Author: Annette Vartanian. ©

Ayurveda: The Fundamental Principles

The practice of complementary and alternative medicine has been around for many centuries and is practiced worldwide. Some traditional alternative forms of medicine are practiced alongside conventional medicine in the United States and in many parts of the world. For example, acupuncture, homeopathy, massage, yoga, chiropractic, and osteopathic medicine are some of the more accepted forms of therapy in the West. According to Banyan Botanicals, Ayurveda is an alternative form of medicine heavily practiced in the Indian subcontinent. Ayurveda is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Ayuh” meaning life and longevity and “veda” meaning science. Simply put, Ayurveda translates to the “science of life”. Ayurvedic Medicine is an ancient form of highly sophisticated and holistic integrative science and medicine which promotes personalized health and longevity. This practice dates back to over 5000 years ago and was practiced until Indian political struggles, more notably the invasions of England Empire. The practice of Ayurveda and all of its vedic texts had struggled to stay relevant during these invasions. It wasn’t until 1947, after India gained its independence, that Ayurveda resurfaced and became a mainstream healing modality in India (Banyan Botanicals). 

The great seers of Ayurveda had insights regarding the science of Ayurveda, which is deeply rooted and connected to the laws of nature. One of their insights was that one’s health can be achieved through enlivening one’s inner intelligence, which is limitless both in our mind and body. Maharishi Maheshi Yogi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation, took it upon himself to apply this holistic perspective to Ayurveda. He founded the Maharishi Ayurveda in early 1980 with the help of the most prominent and skilled Vaidyas, or doctors, of Ayurveda, revitalizing the authenticity of the core aspects of Ayurveda. For example, one of the very sophisticated revitalized skills is Nadi Vigyan, the diagnosis of pulse. Through this skill, a Vaidya or an experienced practitioner could discern the medical history and imbalances of a person and correct them prior to the manifestation of a disease (Hagelin 23). By promoting this practical Ayurvedic knowledge, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi demonstrated how to enliven the inner intelligence and how to bring more harmony to the body and the mind in natural ways (Maharishi Ayurveda).

In order to understand the application of Ayurvedic Medicine, it is essential to know the primary focus of this alternative healing method. From the standpoint of Vedic wisdom, there are five fundamental elements of Akasha, Vayu, Tejas, Apas, Prithivi; Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth (Hagelin 16,17). These five elements are fundamental to three superfields or entities called Vata, Kapha, and Pitta Doshas in Vedic science.

Each of these doshas relate to bodily functions differently. For example, if someone experiences irregular appetite and digestion, constipation, or feels cold and has a slim build, they are likely to have a predominant Vata Dosha.  In contrast, people with a moderate build experiencing sharper digestion, irritability, and cannot skip meals without extreme discomfort are likely to have a predominant Pitta Dosha. Those experiencing slower digestion, mild hunger, with soft and oily skin and a heavier build are likely to have a Kapha predominant Dosha (Rothenberg 144, 145, 146; Gupta 202).

Each Dosha has governing fundamental elements.  In the Vata Dosha, the governing elements are Akash and Vayu. In the Pitta Dosha, they are Tejas and Apa. Finally in the Kapha Dosha, the elements are Apa and Prithivi (Hagelin 20).

These elements in each dosha are related to our senses and sense organs. Akasha is related to sound (shabda) and the ears, Vayu is related to touch (sparsha) and the skin, Tejas is related to vision (rupa) and the eyes, Apas is related to taste (rasa) and the tongue, and Prithivi is related to smell (gandha) and the nose (Morehead 99). All of these elements are functioning in certain regions of the body under their respective Doshas. Moreover, each Dosha has its region, responsibility and function in the physiology. The Vata Dosha’s responsibility is transportation, movement, and communication through the channels or Srotas of the body. The Pitta Dosha’s responsibility is the metabolism, digestion, and transportation through the digestive system or the Agni. Finally, the Kapha Dosha’s responsibility is structure, cohesion, and lubrication throughout the different tissues, or Dhatues. Therefore, the Vata Dosha governs the chest area, the Pitta Dosha governs the small intestine, and the Kapha governs the colon (Morehead 104-105). 

These fundamental elements make up what is known as the “Unified Field” of our universe, forming connections between all matter and energy. These elements exist in a very deep molecular level of the body, making Ayurvedic medicine more sophisticated and holistic. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi revitalized this very fundamental level of Ayurveda, which does not just start from the three Doshas, but from the deep levels of Unified Field. Currently, quantum physicists are studying the more fundamental levels of life, which are connected to the Unified Field. In earlier civilisations, the practice of modern medicine was limited to macro-level bodily treatments. As modern medicine evolved, the usage of chemical-based treatments and prescription drugs increased. It is noteworthy to say that even though modern medicine is very powerful, the list of side effects of many of these chemicals and drugs are longer than their list of benefits. These side effects could easily disrupt the natural healing abilities and chemical balance of the body (Hagelin 21,22,24). For example, taking antibiotics can affect the gut bacteria and result in diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. 

As we all know, our health is impacted by several factors like food, emotions, environment, work, and exercise. Experiencing imbalance is thereby inevitable. Indigestion is the number one cause of imbalance in our physiology. This is defined as Ama in Ayurveda, or the undigested food particles or toxins. In Ayurveda, it is very important to address one’s Ama as it directly affects the entire physiology of the body. Proper digestion of food allows essential nutrients to reach different bodily Dhatus, or tissues, whereas improper digestion causes imbalance in the distribution of these nutrients. Ama could be the result of both physical and emotional imbalance. Some of the physical causes of Ama are eating heavy, dry, cold, or contaminated food. The emotional causes of Ama are anger, grief, worry, and agitation. When Ama manifests in the body, one can feel heavy, tired, loose enthusiasm, appetite and strength. Hence the primary goal of Ayurveda is to remove Ama before addressing any other imbalance in the physiology (Gyawali 238, 239).

There is yet another essential principle in Maharishi Ayurveda preventative therapy and that is strengthening the Ojas. Ojas in Sanskrit can be translated to the vitality, vigor, or energy of the body, which governs our strength, immunity, and ultimately, our happiness.  In Ancient Ayurvedic texts, it is described as a white or near-yellow nectar that dwells in the heart as well as in the body and is the byproduct of digestion. When our ojas are weak, our energy level, health, and spirit are in decline.  Maintaining the ojas is very essential in preventing diseases. Following an Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle is known to enhance immunity and increase the existence of our ojas (Gyawali 262, 263, 265). There are many nutrient dense foods recommended by the Ayurvedic diet which are suitable for each dosha. Ayurveda also favors some Rasayanas, or replenishing and nourishing herbs and concoctions, which are used to promote longevity, physical, and mental health and prevent aging. One example is Amrit Kalash, an Ayurvedic formula of multiple herbs that has a nourishing effect on the mind, body, and nervous system, and is equally beneficial for all three doshas of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha (Schneider 135).

The general approach to therapy and preventative methods in Maharishi Ayurveda is based on very simple practices and following an anti-aging diet suitable to one’s predominant Prakriti, which is “ this unique mind/body constitution an individual possesses based upon which affinity towards basic elements, panchamahabhutas” (Gyawali 184). Ideally, one’s diet should consist of freshly prepared organic and non-GMO fruits, vegetables, and high-protein grains with less animal products, caffeine, and alcohol. Daily routine and following Ayurvedic lifestyle is also strongly recommended.   One of the recommended forms of meditation, which is very powerful and therapeutic yet very simple, is Transcendental Meditation. This form of meditation is rooted in science and is widely used as a stress-management tool for all age groups and cultures worldwide.  It has many proven clinical health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure, stress, and improving cardiovascular health. If practiced twice daily for a period of 20 minutes, it enlivens the inner intelligence of the body and helps balance the three Doshas. Finally, one has to manage the mental and physical states of their environment, from home to workplace, to optimize one’s health (Schneider 136,137), (Morehead 288-293).

In conclusion, Ayurveda, and especially Maharishi Ayurveda, is considered to be an alternative holestic healing modality that reflects an individual’s physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and environmental health and wellbeing. 

Works Cited

Hagelin, J. et al. Basic Principles of Maharishi Ayurveda I. Fall 2022 Textbook. 

https://indd.adobe.com/view/publication/3727d83a-50ff-4554-be44-f6c53c521cc5/vxc4/publication-web-resources/pdf/MS_MAVIM_PH500_Fall_2022_Textbook_10-28-2022.pdf. Accessed 16-30 Dec. 2022. 

“A Very Brief History of Maharishi Ayurveda” Maharishi Ayurveda.

https://www.maharishi.co.uk/maharishi-ayurveda-history. Accessed 26 Dec. 2022. 

“Ayurveda: A Brief History” Banyan Botanicals. 2021.

https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/learning-ayurveda/intro-to-ayurveda/?gclid=CjwKCAiAzKqdBhAnEiwAePEjkoA_SC-i6LuU_W4JsfbaafgNQmXaczJbBWQ3uUo5HUcm_KYow00zHRoCg1sQAvD_BwE. Accessed 19 Dec. 2022.