The tree Dosha s VATA, PITTA & KAPHA

The Vata, Pitta and Kapha Doshas are active not only in our bodies but in all of nature, in animals, plants and fruits – in all the bodies of creation and in every cell.

In nature, all the bioenergies work together. The rain gives the earth moisture (Kapha). The sun’s warmth (Pitta) ripens the fruit. The wind (Vata) is responsible for fertilising plants. When these bioenergies work in harmony they contribute to life on earth.

Conversely, when these bioenergies are in imbalance, flooding (Kapha) can ravage the land, too much heat (Pitta) can parch the earth and storms (Vata) can cause devastating destruction.

The same is true of our bodies: When Kapha, Pitta and Vata work together in harmony, we are in good health. The Doshas in Ayurvedic medicine are the human body’s three basic controlling and regulating systems. The ratio of Vata, Pitta and Kapha defines our personal constitution, and the composition of Doshas determines our strengths, weaknesses, susceptibility to disease and the body’s ability to respond.

Once the Ayurvedic therapist knows a person’s constitution, he or she can make an appropriate selection from a wide variety of Ayurvedic treatments.

Every Dosha has a principal location in the body and is responsible for certain functions and properties.

THE THREE DOSHAS: VATA, PITTA & KAPHA

VATA CHARACTERISTICS: dry, light, cold, agile, rough, quick, subtle, not viscous

Vata is located in the bladder, the large intestine, the legs, the head, the chest, the throat, the stomach, the navel, the heart and the circulatory system. Vata is the life force itself and the most powerful of the Doshas. When Vata is out of balance, disorders are quick to follow. It controls the processes of movement, emotions, nourishment (eating, drinking and breathing), retention and elimination, preservation of bodily tissues as well as sensual and mental activity.

PITTA CHARACTERISTICS: hot, spicy, sour, piercing, light, oily

Pitta is located in the lower third of the stomach, the duodenum, the navel, the blood, the eye, the skin, the liver, the heart, the head and the spleen. Pitta is mostly determined by the Element of Fire. It regulates the metabolism and controls the activities of the digestive system, body temperature, skin pigmentation and the intellect. A person’s emotional expression and presence are also controlled by Pitta.

KAPHA CHARACTERISTICS: heavy, oily, slow, stable, smooth, solid, slow

The seat of Kapha is in the head, the chest, the stomach, the tongue, the mouth and in the joints. Kapha ensures cohesion and stability in the body. It is responsible for growth and regeneration, for strength, stability, body weight, the skin’s radiance and the body’s ‘lubrication’.

We find the energies of the Doshas in our body and mind where they have the following functions:

DOSHA PRINCIPLE FUNCTION

VATA MOVEMENT

PITTA METABOLISM

KAPHA STRUCTURE

Agility, alertness, separation of nutrients and waste products, excretion, breathing, bloodstream

Digestion, vision, heat production, hunger and thirst, intellect, elasticity

Stability, strength, patience, virility, suppleness, leniency, courage and generosity