Ayurvedic type of body – Vata, pitta , and kapha, known collectively as doshas, are one of the most fundamental principles in the Ayurveda tradition. But what exactly are they? In essence, doshas are nature’s energetic forces, practical concepts that help us understand ourselves and the environment around us better. To find out which of your constitution and state of imbalance make up the doshas.

For our physiology, vata, pitta , and kapha are each important in some way, so no one dosha is better than, or superior to, any other. — of them has a very unique collection of functional roles in the body to perform. That said, they can wreak havoc on our health when the doshas are out of control.

But it is helpful to consider their elemental composition and their wider role in the natural world before we get into the details of each of the three doshas.

In Ayurveda, the most basic building blocks of the material world are the five elements: ether (space), air, fire, water, and earth.

Vata is characterized by the mobile nature of Wind (Air) energy.

Pitta embodies the transformative nature of Fire energy.

And Kapha reflects the binding nature of Water energy.

The Doshas and The Elements

Both of the doshas comprise both five components (as do all things in nature), but each consists mostly of two components.

DOSHAPRIMARY ELEMENTS
VATTAAIR + ETHER
PITTAFIRE + WATER
KAPHAWATER + EARTH

As with the elements, in everyone and all, but in different proportions, all three of the doshas can be found. Within the same population, they combine to produce various ecosystems, different foods, different species, and even different individuals. In reality, within each of us, the basic ratio of vata, pitta , and kapha gives us a blueprint for optimal health (otherwise known as our constitution), and has a major impact on our individual character traits of physical, mental , and emotional character, as well as our unique strengths and weaknesses. Please consider setting up your Ayurvedic ProfileTM, an evaluation of both your constitution and your present state of equilibrium, if you do not know your Ayurvedic constitut.on. You will also receive a set of personalised tips when you do, tailored to assist you on your path towards optimal health.

The Doshas’ Qualitative Essence

Each dosha is characterised by a set of characteristics that promote its specific energy:

DOSHAQUALITIES
VATTADry, Light, Cold, Rough, Subtle, Mobile, Clear
PITTAHot, Sharp, Light, Liquid, Spreading, Oily
KAPHAHeavy, Slow, Cool, Oily, Smooth, Dense, Soft, Stable, Gross, Cloudy (Sticky)

These qualities make it very intuitive to balance the doshas because, according to Ayurveda, balance increases like and opposites like. When either of the doshas is exacerbated, by reducing the power of the qualities of that dosha, while preferring their opposites, we can usually encourage a return to equilibrium. And if we understand which unique characteristics are amplified, we may concentrate on pacifying certain characteristics in particular, while promoting foods, herbs, and experiences that intensify their opposing energies.

Functions of Doshas

Each of the three doshas, defined by its own combination of elements and qualities, has a unique personality. Every dosha naturally regulates particular physiological functions at the end of the day:

DOSHAPRIMARY FUNCTIONS
VATTAMovement and Communication
PITTADigestion and Transformation
KAPHACohesiveness, Structure, and Lubrication

Movement and contact are regulated by Vata.

Digestion and Transformation is overseen by Pitta.

Cohesiveness, structure, and lubrication are given by Kapha.

Although doshas can be observed in nature everywhere, they are especially supportive of understanding living organisms, specifically ourselves. For this purpose, in the sense of human physiology, we will discuss their primary functions.

The Vata

The energy of movement is embodied by Vata and is therefore often connected to wind (and the air element). Vata is related to imagination and flexibility; it regulates all motion in the mind and nervous system, the rhythm of the breath, the pulsation of the heart, all muscle contractions, tissue movements, cellular mobility and communication.

The Pitta

The energy of transformation is expressed by Pitta and is therefore closely associated with the fire aspect. Pitta is, however, mostly liquid in living organisms, which is why water is its secondary feature. Pitta is neither mobile nor stable, but spreads, just as a fire’s warmth permeates its surroundings, just as the terrain determines the direction of water flows. Knowledge, comprehension, and the absorption of food, feelings, emotions , and experiences are closely linked to Pitta; it regulates diet and metabolism, body temperature, and the light of comprehension.

The Kapha

Kapha gives all things order, solidity, and cohesiveness, and is thus identified mainly with the elements of earth and water. The watery powers of love and compassion are also expressed by Kapha. This dosha moisturises all cells and systems, lubricates the joints, hydrates the skin, protects the tissues, and retains immunity.

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-Manjeet Ahuja

Certified Fitness Trainer

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