What are Doshas?
Every individual on this planet differs from the other. Even offspring born from the same parents are different from each other. Modern science says it happens due to various combinations of gene or DNA, that takes place during zygote formation. But Ayurveda, 5000 years old science believes that there are 3 different forms of energies that run life universally. These 3 energies are known as Tridosha i.e. VATA, PITTA & KAPHA. They are physiological & physical forces that cater basic structural and functional composition of the human mind and body.
The unique combination of these doshas gets cemented during the time of conception & manifests as individuals’ nature or “Prakriti”. Every individual has some of the doshas and one or two have dominant doshas. Doshas get impacted and fluctuate as per environment, season, diet, lifestyle, stress, etc. Hence for the healthy functioning of the body doshas needs to be balanced.
From Where did doshas originate?
As per Ayurvedic scholars, our entire universe be it animate or inanimate, you & I all originate from 5 elements or PANCHAMAHABHUTAS – air, water, fire, earth, and space. Doshas also originate from different combinations of panchamahabhutas.
So what is VATA, PITTA & KAPHA DOSHA?
Vatta
It is predominantly composed of space and air. It governs all the movements and flows in the body, from taking food to its place of digestion to throwing wastes out of the body. It controls your joints and nervous activity.
Vata types individual are physically very tall or very short, thin & often underweight. They mostly have small eyes, dry hair & rough skin. Normally they are highly enthusiastic and vibrant, flexible, quick learners, creative, and full of energy. When Vata is imbalanced they become restless, anxious, and fearful. Digestion of Vata type is delicate and appetite is irregular. They cannot tolerate dry, cold, heavy food. They usually have disturbed sleep.
Vata imbalance disease manifestations –
- They commonly suffer from arthritis and bone density issues.
- Neuromuscular symptoms are generally seen in them like – stiffness, numbness, tingling, tremors, spasm.
- More prone to gas, bloating, constipation, flatulence.
- Dryness of skin, dandruff, cracking of feet are seen.
- Mental instability, panic attacks, insomnia, anxiety, fear, distributed focus are ideally Vata’s mental manifestations.
Pitta
Pitta is made up of fire and water. Pitta is closely related to intelligence, understanding mainly digestion. It governs all nutritional & metabolic activities and also regulates the body temperature.
They are of medium height, medium build, and have typically toned & athletic bodies. Eyes are medium and are mostly brown, green, hazel in color. Pitta type skin is known for its delicate & radiance. They have pink Lips and chicks, brown & straight hairs. Pitta individuals are sharp, competitive, success-oriented, driven, and compassionate. They make good leaders, administrators & scholars. They are famous for being hot-headed, intolerant and impulsive nature. Pitta types have a great appetite and can eat a large amount of meal but they cannot tolerate hot & spicy. Coming down to sleep patterns they tend to be night owls.
Pitta imbalance disease manifestations –
- They usually suffer from fever, acidity, headaches, ulcers, diarrhea, inflammation, bleeding disorders when imbalanced
- Rashes, acne, pimples, sunburn, pigmentations are common skin issues in them.
- Pitta imbalance in the mind can cause irritability, anger, rage, jealousy.
Kapha
It is composed of earth and water elements. Kapha is associated with lubrication of joints, moisturization of skin maintains immunity.
They have a strong, compact build and tend to be overweight. They have large and attractive white eyes, smooth skin & thick lustrous hair. They are generally calm, grounded, understanding, even-tempered, and nurturing in nature. They mostly make natural teachers, healers, parents, chefs, and technicians. They are foodie, eat more than their capacity and hence gains weight easily. Kapha individuals can sleep for very long hours. They are often lazy, lethargic, slow starters but are strong on commitments.
Kapha imbalance disease manifestations –
- Digestive manifestations are overeating, anorexia, excess mucus formation, fatty accumulations in the arteries and other body parts.
- They are prone to cough, cold, URTI, allergies, pneumonia.
- Excess Kapha in the mind leads to lethargy, depression, greed, stubbornness, possessiveness, and melancholy, oversleep, and hoarding.
Importance of understanding one Prakriti as per dosha –
As we now see that having or belonging to a particular Prakriti or dominant dosha affects your physiology, your physique, your likes – dislikes, and habits. It also impacts your mental and emotional character as well as vulnerabilities towards imbalances and diseases.
So will it not be enlightening to understand your own body constitution?
Why not feed your doshas with its best food and lifestyles and do not go to the vulnerable zone of getting imbalanced?
So let me empower you to discover your own Prakriti, understand your own self deeply and change your life by bringing little changes in your daily routine & diet, do suitable exercise, manage relationships & stress levels.
Finally, with this you will understand that Ayurveda and its teaching is not just a science, it’s a way of living your life.
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