The main textbooks of Ayurveda, the Charaka Samhita, describes how in ancient times the Vedic Rishis or sages became concerned that mankind was suffering from many illnesses. The technique Rishis used to discover Ayurveda does not have any links with the modern scientific age.
The whole science of Ayurveda is based on the five great elements that Ayurveda termed as panchmahabhuta theory. These five elements are earth, water, fire, air and space. These elements constitute our universe. These elements change and interact constantly with each other and create a situation of dynamic flux that keeps the world going.
Ayurveda recognizes three main energies that combine to form all the five elements in the universe. These basic energies are vitta, pitta and kapha. These energies are seen in the processes of growth, maintenance and decay. Their actions are named anabolism, metabolism and catabolism.
Pitta is composed of fire and water. Kapha comprises water and earth. Vatta is composed of air and space.
There are four other elements that Ayurveda considers-
- Dhatus - maintains and nourishes the body
- Mala – waste products due to the metabolic process of the body
- Srota – transports the food
- Agni – responsible for various metabolic activities
(published with permission in writing from:http://www.ayurvediccure.co.uk)
