Ayurveda considers health as harmony between body,
mind and spirit with the universe we live in. Ayurveda
is based on the theory of 5 basic elements found in the
universe; space, air, fire, water and earth.
The five basic elements combine in the living beings to
form 3 dosas /energies/humours which are responsible
for our health and ill health. The three doshas are Vata
(space and air), Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (earth
and water).
Ayurveda believes that everyone inherits the unique
combination of doshas. They are all in different
proportions and strongest doshas decide our unique
constitution (unique physical and mental traits). These
doshas control the different functions in our body. The
balance of the these doshas lead to health and
imbalance leads to ill health.
VATA DOSHA
Vata (air-force) is the most powerful of three doshas,
and it is the control force of the body. It is an active
dosha which initiates and carries out all the actions in
our body. The other two doshas, dhatu’s (tissues) and
mala’s (excreta) are considered as Pangu (lame) and are
said to be motivated and monitored by Vata.
Vata in our body represents ‘air ‘in the outside world
giving life to us just like the air does. Vata initiates and
carries out all activities including controlling our mind,
breathing, blood flow, cell division, swallowing of food,
transporting the nutrition and oxygen to each cell,
assisting the digestion, evacuating the wastes from our
body, all our physical activities from blinking our eyes
to walking, running, sleeping and so on.
Vata can be imbalanced by over exercises, late
sleeping, fear, grief, eating before the previous meal is
digested, controlling the natural urges, eating too dry
and cold foods etc.
Vata imbalance can lead to dryness, degenerative
disease, aches and pains, loss of strength and
immunity, weight loss, anxiety, nervous system
diseases, constipation, irregular appetite, dry skin etc
PITTA DOSHA
Pitta dosha (fire-force), is the dosha which digests
things. It digests the food physically and digests our life
experiences mentally. Pitta regulates all metabolic
functions, perception of sensory functions, body
temperature and hormonal secretions. It is also
responsible for hunger, thirst, colour, complexion and
intelligence.
Pitta can be disturbed by excessive intake of hot,
salty, fried and spicy food, exposure to too much heat,
stress and emotional disturbances and excessive
exposure to heat etc
Pitta imbalance can lead to increased appetite, gastric
disturbances, sensitivity to hot sand spicy foods, bitter
taste in the mouth, anger, irritability, impatience, skin
diseases, insomnia, burning in your eyes, dizziness etc
KAPHA DOSHA
Kapha dosha (water-force), is made up of earth and
water and is responsible for solidity and is a structure
forming principle for the living beings. It gives strength
and stability all the tissues and organs. It nourishes our
body and stores our energy. Kapha is also associated
with stamina, love, dedication, forgiveness and mental
stability. It is responsible respiratory health, normal
brain functions and joint functions.
Kapha can be disturbed by excessive intake of sweet,
sour and salt, fatty and heavy food and drinks, day
sleeping, over eating, eating before the previous meal
is digested, mixing the wholesome and unwholesome
foods, day sleeping, lack of exercises etc
Kapha imbalance can lead to weak digestive power,
indigestion, heaviness, weight gain, laziness, sluggish
movement, coldness, excessive sleep, cold, cough,
itching, depression, obesity, high cholesterol etc