Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda - Ayurvedic Medicine - Dr. Erika Helene, Bad Neuenahr, Germany

Fundamental Principles of Ayurvedic Medicine:

According to the Vedic tradition nature is not just based on material objects, the most fundamental aspect of nature is rather subjective – it is based on abstract intelligence or consciousness. This intelligence is underlying everything in the universe. Whatever we see in the world is, in reality, waves or fluctuations of this non-material field of pure abstract intelligence. This intelligence can be referred to as the laws of nature that have the perfect blueprint for a perfect manifestation of anything in creation, the plants, animals as well as human beings. The difference between the plants, animal and human beings is that human beings actually can contact, by direct experience, this pure field of intelligence. And by contacting this field it improves the level of health from within.

In the medical field, the concept of consciousness is not often considered at all because it is seen as an epi-phenomena of brain functioning. Consciousness is usually identified with different faculties of the mind, such as sensory perception, thinking, emotions etc.. Most theories of consciousness attempt to explain consciousness in terms of basic brain processes, relating particular conscious experiences to particular patterns of neural activity. Modern science believes that consciousness is a subjective phenomenon, i.e. studied by the field of psychology, with little relevance to health.

In stark contrast, Ayurvedic Medicine identifies a deeper or more expanded value of consciousness reflecting the level of intelligence of the individual. All action, speech and behavior are based on the liveliness of one’s intelligence or consciousness. Our thoughts are the expression of the quality of our consciousness or intelligence. If we are under mental or physical stress or have improper nutrition, etc., then our consciousness is not as lively as it could be. This naturally leads to inappropriate thoughts that result in unhealthy lifestyle choices and ultimately in chronic diseases. If consciousness is at the basis of all action and behavior, then treatment of chronic diseases should focus on the level of consciousness to turn unhealthy actions into healthy actions supporting proper mental and physical functions.

The inner intelligence of the body gives rise to all physiological structures and functions. Whenever the expression of intelligence is blocked imbalances and diseases can develop within the mind and body. Our choice of action can affect the expression of the body’s inner intelligence. For instance, whenever we overeat, we overload the digestive system and if this action happens frequently the digestive system will reduce its ability to function normally. When the stomach is too full the food cannot be broken down properly and will not be well absorbed. This results in the inability to extract the nutrients from the food and increases the formation of digestive waste products. Thus, the products of digestion do not support healthy function of mind and body.

Changes on the level of intelligence or consciousness will affect the whole field of health including emotion, thought and action. How do we detect, quantify and qualify the level of health within the individual?

The Doshas

According to Ayurvedic science there are three fundamental principles in nature that create the structure and function of all physical expressions including the human body. Those three Doshas are called VATA, PITTA and KAPHA.

VATA is the principle responsible for all movements and transportations in the physiology, such as breathing, circulation, elimination, secretions, motor skills and sensory functions.

PITTA is the principle responsible for digestion, metabolism, chemical transformations, energy production and heat in the body.

KAPHA is the principle responsible for the structure of the body, lubrication and cohesion, fluid balance, and the buildup of the gross structure such as tissues, fat and muscles.

An imbalance in those fundamental principles of VATA, PITTA and KAPHA is directly related to an imbalance in the body’s inner intelligence responsible for proper functioning of the body. In Ayurvedic Medicine we diagnose and treat imbalances that are present in Vata, Pitta or Kapha. Treating the three doshas is equivalent to enlivening the inherent healing ability or self-repair processes within the body’s inner intelligence. A diagnosis from Ayurvedic Medicine is not so much a diagnosis of a disease, but rather an assessment of the disease process by evaluating the state of balance of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. All treatment modalities in Ayurvedic Medicine have the goal to re-enliven the inherent awareness and healing ability of the body.