In Ayurveda, there are three doshas that are said to govern all aspects of our health. These doshas are vata, pitta and kapha. Each of them have different characteristics and need to be balanced in order for us to achieve optimal health.
These Doshas are related to the elements of nature. There are five elements of nature. These five elements are:
Earth (Prithvi)
Air (Vayu)
Water (Jala)
Fire (Agni)
Space (Aakash)
Vata Kapha and Pitta have a strong relationship with the elements of nature. The relationship is defined as given below:
Vata Dosha is related to air and space.
Pitta Dosha is related to fire and water.
Kapha Dosha is related to earth and water.
What are doshas?
According to Ayurveda, universal life force manifests itself in the form of three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Every human posses unique combination of these three doshas. They are the fundamental energies that govern all aspects of our health.
What are the significance of three doshas?
Our doshas are determined at the moment of our conception and is unique for every individual. These doshas are responsible for the way our mind and body functions. They govern all physiological and psychological processes in the body.
As we grow and move through life, the proportion of these doshas fluctuates according to the environment diet, season, climate, age and various other factors.
Doshas need to be balanced for optimal health, imbalance in doshas affect our health, energy level and general mood.
What are the three doshas?
The three doshas are
Vata
Pitta
Kapha
Vata Dosha
Vata means ‘vayu’, ‘air’, hence vata dosha is made up of the elements of air and space. It is responsible for all the movement in the body, both physical and mental. Vata governs our breath, circulation, heart rate and nervous system, qualities of lightness, cold, dryness, roughness of skin etc.
Innate nature of Vata dosha
Vata being made of elements of air and space has qualities like dry, cold, rough, light, clear, mobile, and subtle.
When Vata dosha is imbalanced?
When vata dosha is imbalanced, it can manifest as anxiety, fear, insomnia, constipation and dry skin.
How to balance Vata dosha?
To balance vata, one should focus on grounding and stability in their life. Eat warm, cooked foods. Avoid cold, raw foods and drinks. Exercise regularly but not too strenuously. Get enough sleep and rest.
Pitta Dosha
Pitta means ‘fire’, hence pitta dosha is made up of the elements of fire and water. It governs our digestion, metabolism and hormones.