The Doshas
by Craig Williams, LAc, clinical herbalist AHG, Ayuvedic Practitioner, Veda Kovid

According to Ayurveda there are three primary life-forces in the body and mind called "doshas" in Sanskrit. The life-forces or doshas are responsible for all physiological and psychological functions in the body and are the causative factors in the disease process. The term dosha means "that which spoils, darkens or causes decay" and is derived from the Sanskrit root "dush" which means "to spoil." However the doshas are not to be viewed solely in a pejorative sense, as they also serve to create the body and support the body's natural process. What is being adumbrated by the term dosha is the idea that the human body and mind is finite and will eventually fade. Yet if we know how to keep the doshas functioning smoothly and in balance, we can harmonize the body and mind to the great cosmic forces of light and life enabling life to be full of health and vitality thereby allowing one to reach their greatest spiritual potential.

Each dosha reflects a great cosmic force: Vata Dosha, the biological principal of air or wind, Pitta Dosha, the biological principal of fire or light, Kapha Dosha, the biological principal of water or substance. Each dosha acts as a catalyst to initiate physiological and psychological forces, just as the jet stream brings changes in our climate or as the sun can seemingly create life to grow or wither. The science of Ayurveda strives to teach one how to identify and understand which of these cosmic forces predominate in one's unique body / mind and provide suggestions as to how one can create a lifestyle that is in harmony not only with one's unique body / mind but with the natural environment. When a life is lived in harmony with nature and with one's unique genetic expression of natural cosmic forces, it allows one to avoid disease, maximize health, and allow the body to become a fertile ground for spiritual growth.

Craig Williams (Shambhu-Das) is a Clinical Herbalist and Acupuncturist in private practice specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda and Yoga. He holds a Master' Degree in Oriental Medicine and is a Professional Member of the American Herbalist Guild. Craig is the recipient of the prestigious "Veda Kovid" title awarded by David Frawley and the American Institute of Vedic Studies recognizing extensive training in the Vedic Sciences of Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotish and Vedanta. He also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Religious Studies with a focus on Hindu Studies and has studied Mantra therapy with Thomas Ashley-Farrand. More background information can be found on his website at www.AyurvedaAustin.com. Yoga Yoga carries several books on Ayurveda by Dr. David Frawley, Dr. Vasant Lad and Dr. Robert Svoboda that Craig recommends. An employee favorite is Ayurveda and Yoga by Dr. David Frawley.