Abstract

AYURVEDA AND DIGESTION: INVESTIGATING TRIDOSHA’S INFLUENCE ON GUT HEALTH

Dr. Rajat Chhabra* and Prof. Dr. Srikanta Kumar Panda

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Abstract

Ayurveda translated as the "science of life" is termed so because it not only explains treatment for numerous diseases, but also focuses on various ways to increase lifespan by advocating dietary and lifestyle regimens for diseased as well as healthy individuals. The objective of this science is to gain optimal health by following a unique approach which takes into account the body, mind, behaviour and environment. As per the definition of health given by Acharya Susruta, a person whose doshas are in balance, the appetite or agni is optimal, all the seven dhaatus are functioning normally and the wastes or malas are eliminated from the body regularly along with the mind, body and senses being in a state of joy is considered as a healthy individual. The tridoshas, namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha, are the three fundamental principles which surround the physiology of human beings. Vata dosha is responsible for all the movements in the body, Pitta governs the function of transformation in the body and Kapha maintains the structure and connections of the body. The human gut, or digestive system, is seen as a significant organ system for the preservation of general health and well-being. This view is supported by the Ayurvedic system, which also holds that the majority of ailments are caused by disruptions in the digestive system or the gut. Specific to the digestive system, every dosha has a unique contribution. However, the process of digestion is mainly correlated with the function of pitta dosha, but, at different steps of the process of digestion, the tridoshas and their subtypes play an important role. An effort to integrate the functions of tridosha and their subtypes at different steps of the process of digestion by incorporating the literature available from the Ayurveda scriptures and the modern medical science has been undertaken through this study to better understand the process of digestion and a healthy gut in maintaining overall health of an individual.

Keywords: Tridosha, Digestion, Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Gut health.