Ayurveda___A Brief Description of the Three Doshas

Vata
- the term Vata comes from vaayu, Sanskrit for "that which moves things." It governs the circulation of the cells and the fluids in our bodies as well as the activity of the organs, muscles, motor and sensory functions. It also governs feelings and emotions such as nervousness, fear, anxiety and pain. People with a predominantly Vata constitution tend to be thin with smallish eyes and a long, angular face. Their skin is dry. They are imaginative and creative. They might start projects with great enthusiasm and then drop them to start on the next project. Vata people are short on endurance. They walk quickly but tire easily. They grasp an idea in the blink of an eye but tend to forget the concept just as quickly. Vata types are aggravated by noisy environments. They have a tendency to worry and become constipated.

The seat of Vata is in the large intestine, pelvic cavity, skin, ears and thighs. If the body has an excess of Vata, the disturbance tends to manifest itself in these areas.

Pitta
- the term Pitta comes from pinj, Sanskrit for "to shine." It is often, however, translated as fire, referring to bodily heat-energy. Pitta governs the digestive function, body temperature and other metabolic functions. It also governs intelligence and understanding and the emotions anger, hate and jealousy. People with a predominantly Pitta constitution tend to have a medium build, fair, soft and lustrous skin with a tendency towards freckles or moles. Picture the shining sun, its rays can produce scorching, sometimes destructive heat or a beneficial glowing light. You now have a good image of Pitta. Pitta are hot tempered, passionate people with strong desires. They know what they want and usually persevere until they get it. They can also be warm and caring. When under stress they revert to the typical "A" type personality. They get angry easily, become argumentative and intolerant of others or their opinions. They become victims to ulcers, hypertension and heart disease.

The seat of Pitta rests in the small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, skin and eyes.

Kapha
- the term Kapha comes from shlish, Sanskrit for "that which holds things together; to embrace; coherent." Kapha provides the body its strength and structure. It provides the emotions their stability, love and compassion. It also guides the immune system - strength against invasion. To understand Kapha, think "salt of the earth," "earthy," "Mother Earth." Kapha people have thick lustrous hair, large, full lips, strong white teeth and voluptuous or solid bodies. They take their time, preferring to be slow and steady. They are kind and charming, cautious and wise. They can, however, become too attached to materialistic things and then they become greedy. Or, they can become too attached to relationships and become obsessive or depressed if the relationships fail. In a weakened state they are susceptible to chest colds and sinus infections.