An Eco-Corporeal Psychology

Ayurveda, an ancient Indian traditional medicine, emphasizes the importance of understanding human nature, considering the individual as central, and recognizing the interconnectedness of the body and mind. One of Ayurveda's key concepts is the doshas, three psychobiological principles forming an individual's physiological blueprint known as prakruti in health and vikruti in disease. Eco-corporeal psychology is the emotional and mental aspect of Ayurveda's doshas concept, where they dynamically align with a person's biomental constitution to maintain balance and well-being.

The novel idea of eco-corporeality highlights the inherent bond between a person and the natural environment. This connection aims for balance and harmony, but it can also lead to imbalances specific to one's body type, or prakruti, affecting emotional and mental well-being. Ayurveda promotes a healthy lifespan through mindful living, emphasizing transformation rather than mere change. Thus, maintaining a balanced psychological healthspan goes hand-in-hand with managing the body according to Ayurvedic principles.

Ecological Dynamisms, oil by author, 2010

Source: Ecological Dynamisms, original oil, 2010, Frank John Ninivaggi

The Five Great Gross Elements

According to Ayurveda, the body comprises nature's Five Great Gross Elements: Ether, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. These elements form the building blocks of the biological doshas, serving as physical links connecting individuals to the ecological environment. This concept resembles the ancient Chinese medical idea of fundamental elements on the border between energy and matter—dynamic states making up the densification of all substances.

The Three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

The three biological doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, are regulatory principles governing the body's functions, aiming for balance. Each dosha having five subcomponents is associated with specific biomental systems and distinct processes. Environmental factors, age, diet, seasons, psychological experiences, trauma, and lifestyle influence the balance of these doshas.

Vata is associated with air and movement and governs bodily motion, coordination, the nervous system, and the mind. It is the "king dosha" because of its leadership role; it can also be seen as a "servant dosha" because it is a carrier for the other two doshas.

Vata comprises the Ether (Akasha) and Air (Vayu) elements and functions as an energetic entity, resembling nervous system transmissions and breathing movements. Its primary center is in the large intestine, impacting the gut's microbiome and linking to conditions like metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disorders, and psychological impairments.

Within Vata is Prana Vata, crucial for directing the sub-doshas of Vata. Cultivating Prana is the life force linked to consciousness. Pranayama, or mindful breathing, helps control thoughts and emotions during meditation.

Disruptions to the Vata can lead to anxiety, fear, disorganization, inattention, and fatigue. The Vata psychological prakruti supports willpower, directedness, poised speech, courage, and equitable judgment.

Pitta is associated with heat and transformation. It plays a significant role in digestion, body warming, and thermogenesis. Pitta is composed of Fire (Tejas or Agni) and Water (Ap, Apas, or Jala) elements and tends to increase during summer.

Bodily fluids like sweat, sebaceous oil, blood, and lymph contain Pitta, which provides essential warmth and heat for life.

The sub-dosha responsible for digestion is Pachaka Pitta, mainly in the small intestine and lower stomach. It regulates body temperature, circulation, and physical strength and controls other Pitta sub-doshas. Disruptions in this system can lead to health problems like diabetes, hypertension, and inflammatory conditions.

Imbalances in Pitta may also cause irritability, anger, and mood disorders. The Pitta psychological prakruti supports discernment, compassion, mood stability, and constructive engagements.

Kapha is the principle of water flourishing and hydration. Its main characteristics are cohesion and binding. Kapha plays a vital role in maintaining the stability of bodily tissues and providing protective insulation. This dosha forms by merging the Water (Ap, Apas, Jala) and Earth (Prithvi) elements and typically increases during winter.

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Avalambaka Kapha is the primary regulator among Kapha sub-doshas. It exists in the heart, lungs, spine, and pelvic girdle, lubricating these organs to prevent harmful friction. It stabilizes the vertebral column and governs other Kapha sub-doshas, carrying and maintaining Prana, the life force.

Emotionally, Kapha is the foundation for attachment, detachment, love, confidence, zeal, and compassion. Excess Kapha can lead to negative traits like greed, apathy, obesity, and depression. When balanced, Kapha supports overall well-being.

Swastavritta: Healthy Abiding in One's Unique Nature

Ayurveda emphasizes the value of swastavritta, or healthy lifestyle behaviors, to maintain overall well-being. These practices are deeply rooted in mindfulness and integrated into daily and seasonal routines and ethical lifestyle choices. When suggesting dietary and lifestyle adjustments, an individual's unique body type, or prakruti, is integral to Ayurvedic assessments. Specific dosha imbalances are identified and treated with dietary, herbal, lifestyle, and other interventions suitable to the condition.

Ayurvedic techniques can be seamlessly integrated into various medical and psychological systems as complementary health interventions. They offer a holistic approach to combat burnout, enhance resilience, and promote a mindful and refined eco-corporeal state of well-being.

To enhance a person's established but adaptable constitution, three approaches are used: Dinacharya (daily routine), Ritucharya (seasonal routine), and Sadvrutta (ethical lifestyle). These encompass all aspects of everyday life, from waking to sleeping. Mindfulness, meditation, and self-reflection comprise the platform for this health perspective.

Ayurveda's precision in recommending foods and herbs is akin to precision medicine. General recommendations include a preference for sleeping by 10 p.m. and waking an hour before sunrise. The largest meal is recommended at noon, and specific herbs are suggested to balance seasonal variations. For example, sesame oil in colder months and turmeric, coriander, and fennel in all seasons can help balance particular body types. Garlic is a prebiotic food and a Vata-rejuvenating herb. However, caution is advised because of its Pitta-provoking properties, which may aggravate bleeding if used excessively.

Ayurveda offers a complementary and novel approach to health that can be integrated into diverse medical and psychological systems. Its focus on mindful living and alignment with nature can effectively address burnout and foster resilience. The goal is to improve well-being and achieve a quantum refinement in eco-corporeal harmony.