Ayurveda ___What Are Doshas?

Every individual's constitution, their thoughts, their emotions and the way they respond to the world in general is based on three fundamental life forces called doshas. Their Sanskrit names are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Doshas govern specific physical and emotional functions in the body. They have their own easily recognizable characteristics or tendencies. The balance of these doshas is crucial to good health. When there is an excess of one dosha to the detriment of the remaining doshas this equilibrium has been upset. The disturbances that result in the body will take on the characteristics of the dominant or aggravated dosha.

Doshas can be influenced by the food one eats, the type of lifestyle one leads or even the season of the year or the time of the day. In Ayurveda, as in many natural therapies, there is a saying, "like results in like." This can be explained most easily by example. Let's take Vata for this example. Some of the qualities of Vata are light, cold, dry and movement. Its governing elements are air and ether. Living in a cold, dry climate would increase or aggravate Vata. Travelling or an excess of physical activity such as jogging would also increase Vata as would eating light, airy foods. Vata governs the emotions fear and anxiety and its seat is in the skin and the large intestine. Therefore, a person who lives in a cold, dry climate, who travels often and tends to eat light foods such as salads and snack on airy food like popcorn may develop an excess of Vata which could manifest itself in that person suffering from insomnia, being generally nervous, having dry skin and a tendency to being constipated. To resolve these health issues, the Ayurvedic approach would be to diminish Vata and increase Pitta and Kapha by eating appropriate foods, possibly taking certain herbs and making changes in lifestyle — thereby bringing the three doshas back into balance. The goal of Ayurveda is to maintain vibrant health by always keeping the three doshas in balance. "Vibrant" health from an Ayurvedic standpoint is not only a body that is free from disease but a mind that is calm and happy.