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In
order to appreciate the pharmaceutical preparations
of Ayurveda, it is necessary to have a glance
into the physiological and pharmacological basis
of Ayurveda.
Physiological Basis
In
order to appreciate the pharmaceutical preparations
of Ayurveda, it is necessary to have a glance
into the physiological and pharmacological basis
of Ayurveda. Ayurveda visualizes the whole of
the human structure and function as a single unit.
This unit represents the rest of the universe
in itself. As per this concept, the human body
is composed of 24 elements termed as Chaturvemsati
tatwas. The three functional forces known as "Tridoshas",
the seven structural elements termed as "Sapatadhatus",
the three types of excreta known as "Thrimalas",
the five sensory organs known as "Panchagyanendriyas"
and five motor organs known as Panchakarmendriyas,
the intelect, termed as buddhi in association
with consciousness termed as Atma form the quantum
mechanical body. Each of these constitutuent represent
the rest of universe in itself. Of all these 24
elements, Ayurveda deals to strech, about the
three functional force known as Tridoshas.
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Vata
: The somatic initiating force is concerned
with control of mental and physiological
processes involving transmission or motility.
For example, the functions of respiration,
circulation, excretion, conduction of
impulses. From Biochemistry piont of view,
functions of Vata are identified to those
of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine.
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Pitta
:is concerned with all physiological
functions where thermogenesis is required.
Functions such as digestion, assimilation,
metabolism, mental phenomena such as
intellectual conception, comprehension
etc. Moderne physiology would include
the functions of Pitta to those of Catecholamines
and activities of many enzymes produced
both at systemic and cellular levels
and endocrine secretions.
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Kapha
:The functions of Kapha include the
maintenance of structural integrity
by means of adhesion, stability, immunity
and conservation of energy. Functions
of specific membranous secretions (e.g.
Synovial fluid, pericardial fluid and
Plural fluid), immunoglobulins and histamine
are comparable to the activities of
Kapha.
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A summary of the various functions of tridoshas
can be seen in Tridoshic Functions
Under normal conditions
thridoshas remain in their equilibrium and
regulate different physiological functions,
to form the functional basis of health.
When body is subjectd to extrinsic and intrinsic
factors, these functional forces undergo
morbid changes to manifest in the onset
and progression of diasease. The word Dosha
implies to that "which can be vitiated".
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