The Best Alternative Medicine by Dr. Kenneth R. Pelletier

Author:Dr. Kenneth R. Pelletier
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Publisher: A Fireside Book
Published: 2000-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

Doshas are also subject to natural cycles of change, on a daily and seasonal basis, and during the stages of life. Kapha is emphasized in the morning, in winter and early spring, and during youth. Pitta increases at noon, in the autumn and late spring, and in adulthood. Vata predominates in the evening, in summer, and in old age.

Abnormalities in the levels of the doshas lead to abnormalities in the tissues, the excretory system, the digestive system, and enzymatic systems. As bodily humors become agitated, they begin to accumulate in their respective sites in the body —vata in the colon, pitta in the small intestines, and kapha in the stomach. With continued aggravation, the accumulated dosha overflows from its original site and spreads throughout the body, creating lesions in one or more susceptible target tissues, and interfering with metabolism.

In Ayurvedic medicine, it is important that a disease be recognized early in its course, and that its root cause be correctly identified. Otherwise, it may disseminate to other tissues and produce secondary effects on other doshas, which can lead to serious consequences, including possibly death.

Most people have problems associated with their predominate dosha. Vata people are most likely to have vata conditions, such as nervous system problems, arthritis, sciatica, lower back pain, or intestinal gas. Pitta people are more likely to have liver and gallbladder problems, gastritis, hyperacidity, peptic ulcer, inflammatory disease, and skin problems. Kapha people are more likely to have tonsillitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, and lung congestion.

Because the principal focus of Ayurveda is not on disease but on restoring balance, diagnosis is different in Ayurveda. Practitioners try to determine the individual’s constitution, and then to rebalance the doshas. Rather than using instruments or laboratory tests to make a diagnosis, the Ayurvedic physician relies on observation, and on questioning of the patient. Clinicians obtain a detailed family, social, personal, and past history, and gain information about environmental and nutritional factors.

Physical examination includes an evaluation of three superficial and three deep pulses on a person’s right and left wrists. The three pulses are believed to correspond to the three doshas. The physician also examines the surface of the tongue for discoloration, irregularities, coating, and sensitivity, believing that these characteristics reveal information about the balance of the doshas and the condition of internal organs. In addition, the physician examines urine samples for color and odor.

Following diagnosis, a treatment program is designed, and is likely to include the following procedures:

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