Ayurveda is a holistic Indian system of medicine that uses a constitutional model. It works to provide a flexible guidance to attain a state of positive health. Its treatment and techniques are also flexible for people with health challenges. Ayurveda is based on the principles of three doshas or the three basic energy types which are further classified as vata, pitta and kapha (wind, bile and phlegm).
Dosha is a Sanskrit word and is derived from the root “dosh” which means “that which corrupts or becomes bad”. It is used in Charaka Samhita (which is one of the leading classical texts on Ayurveda) to indicate excess that has the potential to upset the natural equilibrium of the body.
According to Ayurveda, these doshas or energies can be found in everyone and everything, thus making them the essential building blocks of the material world. All the three doshas combine to create different climates, different foods, different species, and even different individuals within the same species and perform different physiological functions in every individual body. In fact, the particular ratio of vata, pitta, and kapha within each of us has a significant influence on our individual physical, mental, and emotional character traits. As per ayurvedic texts, the quantity and qualities of these three doshas and their combinations, fluctuate in the body as per seasons, day part, digestion & gut health, age, life stage, daily routine etc.
Here’s explaining you the three doshas and the different functions they perform within the body.
- Vata Dosha (Wind Energy)
Vata is predominantly composed of the space and air elements. It is the energy that is linked to creative and flexibility and controls bodily functions associated with motion, including blood circulation, breathing, blinking, tissue movement, cellular mobility, heartbeat, and the communication between mind and the nervous system. When an imbalance of vata dosha occurs in body, it can produce fear and anxiety.
- Pitta Dosha (Fire Energy)
Pitta is principally made up of the fire and water elements and is an amalgamation of the hot, sharp, light, liquid, and subtle qualities. Pitta is neither mobile nor stable, but spreads. It controls the body’s temperature. When in balance, it lends contentment and intelligence and its imbalance can cause ulcers and anger.
- Kapha Dosha (Water Energy)
Kapha is composed primarily of the earth and water elements. It is the energy that lends structure and solidity to all things and provides the cohesiveness needed to maintain a particular form. It controls growth in body and provides water to all parts of the body. As a result, it hydrates all cells and systems, lubricates the joints, moisturizes the skin, maintains immunity and protects the tissues. When in balance, it is expressed as love and forgiveness, and when it goes out of balance it can lead to feelings of insecurity and envy.
Everyone inherits a unique mix of the three doshas. But one is usually stronger than the others. Each controls a different body function. It’s believed that your chances of getting sick and the health issues you develop are linked to the balance of your doshas. However, it is recommended that one should avoid doing online self-tests & questionnaires to identify one’s particular dosha / prakriti (optimum balance of doshas).
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