“When a dosha becomes imbalanced, there is an increase in the influence of the elements and the corresponding qualities that make up that dosha. Ayurveda teaches that imbalances follow a basic pattern of flow. Once we forget our true nature as spirit, we begin to act disharmoniously and get caught up in the dramas of everyday life.

The first sign of disturbance in the body can be found in the digestive system.  This can be very mild and may be hardly noticeable at all, except for a little gas, burning, constipation, loose stools or a feeling of heaviness. As the doshic disturbance becomes worse, the condition spreads from the digestive system into circulation. The excess dosha and qualities then begin to mingle with the tissues and organs of the body where they produce additional symptoms of mild disturbance. If there is a pre-existing weakness in a tissue or organ, that structure is more susceptible to the disturbed dosha and its qualities. The dosha may then settle into that tissue. There, the imbalance begins to grow and greater and greater symptoms are produced. The origin of the pre-existing tissue weakness may be genetic or it may be due to past illness.

Thus, in addition to helping people to develop a healthy lifestyle, Ayurveda places great emphasis on making sure that the digestive system stays healthy, making sure that only the proper qualities are taken into the body.”

From “Healing Your Life, Lessons on the Path of Ayurveda,” by Dr. Marc Halpern, Founder and Director of the California College of Ayurveda