Introduction:

Ayurveda is one of the oldest medical practices rooted in the scriptures of Indian traditions. Ayurveda treatment starts with an internal purification process. Which is followed by a special diet, herbal remedies, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation.

According to Ayurveda, our body is made up of 5 forces of nature – Earth, Air, Water, Fire and Space. And these elements combine into 3 doshas- Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

This concept of Tridoshas is the core philosophy of the ayurvedic landscape. It basically means that all the 3 doshas are present in every individual. However it is in varying combinations based on one’s genotype as a result of which, it brings out their Physical, physiological and psychological traits.

The body’s constitution (prakriti), and life forces (doshas) are the primary basis of ayurvedic medicine. And this is the concepts of universal interconnectedness, 

These traits constitute the ‘Prakriti’ of an individual which is unique. Although these traits are hereditary and mostly constant, they can also change over time depending on one’s physical and emotional conditions. Deviation in the prakriti of an individual leads to imbalance in the doshas. Resulting in different diseases in the body.

The 3 Doshas: Overview

1. Vata : The Energy of Movement 

Composed of space and air, vata regulates all the bodily movements that govern with blinking and breathing. Also pulsations of the heart, movements in the cytoplasm and the cell membranes, etc. When in balance, vata results in creativity and flexibility; if not, results in fear and anxiety.

Attributes of vata include dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, mobile and clear. Any variation in these qualities can result in the imbalance of vata dosha. Hence, one can keep them in check by keeping themselves calm and warm. By avoiding extreme cold conditions, following a healthy routine and most importantly, getting adequate rest.

2. Pitta : The Energy of  Digestion and Metabolism

Composed of fire and water, pitta regulates the digestion, nutrition, absorption, assimilation and metabolism functions of the body. When in balance, pitta results in understanding and intelligence; if not, results in anger, hatred and jealousy.

Attributes of Pitta include oily, hot, light, mobile, dispersing and liquid. Any variation in these qualities can aggravate the pitta dosha. Thus, one can balance these attributes by avoiding excessive heat, oil and spicy food. Also by limiting salt intake and exercising during the cooler part of the day.

3. Kapha : The Energy of Lubrication

Composed of earth and water, it provides lubrication by supplying water to all the body parts, moisturize them and help build immunity. When in balance, kapha expresses love, calmness and forgiveness, if not, results in extreme attachment, greed and envy.

Attributes of Kapha include strength, stamina, metabolism, memory, calm and loving. Therefore, to balance these attributes, one has to avoid fatty oily foods, dairy, morning naps and inculcate the habit of regular workouts.

The Concept of ‘Personalization’ in Ayurveda Perspective:

The knowledge of tridoshas not only emphasizes on the concept of treatment of a disease, but also it’s prevention. It is tailored according to the variations in each of the doshas in the body. 

“It’s far more important to know what person has the disease than what disease the person has.”  -Hippocrates         

Since each body constitution is unique, the approach has to be from a more personalized point of view in order to give the right treatment at the right time in the right way. The reason being the genetic makeup of each individual. Research proves that the difference in the genetic sequence in the DNA is what results in diseases. Our genotype is inherited from our parents and the differences in these sequences can affect the way our body responds to the environment around us. The risk of diseases and the extent to which our body has the ability to retaliate for the changes around us. The recognition of these differences is the first step towards personalized medicine for the treatment.

Ayurveda divides each individual based on their prakriti, independent of racial or geographical grounds. Additionally it solely dependent on the phenotypic characteristics considered collectively for genotyping. The treatment is built on the grounds of the concept known as rasapanchaka (Ayurvedic Pharmacology). Which basically states that the drug action is dependent of the attributes of the drug namely Rasa (taste), Guna (property), Virya (potency), Vipaka (post digestive taste) and Prabhava (effect) in contrast to the modern pharmacology. Where it is based on the chemical structure of the molecule. 

The aim of rasapanchaka is to deliver the right treatment based on the Prakriti of a person. In addition to the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic properties of the drug.  

Modern medicines can have variation in the drug response among people of different geographical locations. Ayurveda fills this gap by the approach of personalized medicines irrespective of any of these factors. The prakriti of an individual provides a fair amount of information on the physiological features, mental tendencies and susceptibility to various diseases. 

There are a number of tools and questionnaires that are used to determine the prakriti of an individual. Nadi Vigyan or pulse diagnosis being one of the oldest methods in use. This holistic, personalized approach is considered the most practical of all. Because it’s foundation is not built on the concept of ‘one drug fits all’ thereby increasing the specificity and the efficiency of the treatments.

“Every individual is different from another and hence should be considered as a different entity. As many variations are there in the universe, all are seen in human beings”. -Charaka Samhita