3 Ayurvedic Doshas: How to Balance Vata, Pitta and Kapha for Optimal Health

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: 

1. Earth (Prithvi)

2. Air (Vayu)

3. Water (Jala)

4. Fire (Agni)

5. Space (Aakash)

Vata Kapha and Pitta have a strong relationship with the elements of nature. The relationship is defined as given below: 

1. Vata Dosha is related to air and space.

2. Pitta Dosha is related to fire and water.

3. 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

1. Vata

2. Pitta

3. Kapha

1. 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.

2. 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.

Innate nature of Pitta Dosha

Pitta being formed of fire and water elements has qualities like hot, light, sharp, oily, liquid, and mobile.

When Pitta dosha is imbalanced?

When pitta is out of balance, we may experience symptoms such as heartburn, inflammation and skin rashes.

How to balance Pitta Dosha?

To keep pitta in balance, one should avoid overheating, both physically and emotionally. Eat cooling foods such as cucumbers and watermelons. Avoid spicy and fried foods. Exercise in moderation and get enough sleep.

3. Kapha Dosha

Kapha dosha is made up of the elements of earth and water. It governs our growth and structure, immunity and lubrication in the body.

Innate nature of Kapha dosha

Kapha being made of elements like earth and water has qualities like heavy, slow, smooth, oily, soft, stable, and cloudy.

When Kapha dosha is imbalanced?

When kapha is out of balance, we may experience symptoms such as congestion, colds, flu, weight gain and lethargy.

How to balance Kapha dosha?

To balance kapha, one should focus on lightening and drying foods and drinks. Eat more cooked than raw foods. Avoid dairy and sugar. Exercise regularly, especially in the morning. Get enough sleep but not too much.

Ayurvedic body type based on three doshas

Ayurveda has defined three types of bodies based on the qualitative nature of the Doshas. Each Ayurveda body has a predominant dosha that defines the trait of that particular body.

Three body type are: Vatta body, Pitta body, Kapha body.

1. Vatta Body

A vatta body type refers to people who have a predominance of Vata dosha in their body. They inhabit characteristics and qualities predominant to vata dosha. Such individuals are usually slim, energetic and creative. They tend to have cold hands and feet. Vatta types are prone to anxiety and insomnia.

Qualities of Vata body type:

Positive qualities

1. Quick learner

2. Creative

3. Can multitask

4. Compassionate

5. Flexible

6. Slim

Negative qualities

1. Mood swings

2. Prone to anxiety

3. Sensitive to cold

4. Digestive problems

5. Poor circulation

6. Sleep issue

2. Pitta Body

Pitta body type have predominance of pitta dosha in their body. They are well-built individuals with good leadership abilities.

Qualities of Pitta body type:

Positive qualities

1. Intelligent

2. Quick learner

3. Goal-oriented

4. Good leadership skills

5. High metabolism

Negative qualities

1. Impatient

2. Gets into conflict with others easily

3. Gets hunger pangs and subject to mood swings

4. Sensitive to hot weather

5. Common health problem faced is inflammation

3. Kapha Body

The Kapha body types have a predominance of Kapha dosha. These people are more grounded and stable. They are described perfectly by the phrase ‘slow and steady’.

Qualities of Kapha body type:

Positive qualities

1. Caring and empathetic

2. Trusts others easily

3. Calm, composed, and patient in nature

4. Wise and mature

5. Have strong bones and joints

6. Have strong immunity

Negative qualities

1. Slow metabolism

2. Gain weight faster

3. Sluggish and oversleeping nature

4. Prone to respiratory problems

5. Risk of Heart disease

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