Abstract
One core element of Ayurveda is the theory of Tridosha, the three biological humours (Dosha). Vata, the humour of the air is the force that moves everything. Pitta, the humour of the fire is the power that changes and digests everything. Kapha, is the humour of the water, the power that holds things together gives them substance and offers support.
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One core element of Ayurveda is the theory of Tridosha, the three biological humours (Dosha), which are considered to be different components of the primary power. The Buddhist tradition rather considers four elements and thus sees the Tridosha only as a concept of minor importance. To Chinese medicine they are completely unknown.[1] The word Dosha literally means something that spoils, hurts or decays something.[2] The source of the Tridosa is the Prana, which is the most important single factor in the ayurvedic system of healing.
The three bioenergetic powers, whose disturbances are often called peccant (destructive, ill-making) humours, are:
- Vata, the humour of the air is the force that moves everything, also the other two Doshas, which would not be able to move by themselves without Vata.[3]
- Pitta, the humour of the fire is the power that changes and digests everything, producing new energy through transformation and by this also sharpening our view on the things currently existing.[4]
- Kapha, is the humour of the water, the power that holds things together gives them substance and offers support. It represents positive emotional energies like modesty, patience and love.[5]
It is three manifestations of these energies at times that are considered the cause of sicknesses by the system of traditional Thai medicine:
- internal heat and bile inside or outsdie the gall-bladder;
- inner winds, winds in the ligaments and tendons or wind inside the heart as well as
- mucus in the chest, the rectum or the throat.[8]
Each time, when a sickness starts in one the Tridosa the other ones are also affected to a certain degree.[10] The proper treatment of a sickness according to the system of traditional Thai medicine is done by evaluating a complex set of interrelated data.[11] This includes a thorough examination of the patients' body as well as investigations of his familiar surroundings and his past life.[12]
© 2006 Thailin Thai Massage Berlin- Cf. Tatz (1985), p. 66
- Cf. Tatz (1985), p. 65
- Cf. Frawley (2003), p. 9
- Cf. Frawley (2003), p. 9f
- Cf. Frawley (2003), p. 10
- Cf. Brun / Schumacher (1994), p. 13
- Cf. Mulholland (1988), p. 175
- Cf. Mulholland (1979), p. 31
- Cf. Stürner (2001), p. 30
- Cf. Mulholland (1979), p. 31
- Cf. Mulholland (1979), p. 37
- Cf. Mulholland (1988), p. 175
Bibliography
Brun, V. / Schumacher, T. (1994): Traditional Herbal Medicine in Northern Thailand. Bangkok 1994.
Frawley, D. (2003): Ayurvedic Healing. A Comprehensive Guide. Delhi 2003.
Mulholland, J. (1979b): Thai Traditional Medicine – The Treatment of Diseases Caused by the Tridosa. In: The South East Asian Review 2/1979. P. 29-38.
Tatz, M. (Übersetzung) (1985): Buddhism and Healing. Demiéville’s Article 'Byo' from Hobogirin. Lanham (MD) 1985.
