The Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

Episode 189

Colette discusses Ayurveda's teachings on gross digestion. Understanding these stages, the timing of each stage of digestion and the doshas involved can help you have clarity around any digestive issues you may be experiencing.

The digestive process starts at the mouth and ends at the rectum and the whole process can take up to 6 hours or more. The timing of digestion depends on the strength of the digestive fire or agni, the individuals constitution and the type or qualities of food that has been consumed.

According to Ayurveda, there are 3 stages involved in gross digestion:

• Stage 1 - Sweet stage or Madhura Avastha Paka 
• Stage 2 - Sour stage or Amla Avastha Paka
• Stage 3 - Pungent stage or Katu Avastha Paka

• #92 Ayurvedic Nutrition of the Dhatus.
• #103 Suddoshas of Vata
• #105 Subdoshas of Pitta
• #107 Subdoshas of Kapha