The Doshas

According to Ayurveda, an ancient holistic healing system, each of us has a uniquephysical body type and mental constitution called a “dosha,” which was set at our conception.

This original, natural constitution known as “prakruti” is our DNA, our personal blueprint, determined by the genetics, diet, lifestyle, and emotions of our parents, among other factors, at the time of our birth.

 The human body is made up of a combination of the 5 Elements – Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth, which are the building blocks of all existence. Every dosha or constitution is composed of all 5, however, two elements will prevail and be more dominant in each of us.

 There are 3 main doshas or constitutions: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. They each have various qualities and characteristics and are the energy forces behind all of our bodily functions. They influence our overall health and wellbeing and can help us to better understand ourselves and the world around us.

There is also a state of being called “vikruti” which reveals the present state of the 3 doshas, our current state of balance where we are at right now. If the current state of our constitution is the same as our “pakruti” at birth, then we are balanced and in good health.

More likely, however, there will be a difference and our “vikruti” will reflect any aspects of our diet, lifestyle, age, emotions, attitudes, environment, etc. that are not in harmony with our original constitution.

Being aware of this provides a baseline from which we can make the necessary changes to return to a state of balance and health. It’s important to address anyimbalancesas soon as possible, before they develop into unwanted conditions, pain or disease.

 Vata

• Primary Elements – Ether and Air
• Qualities – dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, mobile, astringent and clear.
• Functions – governs all types of movement and activity in the body such as breathing, blinking, sneezing, heart function, circulation, elimination, as well as communication and speech.
• Individual Characteristics – thin, lightweight, flexible body types, small eyes, irregular appetite and thirst, alert and quick to act, easily excited, imaginative, active, on the go, flakey, ungrounded, etc…
• Physical Conditions – prone to dry skin, cold hands and feet, cracking joints, hiccups, burping, gas, constipation, malabsorption, osteoporosis, tics, tremors, etc.

In balance, this constitution promotes creativity and flexibility. Out of balance, it produces fear, anxiety, insomnia, spaciness, forgetfulness and abnormal movements.

Pitta

• Primary Elements – Fire and Water 
• Qualities – hot, sharp, light, liquid, mobile, oily, sour, pungent and bitter.
• Functions – oversees digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism, body temperature, perception, transformation and change.
• Individual Characteristics – medium frame and body weight, bright eyes, sensitive to heat, light and sun, strong appetite and thirst, excellent learners, focused, disciplined, organized, analytical, easily angered, perfectionist tendencies, fiery, etc. 
• Physical Conditions -prone to heartburn, ulcers, rashes, acne, baldness, flushed skin, bleeding gums, arthritis, overheating, cellulite, diarrhea, body odor, sciatica, etc.

 In balance, this constitution promotes good digestion, understanding and intelligence. Out of balance, it produces anger, jealousy, hatred, burn out syndrome and inflammatory disorders.

Kapha

• Primary Elements – Water and Earth
• Qualities – heavy, slow, dull, cold, oily, liquid, slimy, smooth, dense, soft, sweet, sticky, static, cloudy and gross.
• Functions – comprises all of our cells, tissues and organs, provides cohesiveness, structure, nourishment and lubrication to the body, moisturizes the skin, repairs, regenerates and maintains immunity.
• Individual Characteristics – robust body type, strong bones and muscles, thick, curly hair, large eyes, oily skin, steady appetite and thirst, good memory, calm, steady mind, lethargic tendencies, etc.
• Physical Conditions – prone to weight gain, sluggishness, frequent colds, congestion, water retention, edema, slow digestion and metabolism, high cholesterol, etc.

In balance, this constitution expresses excellent strength, love, calmness, peace, forgiveness and longevity. Out of balance, it leads to attachment, greed, possessiveness, laziness and congestive disorders.

If you don’t know what your unique constitution is or your current state of balance, please click here to take the free Dosha QUIZ. Once completed, you will receive a personalized assessment and recommendations aimed to support you on your journey toward optimal health.