The Dosha
In Ayurveda we strive to maintain balance. Each of us is born with a unique Ayurvedic constitution inherited from our parents at the time of conception. This ayurvedic constitution (prakruti) is what we endeavour to keep in balance throughout our lives.
Ayurveda looks at each individual as being composed of the elements of ether, air, fire, water and earth. At the time of conception these elements come together to form our elemental form (dosha). We can have an equal mixture of all five elements, but it is more common to have a strong emphasis of one or more of these elements in our constitution. This constitution is determined by Vata, Pitta and Kapha, which are the three doshas, or psycho-physiological functional principles in Ayurveda. They govern the individual's response to changes and when out of balance they promote the disease process.
| Constitution |
Element |
| Vata |
Ether and Air |
| Pitta |
Air and Water |
| Kapha |
Water and Earth |
The three doshas
|
Vata
Vata is a force conceptually made up of elements ether and air. The proportions of ether and air determine how active Vata is. The amount of ether (space) affects the ability of the air to gain momentum. If unrestricted, air can gain momentum and become forceful, such as in a hurricane.
Vata means wind, to move, flow, direct the processes of, or command. Vata enables the other two doshas to be expressive. The actions of Vata are drying, cooling, light, agitating, and moving.
Vata governs breathing, blinking of the eyelids, movements in the muscles and tissues, pulsations in the heart, all expansion and contraction, the movements of cytoplasm and the cell membranes, and the movement of the single impulses in nerve cells. It is related to the touch sensation. Vata also governs such feelings and emotions as freshness, nervousness, fear, anxiety, pain, tremors, and spasms. The primary seat or location of Vata in the body is the colon. It also resides in the hips, thighs, ears, bones, large intestine, pelvic cavity, and skin. If the body develops an excess of vata, it will accumulate in one or more of these areas.
Pitta
Pitta is a force created by the dynamic interplay of water and fire. These forces represent transformation. They cannot change into each other, but they modulate or control each other and are required for the vital life processes to occur. (For example, too much fire and too little water will result in the boiling away of the water. Too much water will result in the fire being put out.)
Pitta governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism, body temperature, skin colouration, the eye lustre, intelligence, and understanding. Psychologically, pitta arouses anger, hate, and jealousy. The small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, fat, eyes, and skin are the seats of Pitta.
Kapha
Kapha is the conceptual equilibrium of water and earth. Kapha is structure and lubrication. One can visualize the Kapha force as the stirring force to keep the water and earth from separating. For example, if we take a pot, fill it to the half with water and then add sand to it, the sand will gradually sink to the bottom of the pot. (It separates from the water). The only way to keep the sand in equilibrium with the water is by stirring the mixture continuously. The Kapha force can be visualized as this stirring force in our body.
Kapha coheses the elements in the body, providing the material for physical structure. This dosha maintains body resistance. Water is the main constituent of kapha, and this bodily water is responsible physiologically for biological strength and natural tissue resistance in the body. Kapha lubricates the joints; provides moisture to the skin; helps to heal wounds; fills the spaces in the body; gives biological strength, vigour and stability; supports memory retention; gives energy to the heart and lungs; and maintains immunity. Kapha is present in the chest, throat, head, sinuses, nose, mouth, stomach, joints, cytoplasm, plasma, and in the liquid secretions of the body such as mucous. Psychologically, kapha is responsible for the emotions of attachment, greed, and long-standing envy. It is also expressed in tendencies toward calmness, forgiveness, and love. The chest is the seat of kapha.
|
