The Doshas: Vata, Pita and Kapha
Why is an understanding of the doshas important?
Think of the doshas as a tool for understanding the nature of a person’s imbalance. If, for example, a person has symptoms such as frequent rashes, burning indigestion, loose stools, red eyes, and a volatile temper, to many people these symptoms might seem unrelated. But from an Ayurvedic perspective, these are all occurring as a result of a pitta imbalance. Simply put, the body has too much fire in it. It’s running too hot and needs to be cooled down. Once you understand this, healing modalities that are cooling in nature can be utilized. For example, there are numerous remedies for indigestion. Some are heating, some are cooling. If you have a pitta digestive imbalance, you would select cooling foods and remedies. You certainly would not want to be eating cayenne peppers and drinking spicy tea!As an Ayurvedic practitioner, when I work with my clients I come to an understanding of 1) your Vikruti or current state of imbalance; 2) your Prakruti or natural state of balance; and 3) the nature of the treatments. I then prepare a specialized treatment program for you utilizing appropriate modalities, with the goal being to bring you back to your natural state of balance. As stated previously, Ayurveda utilizes an endless number of healing modalities including (but not limited to) food programs, herbs, self-massage, aromatherapy, color and sound therapies, yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, and lifestyle adjustments.
Ayurveda does not treat symptoms; it treats the energetic imbalance producing the symptoms and the body heals itself.
A subtle interplay between the doshas determines both our state of health (Prakruti) and our state of imbalance (Vikruti). By understanding the doshas one can take appropriate actions to eliminate the causes of imbalance and re-establish one’s original constitution. However, Ayurveda does not treat symptoms; it treats the energetic imbalance producing the symptoms and the body heals itself.
Vata
Vata is created by a combination of the elements ether (space) and
air. The driving force behind the other two doshas, vata (“that which
moves things”) is responsible for sensory, emotional and mental harmony
and balance. Vata exists as the air
that we hold in the empty spaces of the body such as in the hollow
organs, joints and bone cavities. On an inner level, vata is both
life-force energy and the energy of thought that moves within the space
of the mind.
Vata is very much like the wind - light, cool, dry and mobile. In the
body, those people with a predominately vata nature experience many of
these qualities. Their bodies tend to be light, their bones thin, and
their skin and hair dry. They often move and speak quickly. When out of
balance, they may lose weight, become constipated, and have weakness in
their immune and nervous systems.
These same qualities are also reflected in the personality of a
predominately vata person. They tend to be talkative, enthusiastic,
creative, flexible, and energetic. Yet when out of balance, they may
become easily confused and overwhelmed, have difficulty focusing or
making decisions, and trouble sleeping. This becomes more apparent when
they are under stress. They are challenged by cool emotions such as
worry, fear and anxiety.
In order to bring balance to vata, programs are designed that emphasize
the opposing qualities of warmth, heaviness, (nourishment), moistness
and stability.Pitta
Pitta is a combination of the elements fire and water. Pitta, which
symbolizes transformation, means “that which digests”. It is responsible
for all forms of digestion and transformation within the body, from the
cellular level to the workings of the gastrointestinal tract.
As fire cannot exist directly in the body, pitta exists in the form of
oily and acidic secretions such as digestive enzymes. Its qualities tend
to be hot, sharp and oily. This manifests as a tendency to feel warm,
oily skin, penetrating eyes, and a sharp mind. Pitta governs digestion
on mental and spiritual levels as well– our capacity to digest
impressions, emotions and ideas in order to arrive at a perception of
truth.
People of a predominantly pitta constitution tend to have moderate
weight and good musculature. Pitta imbalances include diarrhea,
infections, skin rashes, and weakness in the liver, blood and spleen.
In order to restore balance to pitta, programs are designed to emphasize
the opposing qualities of coolness, heaviness (nourishment), moderation,
and decreased stimulation to chill out the nervous system.Kapha
Kapha
types are blessed with strength, endurance and stamina. Kapha means “that which binds” and it serves as the bodily container for vata and pitta. It is comprised of the elements earth and water, and like these elements, those with a predominantly kapha nature tend to be cool, moist, stable, and heavy. In the body, these qualities manifest as dense, heavy bones; lustrous, supple skin; low metabolism; and large, stocky frames. Psychologically, kapha people tend to be calm, tolerant and forgiving. They often handle stress well, don’t like change, and seek bodily comforts. While they may be slow to comprehend, their long-term memory is excellent.
When out of balance, kaphas tend to experience greed, envy, attachment and possessiveness. They are most likely to have diseases connected to the water principle such as flu, sinus congestion, and excess mucous. Sluggishness, excess weight, diabetes, water retention, lethargy and headaches are also common. In order to bring balance to a kapha nature, the opposing qualities of lightness, dryness and warmth are recommended. Exercise, stimulating activity and weight control are also encouraged.
How do the three Doshas originate out of the five Elements?
