Complex Simplicity

Ayurveda, is a Sanskrit word which is often literally translated to mean “the science of life”.   Indeed Ayurveda has its foundations firmly in the realms of science; philosophy, spiritualism and art also have valuable parts to play in this all encompassing system of healing.

The beauty of Ayurveda is its simplicity and ease of understanding.  The fantastic thing about this simplicity is it actually is made up of a complex system of knowledge which appeals to all levels of intellect – whatever level you wish to approach it from.  Throughout history the simplest inventions have always been the most popular – a wonderful mix of genius and craft – the same could be said for Ayurveda.

To keep some inetellectuals happy I am going to tell you more about the three doshas: Vata, Pitha, Kapha and exciting research which suggests they may have strong links with what we call in modern science neurohumours.

What a lot of Western people who have jumped on to the Ayurvedic bandwagon, particularly in the Spa Industry, don’t realise is just how much science is behind it.  Ayurveda is as infinite as the Universe itself.

For the intellectuals among us, I will share with you some knowledge passed on to me by my guru Prof. Dr. P.H. Kulkarni in India.  Let us consider some chemical messengers in the body.  The three Ayurvedic doshas:  Vata, Pitha and Kapha all play a part in all cellular functions of our body.   They also reflect chemical messengers and perhaps also the predominance of these messengers in our metabolic types.  The job of chemical messengers, particularly neurohumours is to tell the brain what we need and how best to establish homeostasis or balance on a moment to moment basis.

Let’s start with Acetylcholine (often abbreviated to ACh) because it is probably the most important and senstive chemical messengers we have.  It is a neurotransmitter working hard in both our peripheral nervous system and our central nervous system.  It is released in the cerebral cortex of our brains and from all the nerve endings of our spinal nerves and other nerve centres.  It has a lot to do with the communication of our brain with the rest of our body.   Acetylcholine, is thought to be linked with all Vata doshas or all movement as well as communication in the body.  For example, lack of this chemical in the brain has been associated with Alzhiemer’s Disease – a typical Vata related disorder according to Ayurveda. Another group of chemicals in the body to consider are Catecholamines.  I always remember them as “Catch-me-if-you-can hormones” – because their lifespan is very short and they are involved in the so-called fight or flight response we have in stressful situations.  Catchecholamines are chemcial messengers released by the adrenal glands due to pyschological stress or low blood sugar levels.  The group of chemicals are water soluble and are able to attach to proteins found in the blood stream.   Pitha dominant people, according to Ayurveda have a tendency to be a bit firey and hot tempered when out of balance.  In other words it could be said they can get more hot and bothered and release more Catecholamines. In Ayurveda, the Pitha dosha is linked with all chemical changes (especially enzymes) that take place in the body.

If you are allergic to something such as pollen or have asthma you will be familiar with Histamine.  The chemical is present in cells throughout the body and released during an allergic reaction, it is also one of the substances responsible for the symptoms of inflammation.  Histamine is released to help your body stay alert however its production is also triggered by allergens.   It causes fluid to be released in to the skin (which causes swelling and hives), and when released into the sinuses can cause a runny nose and watery eyes.  Histamine is thought to be linked with Ayurveda’s Kapha dosha.