The 3 doshas

Ayurveda believes that each individual has a unique constitution. This applies to both the body and the mind. And doshas are what make up this constitution. There are 3 doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each of these have certain qualities that they impart to the person. All of us have all these 3 doshas but in different proportions. According to Ayurveda, the doshas are the main cause of wellness and disease. When they are balanced and in place, the body and mind function well and the person is healthy. If the doshas are imbalanced and or out of their usual place, they disrupt normal function and disease is the result. There is no "ideal" dosha combination. Each person has their individual dosha combination which determines characteristics like body shape, hair and eye color, energy level, appetite and sleep patterns etc. That is called their prakruti.

Due to many reasons like diet, environment, stress etc, one or more doshas can go out of balance and the person's dosha proportions change from their original. One of the principles of Ayurveda is to try to restore the person to original dosha balance.

What are doshas made up of?

Ayurveda believes that everything in the universe, including the human body, is made out of the 5 great elements. They are Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. These 5 elements combine to make up the 3 doshas.

Space and Air elements combine to make up Vata dosha.

Fire and Water elements combine to make up Pitta dosha.

Water and Earth elements combine to make up Kapha dosha.

Vata Pitta Kapha

So a Vata dominant person will have the qualities of Space and Air. Vata is force that directs the flow of nerve impulses, digestion and elimination and circulation.

A Pitta dominant person will have the qualities of Fire and Water. Pitta energy is what governs metabolism in the body. It is responsible for transformation of food into energy and all cellular metabolism.

A Kapha dominant person will have the qualities of Water and Earth. Kapha dosha is responsible for growth and protection. It gives strength to the body and also lubricates and protect the stomach lining, joints, brain, spinal cord, chest cavity etc

In an upcoming post we will see about these nature and characteristics of each of these 3 doshas.

#Ayurveda #Dosha #Vata #Pitta #Kapha #Prakruti