The Doshas

 

 

"Doshas" in Ayurveda refer to your unique physical and mental constitution, which influence your personal well-being. Each person has their own dominant dosha or combination of two or three of these elemental forces. Knowing yours can help you maintain balance through seasonal changes for lasting health and peace of mind. The Doshas are made up of the primal elements earth, water, fire, air, and space. They are the life energies behind all of our bodily functions. Each one commands a specific force in the body and is associated with certain qualities.

 

 

The interaction of these three fundamental forces gives rise to the five elements of nature: Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth and then the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—the building blocks of creation. Vata Dosha is composed of space & air.  Pitta Dosha is composed water and fire. Kapha Dosha is composed of earth and water. The three doshas exist and function in EVERYTHING, both in the world around us and in our mind and body.

 

 

Vata Dosha

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Vata is composed of the elements (Mahabhutas): space & air

Qualities:

• light

• dry

• coarse

• rough

• dark

• changeable

• moveable

• subtle

• cold

• clear

Appetite: Variable, with little consistency from one day to the next

Digestion: Poor, with variable digestive capacity

Stool: Hard, dry, dark, prone to constipation

Urine: Light in Color, Frequent Urination

Menstruation: Irregular cycles with severe cramping and scanty blood flow

Movement: Cramping or spastic movements

Physical Activity: Addicted to movement

Sexual Activity: Wide variation in sexual desire or loss of desire

Sleep: Light or prone to insomnia

Voice: Weak, tires easily, prone to hoarseness

Speech: Fast, erratic

Skin: Dry, flaky

Hair: Dry, brittle

Joints: Cracking

Body Type: Light build, thin; handshake: cold, thin, weak

Psychology in Balance: Enthusiastic, vivacious, talkative

Psychology out of Balance: Anxious, fearful, nervous, unstable

Foods that aggravate: Cold, raw, rough (salads), dry foods (beans), light foods (popcorn)

Foods that pacify: Warm, unctuous (oily), heavy

Season: Fall, early winter

Time of day: 2-6 AM or PM

Location in physiology: Colon, joints, inside of bones, nervous system

Major functions in physiology: Movement, transportation, communication 

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Common Vata Disorders:

 

·      Arthritis

·      High or low blood pressure

·      Cracking or popping joints

·      Bladder/urinary disorders

·      Muscle stiffness

·      Headaches (tension)

·      Dry skin

·      Insomnia

·      Constipation

·      Dizziness

·      Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

·      Gas and bloating

·      Premature aging

·      Chronic fatigue

·      Fibromyalgia

·      Food allergies

 

Vata is like the wind: It gives rise to all movement in the universe. Inside us, it is connected to the nervous system and anywhere there is bodily motion—even the movement of our thoughts.  The main qualities of vata are moving, light, subtle, changing, quick, and dry.

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Pitta Dosha

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Pitta is composed of the Mahabhutas: fire and water

Qualities:

• hot

• sharp

• pungent

• intense

• flowing (but grounded)

• sour

• oily (slightly)

Appetite: Too strong becomes irritable when skipping a meal

Digestion: Too strong digestion, easily aggravated by spicy foods

Stool: Soft, loose, burning, lighter in color; frequent bowel movements or diarrhea

Urine: Bright yellow, often in excess

Menstruation: Regular but may have heavy bleeding, longer period due to internal heat

Movement: Determined Stride

Physical Activity: Overdoes vigorous exercise and becomes too competitive at sports

Sexual Activity: Overly strong sexual appetite, too easily aroused

Sleep: Light, Early morning awakenings

Voice: Loud, often piercing: 

Speech: Sharp and direct

Skin: Delicate, oily skin; prone to acne and rashes

Hair: Premature graying and hair loss common

Body type: Medium build, muscular

Handshake: Crushing grip, warm hand

Psychology in balance: intense, analytical, focused, generous, goal-oriented

Psychology out of Balance:  Overly intense, manipulative, stubborn, jealous, egotistical

Foods that pacify: Cool, sweet, bitter and moist

Foods that aggravate: Hot, spicy (chilies, ginger), burning or acidic (vinegar, citrus)

Season: Summer

Time of day: 10-2 AM or PM

Location in physiology: Liver, small intestine, skin

Major functions in the physiology: Digestion, metabolism, and transformation

 

Common Pitta Disorders:

 

·      Heartburn

·      Hot flashes

·      Skin rashes

·      Psoriasis

·      Ulcers

·      Inflammation

·      Canker sore

·      Diarrhea

·      Liver disorders

·      Bad breath

·      Bloodshot eyes

·      Food allergies to nuts

·      Excessive hunger and thirst

 

Pitta is like the sun: It governs all the heat and energy in the universe. In our bodies it is connected to metabolism and digestion. Sharp thinking is also a pitta function. Pitta is especially important for healthy blood and skin. The main qualities of pitta are hot, sharp, bright, energetic, slightly oily, and moist. 

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Kapha Dosha

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Kapha is composed of the elements (Mahabhutas): earth and water

Qualities:

• unctuous (oily)

• slimy

• cool

• moist

• sticky

• heavy

• stable

• strong

• soft

Appetite: Not strong. Often not hungry when awakening

Digestion: Digestive fire often weak. Slow metabolism

Stool: Well-formed, often with an oily coat

Urine: White and foamy; infrequent elimination

Menstruation: Regular but prone to water retention and clotting

Movement: Slow and graceful

Physical Activity: Capable of vigorous activity but tends to avoid physical exertion

Sexual Activity: Steady desire for sex

Sleep: Deep sleep, often snores, feels rested upon awakening

Voice: Thick, melodious, low

Speech: Slow and deliberate

Skin: Oily, smooth cool

Hair: Thick, oily

Body type: Large build

Handshake: Soft puffy pillow

Psychology in balance: Jovial, sweet, loving, easy-going

Psychology out of Balance:  Attached, greedy

Foods that pacify: Light, spicy (pungent), astringent

Foods that aggravate: Sweet, heavy (cheesecake), oily, substantial (meat=oily, heavy)

Season: Winter, early Spring

Time of day: 6-10 AM or PM

Location in physiology: Chest, low back

Function in physiology: Structure, strength (immunity), lubrication

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Common Kapha Disorders:

 

·      Obesity

·      Diabetes

·      Colds and coughs

·      Yeast conditions

·      Lymphatic system disorders

·      Water retention/bloating

·      Sinus congestion (some types)

·      Congestive heart failure

 

Kapha is like a mountain: It gives stability and structure to everything in the universe. In our physiology it is connected to the structure, strength, fat content, and moistness of the body. The main qualities of kapha are steady, stable, slow, unctuous, sweet, and wet.