Understanding the Tridosha

Siddantha of Ayurveda
By
Dr Jayagovinda Ukkinadka
 Body Physiology
Ayurveda is the first known medical
science which developed as evidence
based medical science in the present
era. Ayurveda put forth the Trodosha
siddantha to explain the body
physiology.
 Universe & Body/ Big & Small
Our ancients keenly observed the
universe and tried to apply the same in
our body. Our saints strongly believed
that whatever process happens in the
universe also happens in the body,
whatever causes destruction in universe,
the same factors in subtle form causes
destruction in the body and there is an
intimate relation between body and
universe.
 Mantra Chikitsa
During and before 500-300 BC most of the
people were following Manthra Chikitsa or
the magic medicines as the main
treatment methods. Many scientists of
that period were against such Manthra
chikitsa and started to evolve a new
evidence based medical science and with
the help of Vedas they tried to understand
the physiological aspects of Universe and
started to apply the same to human body.
 Mantra chikitsa is a quackery for
somatic diseases
Ayurveda nowhere agrees Manthra
chikitsa or Magic remedy for diseases
related with body and called such
vaidyas as kuvaidyas or quacks.
 Ayurveda- A most ancient modern
science
Ayurveda strongly suggests to study the
human anatomy, physiology (Tridosha
siddanta and related subject in Ayurveda) of
human body and to understand diseases,
cause, patho physiology, prodromal
symptoms, clinical symptoms, treatment
principles, treatments, prognosis of the
disease and diet and regimen and also
pharmacology in detail. One who practices
without the theoretical and practical
knowledge of all these are called as quacks.
 But the general public just Belive
Ayurveda similar to spiritual belief
But the general public believe that
Ayuveda is a just shastra like other
spiritual shastras, which treats many
patients on the basis of just belief,
which is really a wrong belief among
the public.
Function of Vata in Universe-In
normal state
Function of Vata in Universe-In
abnormal state
 Then what is Vata in Universe
Points to be noted are
Dharaneem Dharanam- Holds earth in its orbit
Aditya chandra Nakshathra grahaganaanam
santhana gatividhanam- Regulates the
movement of Sun, Stars, Moon, Planet etc in
the space
In earth Vata is the cause for formation of
clouds, rain, producing flowers and fruits,
demarcation of season, division of dhathus,
giving weight and shape to the dhathus.
Then what is Vata in Universe
Strengthening of seeds, growth of
plants, normal transformation
(avaikarika vikaraschethi)
The Vikara of Vata in Universe produces
bhavanaam cha abhaavakaranam,
chaturyugaanthakaraanaam, megha
sooryanilaanaam visargaha.
In earth produces all natural calamities
and death of creatures.
 Vata is Electromagnetic Power-
How?
In Universe the core of the Universe holds
all galaxies in its orbit. The galaxies holds
the Stars within them in its orbit. The stars
hold their planet, and planet holds their
satellites in their orbit. The force which
holds all these is the power of Central core
by means of Electro magnetic power. The
present science believe that all these
happened at the time of BIGBANG.
Even in Vedas we can see the similar
explanation, but with better interpretation.
Universe with Galaxies
Paramatma-CORE-GALXIES-STARS-PLANETS-SATALITES
Milky way- Our galaxy
We can feel the Vata of Earth by the
Gravity
Yes Earth has the Gravity just
because of Vata, explained as
Dhathumana samshtana Vyakthihi.
Deviation of earth by 23 degree is
also influenced by the same
gravitational or electromagnetic
power, which is the cause for
different season etc as explained in
the function of Vata.
What is Vata in Body
 Function of Vata in Body
Vayusthathra yantradharaha- holds the
whole body- organs and systems.
Initiates and controls all sensory and
motor functions.
Gives a form and shape to dhatus and
body.
Controls AGNI, Absorbs Doshas, cause
for excretion of wastes malas.
Makes minute and gross vessels, shapes
the foetus and maintain life span
Abnormality in Vata leads to
Causes various disorders and thereby
affects strength, destroys, deforms or
detains embryo for long.
Produces fear grief, confusion,
anxiety and delerium etc.
Can also lead in to death of an
individual.
Prana Vayu
Prana Vayu- Parasympathetic action
of Vagal wing + PNS motor functions
Which regulates respiration a
Autonomic function.
Swallowing, belching etc which is
related with PNS- motor functions
related with cranial nerves.
Udana Vayu
Udana Vayu- Cranial N Motor Function
of PNS & also Higher functions
Vakpravrithi- Function related with 9th
11th and 12th cranial Nerve.
Samana Vayu
 Samana Vayu- Enteric N System or
Second brain + Parasympathetic NS
Samano Agni samipasthaha and controls
digestion- That is Enteric NS- millions of
Neurons in the gut which are the real
autonomic NS in the body of which the
function is very similar to that of
Parasympathetic NS
Doshambu Vahini srotamsi- Again a
parasympathetic function of the Autonomic
NS, which controls the peripheral
circulation and peripheral requirements.
Vyana Vayu
Vyana Vayu- As told by Susrutha
 Vyana Vayu- Sympathetic NS +
cause for motorfunctions of PNS
Vyana vayu which has its effect all
over the body, cause for the body
movement and also controls the gathi,
that is sudden reflex actions- which is
controlled by Sympathetic NS
Also responsible for Blood circulation-
here sympathetic NS is also
responsible for central circulation by
stimulation SA Node and then heart.
Apana Vayu
 Apana Vayu- Sacral branch of
Parasympathetic NS
The sacral branch of
Parasympathetic NS (other part is
cranial which comes under Samana
Vayu) which controls erection,
passage of bowel, urine etc. where
the explanation is the same for
Apana Vayu in Ayurvreda Texts.
Vata involves functions of N system

Hence if we see the functions of

different Vata in Body, it is mainly the
functions of CNS and PNS.
What is Pitta then
 Pitta- In universe
In universe- Not clearly explained in
Ayurvedic texts- But Pitta is the fire or fuel
for the Vata to function. This fuel can burn
everything, can destroy anything and in
universe provides fuel for Vata to function.
For eg: In Earth the gravitational power is
Vata, boiling LAVA is Pitta and the outer
rock and mud cover is Kapha. The boiling
lava also decides the strenght of the
gravitational power.
 Pitta in our Body
All exocrine and endocrine function
represents Pitta including the exocrine
digestive secretions.
All digestive functions are regulated
by Vata, that is by CNS and Second
brain (Enteric nervous system).
Any exocrine or endocrine function is
regulated by Vata- SAMEERANO
AGNEH.
What is Kapha then?
 Kapha in Universe
Effect of Vata and Pitta is Kapha
Sun is very hot, comparitively earth is cold
and much colder is Moon.
Gravity and LAVA Vata and Pitta
Outer layer of rock and mud which
manifested after trillions of year because of
coldness or diminished effect of LAVA and
Gravity is Kapha. That means effect of Vata
and Pitta if aggravates Karshya and if
diminishes then Dardhyatha
Kapha is the effect of Vata and Pitta
in the body
Functions of Nervous system, that of exocrine and
endocrine system when in balance with proper food
gives dardhyatha, otherwise gives rise to krishatva
inspite of balanced food. This state is called as
Kapha- vriddi or kshaya.
Whatever food we take our body functions are
mainly dependent on functions of nervous system,
exocrine and endocrine function regardless of food.
And also many types of foods and medicines
influence on nervous system, metabolic system and
nutrition are the foods influencing on Vata, Pitta and
Kapha.
Trodosha along with Atman are the
pillars of Body
That is why Tridosha along with
Atman is the main four pillars of our
Body.
That is why our anciets explained
Vata-Pitta-Kapha, not Pitta-vata-
kapha or Vata-Kapha-Pitta.