Areas of benefit

How does illness arise?

Hippocrates once said that illness does not fall from the sky but is the result of all the small mistakes we make each day. For example, when a permanent stimulus of the Vata dosha occurs, causing the Vata principle to divert from its normal pattern, then an imbalance occurs in that dosha. This could be experienced, for instance, as nervousness, headache, high blood pressure or digestive problems. Such symptoms do not occur overnight but develop over a long period of time.

The body will try to eliminate this disorder by activating the Vata-balancing properties of the Kapha and Pitta doshas. If, however, these reserves are used up, then this natural process fails to remedy the situation and the signs of Vata imbalance begin to appear.

This Vata imbalance can be further increased by outside influences that the body is unable to combat. It could be compared to a steel spring, which over a long period of time is flexible enough to maintain its shape, but when overstretched loses its elasticity and form.

Imbalance of the three doshas is not the only cause of disease; an accumulation of toxins can also impede good health. Toxins may be produced through bad digestion, be absorbed into the body from the environment, or even be created by mental strain. Toxins gather in the cells and tissues, hindering their development, purification and proper nourishment.

Ayurveda recognises six stages in the development of disease. An experienced doctor can identify these stages with the help of pulse diagnosis. Modern medicine only has methods to detect the last three stages in the development of disease. The great advantage of Ayurvedic diagnosis lies in its ability to detect the earlier stages of disease. The sooner a disease can be detected, the easier it is to treat.

Maintaining health is in our own hands

When the concept of the regulating mechanics of the three doshas and the role of metabolism is understood, it is easy to appreciate the principles of Ayurvedic treatment. Such treatments must always be comprehensive. They provide the framework to help the body naturally rid itself of toxins, rebuild its reserves, eliminating the cause of illness and restoring balance in the physiology.

All the treatments - Transcendental Meditation, Panchakarma, Ayurvedic herbal preparations and healthy food help to nourish the body's own intelligence. This intelligence is the intelligence of nature. It promotes inner balance, regulates the dynamics of the doshas and embodies our own "inner doctor" in the physiology.

Six stages in the development of disease

1. Accumulation (Sanchya)
When a dosha cannot freely circulate in the body because it is blocked at some point, then it eventually accumulates there. Wherever the disorder appears it also affects the subdosha functioning in that part of the body.

2. Intensification (Prakopa)
The affected dosha cannot flow and accumulates in excess at that point.

3. Diffusion (Prasra)
The excess dosha spreads around the body.

4. Localisation (Sthana Samsharaya)
At some location, where it does not really belong, the excess dosha settles and develops the first physical symptoms of disease.

5. Manifestation (Vyakti)
The typical symptoms of the illness appear.

6. Outbreak of disease (Bheda)
The full symptoms of the disease are experienced.