SPA UK Sandesh 2014 | Page 37

and practice, it is possible to detect the pulse and the strength of the pulse. For the actual analysis and diagnosis, you should always consult an Ayurved practitioner. The pulse under the index finger denotes the vata dosha, the middle finger denotes pitta dosha and the ring finger denotes the kapha dosha. When the throbbing of the pulse under the ring finger is the strongest, it denotes a kapha constitution. To establish the actual dosha, one will have to take into consideration the time of the day (according to Dincharya clock), the season and the age. When you practise this for the first time, you may not find the pulse and you may have to lift each finger to get a feel for the pulse sensation. For example, in the morning between 6am - 10am the natural body clock exhibits kapha. If at this time a person detects a dominant kapha dosha, then the person is not considered to be of kapha constitution. In this instance the second dominant dosha is considered to be the constitution. If the person has a dominant pitta constit ution, the pulse under the middle finger will be the strongest. Similarly, according to Dincharya, pitta is dominant between 10am - 2pm and vata is dominant between When vata is strong in the constitution, the pulse under the index finger will feel the strongest. 2pm - 6pm. This cycle repeats itself for the next twelve hours at night. Hence the time of day or night is an important consideration. An Ayurved Practitioner uses the individual’s dosha analysis to offer specifically tailored treatment, ranging from general lifestyle change to the treatment of disease. For this reason, Ayurved is considered a system of individualised health care, which is remarkably different from the Western model of ‘one-pill for all’. Since doshas can be used to detect imbalances before the manifestation of a disease, Ayurved is also considered a system of preventative medicine. Air Ether 5 Water Elements Fire Earth Qualities of the 5 Elements Basic Doshas How does dosha relate to the 5 Elements? The properties of the other doshas are dependent on vata, so it is considered to be the primary dosha. It governs the body’s greater life force and gives motion to pitta and Vata Pitta Kapha kapha. Pitta governs metabolism and transformations such as digestion, taste, vision, body heat, intelligence and others. Air & Space Fire & Water Water & Earth Vata refers to movement similar to air and space Pitta governs digestion, heat and metabolism Kapha creates stability and tolerance Kapha refers to the strength, structure, earth and water within the body. This refers to bones, immune system, reproductive system, joint lubrication etc. 35 • Vata is related to air (vayu) and space (ether), • Pitta relates to fire and water, and • Kapha relates to water and earth Vata governs all movement within the body. Using its subtle flowing motion the body is able to perform various physical and mental behaviours such as breathing, blood flow as well as thoughts in the mind.