Indian Medicine (Medicin), translated by C. G. Kashikar c10.1.1

c10.1.1

§ 33. The Tridosas :— The principle of three doṣas ( dhātus ) of human body goes like a red thread through the whole of medicine. The three doṣas are : wind ( vāyu, vāta, māruta, anila, samīraṇa ), bile ( pitta ) and phlegm ( ślesman, kapha ). The disease or being ill is defined as the derangement of the doṣas and health as their normal condition or balance ( AHr 1.1.20). Without kapha, pitta and vāta as well as blood the body cannot exist, they always sustain it ( Su. 1.21.3). The usual name doṣa "defect" shows that doṣas deranged or existing in excess are to be properly treated. The name dhātu characterises them as the elements of the body. Vāta is dry, cold, light, delicate, moving, clear and raw, pitta is greasy, hot, sharp, fluid and acrid, kapha is heavy, cold, mild, oily, sweet, stable and phlegmatic. By substances ( medicines and articles of food ) of opposite qualities they are neutralised and cured ( Car 1.1.61 ). Vāta prevails in advanced age, pitta prevails in the middle age and kapha prevails in childhood. Similar condition concerning the prevalance of the doṣas exists also with regard to the end, middle and beginning respectively of the day, the night and the digestion ( AS 1.1; AHr 1.1.8 ). The doṣas pervade and occupy the whole body, yet vāta has its chief place below the navel, pitta between the heart and navel, and kapha above the heart ( l. c. ). Vāta is divided into five kinds : 1.