The Three Doshas

What is a Dosha?
In Ayurveda, it is believed that every individual is made up of five primal elements. They are ether (space), earth, fire, water and air. Just as in nature, each one of us has these elements within. Therefore, the elements present in our environment influence and affect us. The kinds of food we eat or the weather are just a couple of examples of how the natural elements impact our bodies and environment. While we are a composite of these five primary elements, certain elements are seen to have an ability to combine to create various physiological functions called Doshas.

The word Dosha literally means "that which changes". It is derived from the root dus which is equivalent to the English prefix dys- as in dystrophy or dysfunction. Therefore, in philosophical terms Dosha can be understood as an imperfection or transgression against the cosmic rhythm. In Ayurvedic thought Doshas are a requisite for life. They are constantly moving in dynamic balance, one with the others and each individual exhibits a distinct pattern. The pattern of Doshas or bio energies that an individual reveals depends on the specific combination of their physical, mental, and emotional characteristics. It is as unique as a person's DNA and is completely distinct for every individual depending on their constitution, environment and the myriads of influences/changes in their everyday life.

Types of Doshas

Vata
Vata pertains to air and ether elements. The proportions of ether and air determine how active Vata is. The word Vata literally means wind or that which moves or flows. Therefore, Vata governs the movements of the body ranging from pulsations of the heart and breathing to blinking of the eyelids. It also controls the flow of emotions. So, a sudden surge of feelings (fear, anxiety, or nervousness) are often the result of excess Vata. Its primary location in the body is the colon but it also resides in hips, thighs, pelvic cavity, large intestine and skin. Hence, if the body develops excess Vata, it accumulates in these areas.

A Vata imbalance may result in gas, constipation, nerve irritation, high blood pressure, nerve loss, confusion and thoughtlessness. Vata Dosha becomes more prominent in people as they age.

Pitta
Pitta is a Dosha created by the dynamic interplay of fire and water. This might seem as an opposing juxtaposition at first but the relationship becomes clear when you think of the acids like HCL (hydrochloric acid) in our digestive juices. They are both liquid and fiery at the same time. As evident from the analogy, Pitta Dosha governs the digestive functions of the body. It regulates absorption, assimilation, nutrition, body temperature and metabolism. In addition, Pitta determines the skin coloration, luster of the eyes, intelligence and understanding. A predominance of this Dosha often arouses anger, hate, and jealousy. In our body Pitta resides in the small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, fat, eyes and skin.

Excess Pitta can lead to ulcers, acne, consuming emotions like anger or hormonal imbalances while a lack of this Dosha can result in indigestion, sluggish metabolism and slow comprehension. Pitta is predominant in adults and teens.

Kapha
Kapha represents the conceptual balance between the elements, water and earth. It can be visualized as the force the constantly attempts to bind two divergent elements together. Kapha cements the elements in the body together providing the material for physical structure, maintains body resistance and lubricates the joints.
An excess of Kapha often leads to aggravation in emotions like greed and envy. When in balance Kapha promotes the feeling of calmness, forgiveness and love. The chest is the seat of Kapha.

Ayurveda and Fitness
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