The tradition holds that energy and matter are one; everything that exists in the macrocosm of the universe also exists in the microcosm of the inner universe of the living being.
Ayurveda — “The Science of Life” — an ancient and traditional holistic holographic healing system from India that relates the life of the individual to universal principles. I love this system of healing as it accents the creation and maintenance of health and wellbeing alongside the treatment of disease. This system practices that adage “Prevention is better than cure”.
It involves the use of herbal preparations with diet, exercise, massage and meditation to create balance with the three elements (DOSHAS) of nature. The use of Ayurvedic herbs has a very long history, (4500BC) therefore their effects and side effects are known in great detail, this proves an immense advantage when using them for your animals. The early influence of Ayurvedic medicine was known to the great philosophers Paracelsus, Hippocrates and Pythagoras, the Herbalist Pliny, even the Hellenic physician Dioscorides mentions Indian plants including datura for asthma and nux vomica for paralysis and dyspepsia. Deepak Chopra MD and the Transcendental Meditation movement of Maharishgi Mahesh Yogi are current Ayurvedic devotees. Ayurvedic Medicine preceded traditional Chinese Medicine yet the opposites / complementary concepts exists in them both. (Ying and Yang) as does Qi (Prana) — the Life Force.
There are three causal factors for disease in Ayurvedic medicine:
1. diseases that originate within the body (hereditary, congenital & Dosha — related or constitutional).
2. diseases that originate outside the body (trauma, bacteria, viruses).
3. diseases that originate from sources such as seasons, planetary influences, curses etc.
Akin to Chinese medicine, cosmic energy manifests in the 5 elements of:
Air / Fire / Water / Earth / Ether
1. Ether denotes space — the space between the cells, the mouth, the abdomen.
2. Air is the movement of space e.g. the beating of the heart, nervous impulses.
3. Fire governs metabolism, body temperature, the digestive system.
4. Water is present in secretions like digestive juices, plasma.
5. Earth is responsible for the solid structures holding the body together e.g. skin, bones, cartilage.
The 5 elements also manifest in the 5 senses of hearing / touch / vision / taste / smell. The balance of the doshas (these elements) in the living body promotes health and well-being.
Initial treatment to balance consists of cleansing to eliminate toxins, using herbs, diet and lifestyle on an individual basis.
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THE THREE DOSHAS
Three different constitutional types
(Below is a generalised guide to determine these types).
| CONSTITUTION |
VATA |
PITTA |
KAPHA |
| Frame |
Thin |
Moderate |
Large |
| Body Weight |
Low |
Moderate |
Heavy |
| Skin |
Dry / Rough, Cool |
Soft / Oily, Warm |
Thick / Oily, Cool |
| Hair |
Brown / Black |
Fair / Red |
Pale / Light Yellow |
| Coat |
Dry, Black, Kinky |
Oily / Soft, Yellow,
Gray Red |
Thick / Oily,
Dark / Light, Wavy |
| Teeth |
Protrude, Spaces X,
Crooked |
Moderate,
Gums Soft, Bleeding |
Strong, White
Full, Well-formed
Emaciated |
| Eyes |
Small, Dry, Active
Brown, Black |
Sharp, Penetrating
Gray, Yellow |
Big, Thick Lashes |
| Appetite |
Variable to low |
Good, Sharp, Excessive |
Slow but steady |
| Disease Tendency Disorders |
Nervous, Pain |
Heat, Infection,
Inflammation |
Excess Water, Mucus |
| Thirst |
Variable |
Excessive |
Slight |
Elimination
|
Dry, Hard, Constipate |
Soft, Oily, Loose |
Oily, Thick, Heavy, Slow |
| Physical activity |
Active |
Moderate |
Lethargic |
| Mind |
Restless, Curious |
Aggressive, Intelligent |
Calm, Slow, Receptive |
| Emotional |
Fearful, Insecure,
Anxious |
Aggressive, Irritable,
Jealous |
Greedy, Self-content |
| Loyalty |
Wavering |
Determined |
Steady |
| Pulse |
Thready, Feeble
(Moves like Snake) |
Moderate
(Jumps like Frog) |
Broad / Slow
(Moves like Swan) |
Kapha
The element of water predominates, cold, moist, slow, heavy. Treat by warming, drying, lightening & stimulating therapies. The tastes of Kapha are pungent, bitter & astringent. Note that diuretic herbs are not entirely effective for Kapha as the main site of accumulation is in the lungs and stomach. Water usually exists as phlegm or mucus in Kapha i.e. expectorant or mucus-dispelling herbs are used. Often has weakness of digestive fire element, so need herbs to promote digestion, increase metabolism, circulation.
Pitta
Consists mainly of fire element, i.e. treat with cooling drying light therapies. The bitter taste being the coldest and most drying is strongest for Pitta. Pittas treatment is associated with the blood and production of heat (although not all heat conditions are Pitta). Bitter tonics are strongest for cooling Pitta (febrifuges).
Vata
The element of air, cold, dry & light. Treat with warming, moistening therapy. Pungent herbs decrease Vata. Bitter tonics are contra-indicated. Use tonic, nutritives such as licorice, slippery elm, comfrey root etc. NB: Vata formulas often contain rock salt, which is a very good digestive stimulant for Vata-types.
It is important to realise that the same disease, appearing in these different constitutions, require a different herbal approach. Knowing which disease an herb treats and the constitution on which it acts gives a truly effective treatment.
The 3 Doshas also exist in plants:
Kapha plants: Luxuriant growth, abundant leaves & sap, dense, heavy, succulent, contain much water.
Vata plants: Sparse leaves, rough, cracked bark, gnarled branches, spindly growth, little sap.
Pitta plants: Brightly coloured, bright flowers, sap may be poisonous or burning in its effect.
| FUNCTIONS OF VATA, PITTA, KAPHA |
VATA
Space / Air |
Transportation, Movement, Communication |
PITTA
Fire / Water |
Metabolism, Digestion, Transformation |
KAPHA
Water / Earth |
Structure, Cohesion |
| QUALITIES OF AYURVEDIC MEDICINE |
VATA
Space / Air |
Dry / Rough, Cold / Cool, Light, Subtle / Minute,
Movement, Clear / Non Sticky, Coarse / Brittle |
PITTA
Fire / Water |
Slightly Oily, Hot / Warm, Sharp, Liquid,
Sour, Movement / Flow, Pungent |
KAPHA
Water / Earth |
Heavy, Cold / Cool, Unctuous / Oily,
Sweet, Stable / Steady, Sticky / Viscous |
| LOCATIONS OF VATA , PITTA, KAPHA IN THE BODY |
VATA
Space / Air |
Colon, Bones, Feet, Legs, Waist,
Anus, Rectum, Urinary Bladder, Kidney |
PITTA
Fire / Water |
Small Intestines, Stomach,
Blood, Lymph, Sweat |
KAPHA
Water / Earth |
Chest, Head, Neck, Joints,
Small Intestine, Stomach |
VATA CHARACTERISTICS
Physical Attributes
• Physique is thin, very tall, very short, non muscular quick & active
• Skin is dry and rough, more so in winter
• Aversion to cold weather
• Hands & feet usually cold
• Lips are darkish, thin, small, moving
• Arms & legs are thin & bony
• Hairs are dry, black or brown, coarse
• Voice is weak, cracking, low — tendency to talk fast & too much
• Energy fluctuates and comes in bursts
• Tendency to constipation
• Sleep pattern not regular, some time difficult, some time sound.
Mental & Emotional Attributes
• Nature is lively and enthusiastic
• Difficulty in memorising things & recalling them later
• Easy to learn things and can forget quickly
• Difficulty in making decisions
• Talkative and talk quickly
• Mind is restless but also imaginative
• Irregular eating habits
• Spend money quickly
• Tendency towards anxiety, worries, fears
• Pulse is fast & irregular
PITTA CHARACTERISTICS
Physical Attributes
• Moderate build
• Performs activity with medium speed
• Aversion to hot weather
• Prefers cold food & drinks
• Sharp hunger & digestion
• Tendency towards reddish complexion & hair
• Tendency towards moles & freckles
• Cannot skip meals
Mental & Emotional Attributes
• Medium time to grasp new information
• Medium memory
• Tendency towards irritability and temper
• Enterprising sharp in character
• Good speaker and managing qualities
KAPHA CHARACTERISTICS
Physical Attributes
• Solid, heavier build
• Oily, smooth skin
• Greater strength & endurance
• Slow hunger & digestion
• Sleep is heavy, long
• Hair is plentiful, tends to be dark in colour
Mental & Emotional Attributes
• Slow, methodical in activity
• Slow to grasp new information and slow to forget
• Slow to become excited, irritated
VATA PITTA KAPHA — EFFECTS OF IMBALANCE |
VATA
Space / Air |
Dry or rough skin, insomnia, constipation,
common fatigue (non-specific cause), tension headaches,
intolerance of cold, degenerative arthritis, underweight, anxiety, worry |
PITTA
Fire / Water |
Rashes, inflammatory skin disease, peptic ulcer, heartburn,
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, visual problems, excessive body heat,
premature graying or baldness, hostility, irritability. |
KAPHA
Water / Earth |
Oily, greasy skin, slow digestion, sinus congestion,
nasal allergies, asthma. |
VATA PITTA KAPHA — BEHAVIOUR |
VATA
Space / Air |
Mental / physical activity, restlessness, movement, thinking,
worrying, being awake at night, physical exercise
walking, traveling, change in behaviour. |
PITTA
Fire / Water |
Intense mental / physical activity — generating heat,
sharp & hot behaviour, passion, anger, pride, speaking, physical exercise. |
KAPHA
Water / Earth |
Mental & physical activity, restfulness, soft & sweet behaviour,
day sleep, stability in behaviour. |
| KAPHA ANIMAL (Water, Earth) — associated with Yin |
| Season: |
Spring - Early Summer
|
| Time: |
6am - 10am & 6pm - 10pm |
| Life Cycle: |
Childhood |
| Functions: |
Structure, cohesion, lubrication, strength & sexuality. |
| Qualities: |
Wetness, whiteness & coldness, heavy, cool, Soft, oily, sweet, stable, steady, sticky, firm, forbearance, restraint, patience, courage. |
| Physical Attributes: |
Solid, heavier build, great strength & endurance, slow hunger and digestion, hair plentiful, dark. Oily, smooth skin. |
| Mental / Emotional: |
Slow to excitement & irritation, slow to learn yet also slow to forget. Methodical. |
| Locations: |
Upper part of body — Thorax, Pleural Cavity, Head, Neck, Joints, Small Intestine, Upper Stomach. Principle area is the chest & lungs. |
| Diseases: |
Those symptoms associated with liquid & mucus, leading to swelling. Sinus & nasal problems, asthma. May or may not have discharges. |
| Urine: |
White, foamy, muddy |
| Useful Herbs: |
Properties — pungent, bitter, astringent, mucolytics.
Examples: Bayberry, (liver tonic), Clove, (warming digestive, lung remedy), Fenugreek (astringent, high blood glucose), Guggul (arthritis, fat metabolism). |
| Pulse: |
Felt with the ringfinger. The pulse wave feels like the movement of a swan or peacock. |
| Canine Types: |
English Bulldog, Newfoundland, Staffies, Pyreneans. |
| PITTA ANIMAL (Fire, Water) — Associated with Yang. |
| Season: |
Mid Summer - Early Autumn |
| Time: |
10am - 2pm, 10pm - 2 am |
| Life Cycle: |
Adulthood |
| Functions: |
Metabolism, digestion, endocrine organs, bio transformation body heat, all chemical reactions, digestive & glandular secretions incl. bile & enzymes, hunger, thirst, pigmentation. |
| Qualities: |
Hotness & redness, wet / oily & hot, sharp, liquid, movement, flow, sour, pungent, light, Intense, clear. Sharp & hot behaviour, passion, anger, pride, intense mental & physical activity. |
| Physical Attributes: |
Sharp hunger & digestion, cannot skip meals, prefers cool food and water, aversion to hot weather, moderate build, tendency to reddish hair and moles. |
| Mental / Emotional: |
Medium memory, Grasps new information quicker than Kapha, Tendency to hostility, Irritability and temper, Intellect with clear & focused concentration. |
| Locations: |
Between the naval and the chest, small intestine, liver, spleen, skin, blood. Principle area is small intestine. |
| Diseases: |
Acid & bile leading to inflammation, rashes, Irritable bowel disease premature greying, visual problems. Excessive body heat. |
| Urine: |
Intense yellow, reddish or bluish |
Useful Herbs:
|
Properties — bitter, astringent, heavy, cool, dry, anti-inflammatory.
Examples: Aloe (antiseptic esp in small intestine, purgative), Mint (cooling, soothing diestive aid, anti inflammatory), Licorice Root (mild laxative, glandular & adrenal tonic). |
| Pulse: |
Felt with the middle finger. Pulse wave feels like a frog. |
| Canine Types: |
Rottweiler, Pit Bull, Labrador Retriever. |
| VATA ANIMAL (Space, air) — associated with Qi |
| Season: |
Late Autmn – Winter |
| Time: |
2am - 6am & 2pm - 6pm |
| Life Cycle: |
Old Age |
| Functions: |
Transportation, communication, governs all movement — respiration, circulation, excretion |
| Qualities: |
Dry, cold, light, mobile, subtle, hard, rough, irregular, changeable, brittle, restlessness, worrier, awake at night. |
| Physical Attributes: |
Thin, very tall or very short, non-muscular, quick, active. Skin is rough & dry, legs thin & bony, hair coarse, energy comes in bursts, tendency to constipation. Irregular eating habits, pulse is fast / irregular. Intolerant of cold, underweight, non-specific fatique. |
| Mental / Emotional: |
Lively, enthusiastic, concentrated, learn easily but forget easily (the bane of obedience competition owners), difficulty in making decisions, mind is restless, anxious, fears. |
| Locations: |
Below the navel in the bladder, large intestine, nervous system, pelvic region, thighs, bone marrow, legs. Principle organ is large intestine. |
| Diseases: |
Gas and muscular or nervous energy leading to pain.
Constipation, Degenerative Arthritis. |
| Urine: |
Pale yellow, oily. |
| Useful Herbs: |
Properties — carminatives, nervines, colon cleansers.
Examples: Nutmeg (digestive, relaxant), Cinnamon bark (warming, bone tonic, arthritis, worse for cold, with stiffness), Ajwai seed (antiviral, carminative, digestive). |
| Pulse: |
Felt with the index finger. Pulse wave feels like a snake. |
| Canine Types: |
Borzoi, Greyhound, Afghan Hound. |
Pulse: Note that the pulse is taken on the right limb for males and the left limb for females.
Dietary changes are considered fundamental to Ayurvedic healing, digestion being the most important function in the body. Using the appropriate herbs according to their efficacy and animal’s energys of Vata, Pitta and Kapha with appropriate foods will certainly help with your pet’s overall wellness.
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| HERBS AND THE ORGANS IN AYURVEDIC MEDICNE |
| Brain: |
Basil, Calamus, Gotu Kola, Skullcap |
| Mammaries: |
Dandelion, Fennel, Fenugreek, Shatavari |
| Thyroid: |
Irish Moss, Kelp, Trikatu |
| Lungs: |
Comfrey, Elecampane, Ginger, Pippali |
| Lymphatics: |
Bayberry, Echinacea, Yarrow, Yellow Dock |
| Heart: |
Hawthorn, Lotus Seeds, Saffron |
| Kidneys: |
Coriander, Gokshura, Marshmallow, Uva Ursi |
| Stomach: |
Black pepper, Cardamon, Cumin, Fennel |
| Liver: |
Aloe, Barberry, Gentian, Manjishta |
| Spleen: |
Golden Seal, Neem Tumeric |
| Pancreas: |
Dandelion, Tumeric, Pomegranate |
| Large Intestine: |
Psyllium, Rhubarb, Triphala |
| Small Intestine: |
Aloe, Cumin, Gentian |
| Male Reproductive: |
Ashwagandha, Balal, Garlic, Saw Palmetto |
| Female Reproductive: |
Aloe, Myrrh, Raspberry, Shatavari |
COMMONLY USED AYURVEDIC HERBS FOR ANIMALS
The following herbs have their English (or, in the absence of) their Sanskrit and Chinese names after their botanical name.
This is a selection of herbs I use almost daily. They have proved themselves indispensable, especially in the field of auto immune and immune-compromised conditions. — Ed.
ALBIZZIA LEBBECK (Pit Shirish Shirisha)
Actions: Antifungal, antibacterial, anti allergic, hypercholesterolemic.
Uses: Respiratory diseases, skin disease.
ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATA (Chiretta, King of Bitters)
An annual plant, common throughout plains of India. Also cultivated in gardens. Used in traditional Chinese Medicine.
Actions: Bitter tonic, choleretic, immunostimulant, hepatoprotective, antipyretic, anti inflammatory, abortificant.
Uses: Acute & chronic infections, weakened immunity.
Contra indications: in pregnancy.
BACOPA MONNIERA (Brahmi)
An annual succulent creeping plant found throughout India in wet, damp and marshy areas. Often confused with Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica), which is also known as Brahmi. The foremost nerve tonic of Ayurveda, traditionally used for epilepsy, insanity, to improve memory & mental capacities.
Actions: Nervine tonic, mild sedative, mild anti-convulsant, anti-inflammatory.
Uses: Nervous deficit due to injury / stroke, nervous breakdown, nervous exhaustion, epilepsy.
CRATAEVA NURVALA (The Three Leaved Caper)
The foremost Ayurvedic herb for the urinary tract. In tests there was marked relief from incontinence, pain and urinary retention. Urine flow improved, increases bladder tone.
Actions: Bladder tonic, anti-lithic, anti inflammatory.
Uses: Incontinence, UTI’s, prostate.
GOTU KOLA (S) Brahmi (C) Man t’ien hsing
• Originally an Indian herb, perhaps the most important rejuvenative in Ayurvedic medicine.
• Main herb for nerves, increases longevity, decreases ageing.
• Fortifies immune system and strengthens adrenals.
• Powerful blood purifier.
• Specific for chronic skin diseases (eczema & psoriasis).
Actions : Nervine, rejuvenative, alterative, febrifuge, diuretic.
Uses: Nervous disorders, epilepsy, skin conditions.
GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE (Small Indian Ipecac)
Actions: Hypoglycaemic, anti diabetic, hypocholesterolemia.
Uses: Diabetes
HEMIDESMUS INDICUS (Indian Sarsparilla)
High in coumarin, similar action to Melilotus.
Actions: Depurative, diaphoretic, immunosuppressant.
Uses: Skin disease, autoimmune disease.
PICRORRHIZA KURROA (Katuka)
Actions: Hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, immunostimulant, bitter tonic, choleretic.
Uses: Weakened immunity, allergies and autoimmune disorders, toxic liver damage.
Contraindications: Care with high doses — may cause diarrhoea, wind, possible skin rash. Very bitter.
SHATAVARI (C) Tian men dong
A superb tonic and rejuvenative action non female reproductive organs. Main Ayurvedic female medicine as is Ashwagandha for the male (although both have some action on both sexes).
Actions: It increases milk, semen and nurtures mucous membranes. It nourishes and cleanses the blood and female reproductive organs. Effective demulcent for dry and inflamed membranes of lungs, stomach, kidneys.
Uses: Female organ problems, lung abscess.
Contra Indications: Excess mucous conditions.
Ayurvedic medicine for animals is taught at the St Francis College of Natural Animal Health.
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