The Three Doshas

Tridoshas — Vata, Pitta & Kapha Explained

Ayurveda is the study of herbal natural medicines which has been in Indian knowledge base for thousands of years. It is based on the philosophical, psychological and conventional understanding of medicines which took centuries. It is also the study of our daily food intake which controls our physical and mental health.

Ayurveda, also known as "The Science of Life" advises us to live our lives (Ayur) as per the teachings available in the Indian scriptures known as Vedas. The Vedas were founded by the Sages living in the Himalayas more than 5000 years ago. The four Vedas — Rig, Yajur, Sam & Atharva — taught us to balance our daily routine with a mix of Spirituality, Discipline, co-existence of nature and ourselves, food and recreation to live and enjoy a healthy and prosperous life.

Ayurveda today is a popular term for herbal treatment or treatment of diseases through available natural resources. Ayurveda does not provide momentary relief but treats the root of the disease based on the symptoms. The diseases are diagnosed through pulse examination and the subsequent relation of the disease with the TRIDOSHA to start the treatment.

Vata Dosha

Air as it is known, is the study of flow and the motion of the body. It is also a primary or main principle of the Ayurveda. It controls the flow of blood, breathing and thought the process and eliminates the waste from our mind and body. Vata is composed of air along with space element in our body and its necessities like breathing. Vata is very much like the air element. It is light, moving, dry and cool.

People who have dominant Vata energy will be having the same kind of qualities. Their bodies will be light, bones thinner and skin and hair devoid of moisture. Their actions will be quick i.e. they will walk and speak quickly. When healthy they can be extremely creative, energetic, and full of enthusiasm and of course very talkative. An imbalance in Vata energy causes their immune system to become weak, and subsequently they will lose weight and have nervous system problems. They will then be easily confused or overwhelmed and have sleep disorders. The Vata element can be easily imbalanced by emotions like fear, anxiety and worry.

The treatment of the imbalances is done by therapies that include quality opposed to the basic nature of Vata. So, the therapy will include warm oils, heavy nourishment and moisture. Diet should contain warm milk and rice and cooked vegetables. Ginger and Ashwagandha should be had for increasing the inner body temperature. The other parts of the therapy include colour and aromatic therapy with yoga and detoxification. Massage by hot oils is done in this case.

Pitta Dosha

It is composed of the fire and water elements. Fire is the dominant element in Pitta energy, and thus people who have dominant Pitta force tend to have fire-like nature. Pitta is therefore hot, volatile and oily. Oiliness is due to the water element. The people of Pitta nature will have intermediate weight and nice muscles. When imbalances happen they are prone to infection and stomach issues.

People with a dominant Pitta energy are very competitive, focused and courageous and believe in to-the-point communication. The balance of the energy is disturbed by emotions like anger, jealousy and resentment.

Balance to Pitta is brought by therapies that include coolness, dryness and heavy diet. Fennel is a cool spice which should be included in the diet. Beans are recommended for people with Pitta Dosha dominating. The fire element needs to be controlled with help of herbs like dandelion root. Aromas, colour and massage include coolness. Massage is done using menthol oils in case of Pitta dominant persons.

Kapha Dosha

Fluid, as it is known, is the study of fluidic movements in our body in the form of blood, fat, muscles & reproductive tissues. It controls the retention of water in our body for physical and mental strength. It provides lubrication to our brain, joints, lungs and heart and increases the immunity of our body. It's the study of earth and water and their harmony inside us to make us strong physically and emotionally.

The water and earth elements reflect in the personality. Kapha is cool, moist and stable. People with this dominant Dosha will have heavy bones, supple skin and large stocky built body. Nature of these people is very cool and calm. Imbalances cause increase in weight and weakened lungs and sinus problems. Inability to process sugar that leads to diabetes is also more common in these people. These people handle stress very easily but do not like changes.

The opposite quality of lightness, dryness and warmth are included in the therapy to balance the Kapha Dosha. Lots of vegetables and less of nuts are recommended. Carbohydrate intake should be the least to avoid weight gain. Herbs like guggul and clove are very effective in bringing balance.