General recommendations on healing physical (Shariraka) and psychological (Manasika) illnesses

Taken in isolation, this sutra would be very misleading - it makes it look as if it is simple to cure imbalances. However, this is not the case. The sutra is just hinting at how to do this, but that requires a deep knowledge and understanding of an illness and its causes. Today, Ayurveda is spreading around the world like a weed. In various cram courses people self-diagnose their own Tridosha and classify their illnesses that have been diagnosed by modern medical science (which involves a description of symptoms, not causes) into the categories of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. If it is used with such speed in such a manner, then this verse is definitely a killer. For example, if a person with diabetes diagnoses himself as Kapha and begins treating himself with honey, this would be a mess. Therefore, it is important to first understand Nidan (all about the causes of disease), Samprapti (the complex treatment of the Tridosha) and only then can one begin to treat the patient, dosha by dosha. In this sutra, Baghbath is continually implying and thinking about those causes, but the contemporary reader tends to think about effects. This has to be recognized and understood; only then it is possible to continue.

Comprehending which doshas are involved is always the aim in Ayurveda. The aim is treating the human body, which is based on the doshas, but we always forget that. We must understand where and how they arise and how their imbalance spreads, that understanding is the basis of this approach. There are cavities in the body where basic transformations are constantly underway. The entire body is one big cavity with these  subdivisions within it:  the pelvic area, the belly area, the chest area. This verse describes the curative procedures of enema, laxative and vomiting for addressing disease. The body is nothing but fat and water, so when their proportions are balanced, all is well. The various kinds of fat in the body will be discussed later. Fats and oils are used to calm Vata. Ghee specifically is used to calm Pitta. Honey is used to calm Kapha. These are the three main procedures. Sesame oil is the oil that balances Vata best. Ghee and honey must be completely understood as well in terms of how they should be prepared, which would require practical training. Panchakarma cannot be taught without practice and supervision.