Mistake of Intellect:

Loss of sattva influence - connection to Self. When we identify with individual objects, or parts of knowledge, rather than the wholeness - sattva. This is not a conscious decision, but is programmed from childhood. This is the first cause of disease.

Misuse of Senses:

Loss of sattva influence - connect to Self at a deeper level. When we lose connection to Self, we begin to make choices that do not support balance. Abusing the senses disable their functional capacity and allows harmful influences to impact the mind and body. Overuse (rajas), under use (tamas), emotionally harmful use (abusive movies, etc.) results in doshic imbalance and production of ama (waste). This is the second cause of disease.

The Changing of Seasons:

Disease Process:

• First Phase: Accumulation - Stored Ama collects GI Tract: Kapha- stomach Pitta - Small Intestines Vata - Colon Symptoms are mild, usually ignored.
  
  
• Second Phase: Aggravation First stage is ignored, same mistakes are made, ama continues to reproduce. Accumulates at site to the point of provocation.
  
  
• Third Phase: Migration - "to leave and spread Overflows it's site of origin- doshas transport it to the dhatus (tissues). Ama is sticky so it adheres to tissue. (Doshas can move to hollow structures to deeper tissues and back again twice a day.) Follows same sequence as dhatus development Rhasa, Rhakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja, Shukra.
  
  
• Fourth Phase: Taking shelter - lodges in a weak dhatus (tissue), overwhelms it. Causes dysfunction and structural damage. Beginning of degenerative diseases and serious infections.
  
  
• Fifth Phase: that which can be seen - General diagnosis is made. Immunity and health functions deteriorate. Structural damage progresses. Drugs are usually prescribed. Symptoms are suppressed. Diseases process will recur or find another avenue.
  
  
• Sixth Phase: Differentiation - No Doubts about nature of disease. Severe damage and impaired dhatu function. Complication with related dhatus. Complication with toxic side effects of drugs. Complete cure becomes difficult.

What To Do?

Ahara - "Intake"- knowledge of proper diet, 60% of disease can be controlled by diet. Vihar "Activity"- A healthy lifestyle to maintain optimum health. Aushadhi- "medicine"- treatments to bring back to health- used when diet and lifestyle cannot correct the imbalances by themselves. If the body is kept free of toxic buildup- it is capable of assimilating nutrients and replenishing itself.