How Does Ayurveda Classify Diseases?
Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine from India, classifies diseases based on various principles that focus on balancing the body's fundamental energies, known as doshas. The three primary doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—each represent different physiological functions and are associated with specific qualities and elemental compositions. Diseases arise when there is an imbalance among these doshas, leading to physical, emotional, and spiritual disturbances.
Ayurvedic classification also takes into account the sapta dhatu or seven tissues (plasma, blood, muscle, fat, bone, nerve, and reproductive tissue) and malas (metabolic wastes). Additionally, Ayurveda categorizes diseases according to their root causes, which can include poor diet (ahara), lifestyle (vihara), and emotional factors (vridhi).
Another significant aspect is the diagnosis based on prakriti (individual constitution) and vikriti (current state of health). This personalized approach allows practitioners to identify a disease's nature and formulate a holistic treatment plan, emphasizing prevention and balance.
Overall, Ayurveda views disease as a deviation from health, advocating for lifestyle changes, nutritional adjustments, and natural remedies to restore harmony within the body and mind.