From the examples and definitions given for Vata, Pitta and Kapha, it is clear that proper discernment of the three fundamental bodily substances is based upon their defined physical properties. A physical property by nature increases the power of one category’s properties while simultaneously decreasing the power of opposite properties. That is, they are additive and subtractive. Intake or application of a greasy substance, for example, will increase the greasiness in an organism and decrease its dryness.
In a sense, physical properties can be characterized as the underlying structural components of life that are (1) energy, (2) the source of energy and (3) the mobilization of energy. It can be stated that the formula for the physical properties of bile or Pitta represents the property structure of energy. Similarly, the formula of mucus or Kapha stands for the property structure for the source of energy. Finally, the formula for the properties of air or Vata shows the property structure of the mobilization of energy.
All of the physical properties of the air formula except coldness (Shita) are counteractive to the physical properties of the mucus formula. In this sense, due to their opposition, whenever the strength or power of air properties goes up in an organism, the power or strength of mucus properties by nature goes down. In the same way, when the power of mucus properties goes up, the power of air properties goes down. Coldness, the predominant physical property of the air and mucus formula combination, is counteractive to the predominant physical property of heat (Usna) found in the bile formula. In this sense, whenever the power of coldness increases, the power of heat goes down and vice versa. This is the nature of physical properties. The theory of balance of the three fundamental bodily substances is applied in the Ayurvedic healing science in this way.
Any increase in any of the physical properties of the air formula except coldness will suppress the power of the physical properties of the mucus formula. An increase in the power of any of the physical properties of the mucus formula except coldness in the same way will suppress the power of the physical properties of the air formula. An increase in coldness, the property found in both the air and mucus formulas, will suppress the power of heat (Usna) found in the bile formula. And an increase in the heat of the bile formula will suppress the power of the coldness within the air and mucus formulas.
Equality in the value or power of each of these physical properties signifies the balance that is found in health. And inequality in the value or power of these physical properties signifies over-balance or under-balance that results in sickness. The various physical properties and their opposing actions must be equalized to maintain the individual functions of the Vata, Pitta and Kapha substances. In another sense, energy, the source of energy and the mobilization of energy must coordinate for life to remain in balance. That in fact, is the basic understanding of the Ayurvedic theory of balance. It is a fundamental truth.
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