The Three Doshas
The Ayurvedic Understanding of Prakriti and Doshas
In the realm of Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, it is believed that each individual possesses a unique composition of physical, mental, and emotional characteristics from birth. This individual composition, known as Prakriti, reflects our original nature. Understanding our Prakriti is the first step towards comprehending ourselves, our health, and charting the best way forward.
At the heart of Ayurveda, there exist three fundamental energies, collectively known as Doshas. These Doshas regulate the functions and qualities of both our body and mind, ranging from basic cellular processes to the most intricate biological functions. Your Prakriti is essentially a delicate balance of these Doshas, which in turn determines your appearance, physical sensations, mental outlook, digestion and metabolism, as well as your response to different surroundings, experiences, substances, and foods.
The three Doshas that govern our inner and outer environments are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each Dosha is composed of two elements and hence carries the qualities associated with those elements. It is common for individuals to have one or two dominant Doshas, with a variety of possible combinations. When your lifestyle aligns with the qualities of your Doshas, you are more likely to experience sustained wellness and harmony in all aspects of life.
However, if certain aspects of your lifestyle, surroundings, diet, or relationships disrupt the balance of your Doshas, their functions will eventually be thrown off-kilter. This disruption leads to the accumulation of waste and toxic by-products known as Ama, which block the body's channels and deteriorate overall health. This state of Dosha imbalance is called vikriti, indicating a conditional state of being out of balance.
Understanding the principles of Doshas, Prakriti, and vikriti can prove to be remarkably beneficial in maintaining balance in your life. By recognizing and addressing the factors that disrupt your Doshas, you can minimize the risks of disease and disturbances in your overall well-being. Ayurveda teaches us that maintaining a state of equilibrium is crucial for optimal health and vitality and emphasizes the significance of knowing one's Prakriti and understanding the interplay of the Doshas within our body and mind. By nurturing an environment and lifestyle that supports our unique constitution, we can pave the path towards sustained wellness and profound self-awareness. Read on to learn more about the Doshas and how to keep them balanced.
VATA ‘To Flow'
The kinetic energy of motion, composed of Air & Ether - Autumn
Qualities: Dry, light, cold, mobile, irregular, quick, subtle.
Governs: Circulation, respiration, peristalsis of the digestive organs, elimination of wastes & menses, impulses of the nervous system, and movement.
Dominant Season: Autumn, Winter
Best season: Summer, Spring
Main sites: Brain, nervous system, heart, bones, bladder, pelvis, colon, large intestine, senses - especially ears.
Naturally: Enthusiastic, intuitive, expressive, creative, free-spirited, flowing, spontaneous, embraces change, artistic, energetic fluctuations, appetite & mood, fidgety, cold to touch, dry skin, light sleep, cracking joints, multitasker.
Unbalanced: Anxiety, fear, insomnia, hyperactivity, tremors, cracking skin, constipation, difficulty focusing, scattered, flighty, feeling weak, unexpected weight loss, short-term memory, bloating, low back pain, joint stiffness, painful periods, shallow breathing, ringing ears.
Balance with: Oil massage, warm baths, infrared sauna, Nourish Me ritual, regular warm cooked meals, soups/broths/stews, healthy fat- ghee/tallow, root vegetables, warming calming tea & spices, bhrami, ajwain, passionflower, regular rest, spiritual practice, warmth, hydration, organisation, minimised distractions, art, quiet time, yoga.
Aggravated by: Caffeine, alcohol, dry fruit & food (popcorn, crackers, chips & raw salads), cold food & drinks, shift work, air travel, air-conditioning, overexercise, and multi-tasking.
PITTA ‘To heat’
Transformational energy of metabolism, composed of Fire & Water
Qualities: Hot, sharp, light, regular, oily, intense, fluid.
Governs: Body temperature, blood chemistry, heart, eyes, skin, digestion, hunger, thirst, metabolic functions, transformation of nutrients into biologically usable forms, intellect, reasoning.
Season: Late Spring, Summer
Best seasons: Winter, Autumn
Main sites: eyes, small intestine, liver, spleen gall bladder.
Naturally: Ambitious, assertive, organised, disciplined, goal-oriented, logical, warm to touch, active, zest for life, strong appetite, discerning, regular elimination, competitive, chemical sensitive, oily skin, likes coolness.
Unbalanced: Intense, irritable/angry, controlling, obsessive, perfectionist, bossy, acidic indigestion, inflammatory conditions, acne/rosacea, hot flushes, loose bowels, rashes, high BP, bloodshot eyes, anaemia, heartburn, eczema, premature hair-loss/grey.
Balance with: Moderation, quality sleep, Shirodhara, Soothe Me ritual, calm atmosphere, organisation, forest walks, meditation, coolness, regular meals, refreshing fruits, swimming, playfulness, breath work, coconut/lime water, mint/coriander/fennel tea, turmeric.
Aggravated by: Caffeine, alcohol, processed/deep-fried food, chilli, nightshades, hot environments, hectic lifestyle, clutter, workload, screen time, chemicals, cigarettes, pollutants, inflammatory seed oils.
KAPHA ‘To embrace’
Potential energy of structure & fluidity composed of Earth & Water
Qualities: Heavy, dense, ample, smooth, cool, stable, sticky, thick, dull, oily.
Governs: Growth, cohesion, lubrication of joints and tissues, mucus and secretions, salt balance, immunity, strength.
Season: Winter, Early Spring
Best season: Autumn, Summer
Main sites: Cerebral spinal fluid, mucus linings in GIT & airways, synovial fluid, lymph.
Naturally: Relaxed, habitual, reliable, nurturing, romantic, home-body, clammy, unhurried/slow movement & thinking, deep sleeper, stable stamina & energy.
Unbalanced: Sluggish digestion, sedentary, respiratory congestion, weight gain even with good diet, swelling, water retention, attachment, withdrawn, complacent, averse to change, carrying the weight of the world, self-pitying, mentally cloudy.
Balance with: Increased activity, morning exercise, motivation, deep tissue massage, dry brushing, Cleanse Me ritual, intermittent fasting, dinner before 6, decongesting spices - ginger, fenugreek, cumin, pepper, romance, taking action, sunshine, Nasya.
Aggravated by: Excess cold and processed dairy products, comfort eating, cold food/drink, processed/leftover foods, sugary foods, seed oils, day napping, sleeping in, darkness, tv binging, lack of exercise.
