Dosha test
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Read the
topics in the left-hand column, and then circle the choice that best describes
you from the right-hand columns.
If
you feel that you have characteristics from more than one section, feel
free to circle both. base your answers according to your total
life experiences, and not just how you feel these past few weeks,
months or year. Then add up each column and mark the total number
of qualities you have ascribed to under each of the three
sections.
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The knowledge consists of three
aspects known as the Tri-Sutras of ayurveda, which are - etiology or the science
of the causes of disease, symptomatology or the study and interpretation of
symptoms and medication and herbal remedies.
Vyaadhi, or disease in Ayurveda is
due to an imbalance of three fundamental elements of the body.
These are Vata, Pitta and Kapha
The entire universe is made up of
Panchmahabhootas, or great "elements". (Which are not material in the usual
sense of the term, and are types of energy.) For identifying them they are
called
Akaasa ( space)
Vaayu ( air )
Agni (fire )
Ap ( water )
Prithvi( earth )
Panchmahabhootas are omnipresent;
they are mixed in an infinite variety of relative proportions such that each
form of matter is distinctly unique. Although each element has a range of
attributes, only some get evident in particular situations. Constantly changing
and interacting with each other, they create a situation of dynamic flux that
keeps the world going.
Just as in nature, we too have
these five elements in us. When any of these elements are present in the
environment, they will in turn have an influence on us. While we are a composite
of these five primary elements, certain elements are seen to have an ability to
combine to create various physiological functions.
Within a simple, single living cell
for example the earth element predominates by giving structure to the cell. The
water element is present in the cytoplasm or the liquid within the cell
membrane. The fire element regulates the metabolic processes regulating the
cell. While the air element dominates the gases therein. The space occupied by
the cell denoting the last of the elements.
The Panchmahabhootas therefore
serve as the foundation of all diagnosis & treatment modalities in Ayurveda and
has served as a most valuable theory for physicians to detect and treat illness
of the body and mind successfully.
VAATA: Human bodies are
mainly made of Akasa, Vaayu with a little of Agni, Ap and Prithvi. Vaata is what
allows one to interact with the environment. Briefly, vaata tramsmits sense
impresions to the mind and responses to various parts of the body and maintains
the integrity of the
body and proper functioning of its
various constituent elements. The sensory organs of touch and sound depend on
vaata the Dhaatus and Malas (tissue material and waste matter) are transported
by vaata. It stimulates Agni and produces joy. It forms the embryo in the womb
into particular shapes It is the evidence of life .
PITTA: Is the primary
constituent of the living body whose structure is Agni ( "luminous light"). Its
function is balancing and transformative. Its functions in particular are --
vision, digestion, production of heat, Hunger, thirst, softness and suppleness
of body, lustre, cheerfullness and intelligence.
KAPHA: Is one of the primary
constituents of body, having "water" and "earth" as elements. Function of Kapha
is conserving and stabilising. Kapha is what is responsible for growth, adding
structure unit by unit. Another function of the Kapha dosha is to offer
protection. Cerebral-spinal fluid protects the brain and spinal column and is a
type of Kapha found in the body. Also, the mucousal lining of the stomach is
another example of the Kapha dosha protecting the tissues. It organises the
tissues (into their microscopic and macroscopic form).
We are all made up of unique
proportions of Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Why know your
dosha?
To know the doshas means to understand you.
Knowledge of your main dosha type can give you vital clues on what to eat and
how to live to stay healthy and happy. The science of the doshas honours your
individuality, it will help you support your true nature, better understand your
children, and partners and reveal simple lifestyle measures that can keep you
and your family running harmoniously.
Ayurveda gives you the power to
understand these interactions and keep yourself feeling balanced, healthy and
calm.
The
Self-test, and all materials contained in this website are for
educational purposes only; it is not intended to treat, diagnose
or prescribe. Contact a duly licensed health care professional for
medical concerns. |
