperacidity, anger.

Balanced Pitta-(Positive Pitta qualities)- Good energy, vitality,
strength, clarity of mind.

Enjoy to drink cold water

Massage with cool oil.

Avoid spicy food.

Enjoy sweets.
BALANCE YOUR VATA

Enjoy rich & nourishing food rich with sweet, salty and sour
taste. Use spices in moderation.

Do gentle exercise, relaxation (meditation). Avoid too much
physical / mental exertion.

Massage with warm oil-sesame, almond.

Listen calm, classical music.

Bright calming colors & their combinations- gold, blue, green,
orange, white helps to keep vata in balance form.

Use sweet, warm and calming fragrances (Jasmine, rose,
sandalwood, eucalyptus).

Cultivate peace, fearlessness. Take support of family and
friends.
BALANCE YOUR PITTA

Enjoy food which is neither too heavy nor too light. It should
be rich with sweet, bitter and astringent taste. Use cooling
spices ( Turmeric, coriander, fennel )

Do moderate exercise, relaxation (meditation).

Massage with cool oils- coconut, sunflower.

Listen cool and soft music.

Cool colors & their combinations- white, blue, green help to
keep Pitta in balance form.

Use sweet and cool fragrances (Sandalwood, Jasmine, Rose)

Cultivate friendship, courtesy, forgiveness. Release anger,
resentment. Listen other people’s point of view.
BALANCE YOUR KAPHA

Enjoy light diet. It should be rich with pungent, bitter and
astringent taste. Use spices liberally.

Do vigorous exercise. Strong aerobics and jogging.

Massage ( strong & deep) with stimulating oils- mustard.

Listen strong and energizing music. Enjoy singing.

Bright and stimulating colors & their combinations.

Use light and warm fragrances (Musk, Cedar, Myrrh,
Eucalyptus)

Cultivate detachment, serve to others, unconditional love.
AYURVEDA
TIMELESS AND UNBOUNDED
Ayurveda approach
for
Life Style Management
will be able to accept the challenges met with an
individual as well as Social Life, National or
International affairs.
Thanks