The doshas of Vata, Pitta and Kapha are one of the fundamental concepts in Ayurveda.
Before we can fully understand the meaning or function of the doshas, we must first explore the building blocks of the material world; the five great elements. All matter is composed of the elements of Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. These qualities are present in varying amounts both within nature and within our physical body.
Ether in the natural world is deep, vast and empty (think outer space). Ether in the body manifests in hollow organs including the pelvis, bones, lungs, sinuses, mouth and in the space between our cells.
Air is essentially space in motion. Space is passive whereas air moves around. You may feel air or wind on your skin and see it moving through the clouds. Internally, the air element supports movement via respiration, circulation, digestion, movement of nerve impulses, and muscle contractions.
Fire is heat. You may see this as a hot spring, forest fire or the bright, burning sun. The earth’s core is made of fire, similar to our internal “core” or our digestive fire. The fire element represents the capacity for heat and light and is responsible for digestion of food, thoughts and emotions. It energizes and invigorates and brings color to the skin.
Water covers the rivers, oceans, and cells of plants. The water element governs lubrication and is present in our blood and lymphatic system, digestive juices, mucous membranes (stomach/intestines, eyes, sinuses) and synovial fluid (to lubricate the joints). It keeps us juicy, soft and supple!
Earth represents anything solid in nature like rocks, trees, and soil. It is responsible for structure and stability within the body. Fat, muscle and bone tissue are all composed of the earth element.
From these elements we get the doshas, which each perform a specific physiological function within the body. We are all born with a unique proportion of the doshas at birth, known as prakruti. This is our “doshic blueprint”, so to speak, and never changes. Over time, the doshas have the potential to go out of balance due to constant fluctuations in our diet and lifestyle habits, the change of the seasons or the inevitable effects of aging. Our current state of health or imbalance is known as our vikruti. The term ‘dosha’ literally translates as “that which is at fault”. When the doshas are balanced, we experience freedom from dis-ease. In our modern world, it is common for one or more of the doshas to be out of balance. In Ayurveda, the goal is to bring the doshas back into balance.
VATA DOSHA:
Vata dosha is made of the air and ether elements and is responsible for all movement in the body. It is known as the “king of doshas” because it energizes and mobilizes Pitta and Kapha. Vata governs respiration, circulation of blood, movement of food through the digestive system, elimination of waste, the conduction of nerve impulses and processing of thoughts and emotions. Vata is responsible for our speech and expression and proper functioning of the sense organs.
When Vata dosha is in balance, they are creative, enthusiastic, energetic and intuitive. They are quick minded, imaginative, filled with new ideas and always up for adventure! They love freedom, flexibility and have difficulty sticking to any kind of routine. While these qualities can make Vata the life of the party, their sensitive nervous systems and delicate constitution can easily lead to depletion, hypersensitivity and overwhelm.
Vata types have a long, lanky skeletal frame, narrow hips and prominent joints. They tend towards conditions dominated by the cold, light, dry and mobile qualities. Vata types tend to speak and move quickly and may have a difficult time sitting still. In the mind they may be more prone to anxiety and worry. Physically, they may tend towards dry skin, hair and nails, sensitivity to cold, poor or variable appetite, constipation, low stamina, difficulty concentrating, chronic joint pain, muscle spasms and insomnia.
PITTA DOSHA:
Pitta is predominated by the fire and water elements and contains the energy needed for heat, transformation and metabolism within the body. It governs the digestion of food, metabolism of sensory perceptions and discrimination between right and wrong. It carries out its function through carrier substances like hormones, bile, acids and enzymes.
When Pitta is in balance, they have strong, steady digestion and healthy elimination. They possess good strength and stamina, sharp intellect and are ambitious, disciplined and dependable. While their natural capacity for problem solving, creating systems and organizational tasks makes them such great leaders, they have the potential to push themselves past their limits leading to burnout.
Pitta types generally have a well proportioned medium frame with good muscle development, bone structure and sharp facial features. Their skin tends to be fair, slightly oily and may be particularly sensitive or reactive. They tend towards conditions dominated by the hot, sharp, oily and liquid qualities. Emotionally, they may experience anger, irritability and impatience. Physically they may experience loose stool, acid reflux, acne, skin rashes, hypertension, headaches and are prone to inflammation.
KAPHA DOSHA:
Kapha is made of the earth and water elements and is responsible for structure and lubrication within the body. Kapha lubricates the joints, organs, brain and the stomach, it provides stability and weight by acting as a cementing agent, holding together cells and aiding in the formation of fat, muscle and bone. Kapha protects the body from wear and tear, supports strong immunity and longevity.
Kapha types have a well developed frame with sturdy bones and joints, broad shoulders and hips and a larger overall build. They have smooth, clear complexions and soft, luxurious hair. They tend to have a neutral to cool body temperature, but can work up a sweat once they get moving. They are calm, loving, graceful, compassionate, and grounded.
The earth and water elements are responsible for Kapha’s natural strength and resiliency. In excess, the oily, heavy, dull and stable qualities can cause imbalances due to stagnation. Emotionally, they may experience feelings of depression, inertia or resistance to change. Physically, they may tend towards slow, sluggish digestion and elimination, weight gain, mucus congestion and water retention.
Knowledge of the doshas is an important tool in Ayurveda as it allows you to better understand your unique mind-body type. By knowing your dominant dosha(s) and constitution you can more easily identify the ways in which you have a tendency to fall out of balance. Simple shifts in diet, routine and lifestyle habits can bring the doshas back into a state of equilibrium thereby preventing dis-ease in the body and mind.
