the doshas
Vata, Pitta, and Kapha
The five elements form an interplay of energies within our bodies. Based on their main function and affinities towards each other, we organize these elemental energies into the three basic Doshas:
vata
ether and air:
energy of movement
pitta
fire and water:
energy of transformation
kapha
earth and water:
energy of structure and lubrication
Each Dosha provides a specific energy and each plays an important role in our overall health.
These three energies circulate in the body and govern all physiological activity. On an individual level, we see patterns of these energies and we each have a unique manifestation of how these elemental combinations work together within our mind and body and spirit complex. When our body is in a state of balance the Doshas are at ease and function harmoniously together, it is only when we are experiencing imbalance that we are able to see how a specific Dosha can disrupt the health of our tissues, mental state, quality of life and overall digestion.
Getting to know your unique body-mind type and the nature of the Doshas will help you to better understand how the Doshas interact and which Dosha energy tends to predominate. Once we understand this we can restore balance and bring a sense of ease into our being.
vata
the energy of ether and air
Vata is considered the queen of all of the Doshas and when we can balance its rough, and wild nature, we are sure to see profound and positive change in our health.
Qualities
Vata contains the qualities of cool, dry, light, and mobile. Like the wind, the qualities of Vata have an airy nature of change, mobility, and speed. Vata energy is responsible for the constant flow of thoughts in the mind and all of the neurological messages and impulses that are being sent.
In addition, this energy governs the flow of digestion, circulation, elimination, and breath.
In and out of balance
When balanced, Vata brings enthusiasm towards life, producing free and creative thinking that allows us to see all of the beauty and magic the world has to offer. Out of balance, excess Vata produces thoughts that shift towards anxiety, thinking about the future, over-analyzing, and chronic indecisiveness. Too much Vata makes the mind feel restless sometimes even keeping one up all night.
Vata is balanced through routine, warmth, and grounding activities. While the energy of Vata craves change it thrives on routine and a sense of warmth and nourishment. Vata loves to indulge in a warm sesame oil massage to help calm the over-excited nervous system.
In the body
The home of Vata within the body is in the colon. It helps to absorb the liquid and dries out our stool before departure. When there is too much Vata in the body we experience gas, bloating, and constipation, disturbed sleep, dry skin, and pain in our muscles and joints.
pitta
the energy of fire and water
Within the body, Pitta provides energy for our metabolism, production of body heat, and intellect. Mentally, Pitta charges up our competitive nature and makes us strong leaders with an ability to take control.
Qualities
Pitta contains the qualities of sharp, hot, oily, light, and spreading.
In and out of balance
Pitta is balanced through cooling, calm and nourishing qualities. Pitta should try to go with the flow, letting go of the need to control situations and people. Incorporating coolness through, fresh foods, a calm mind, and the art of letting go.
When unbalanced these qualities provide us with a strong sense of self but out of balance this intensified fire energy will quickly produce aggression, irritation, and a short temper often increasing high stress and inflammation.
In the body
Pittas home in the body is in the small intestine, when this Dosha is high we experience acid reflux, heartburn, or ulcers.
kapha
the energy of earth and water
Kapha provides structure and stability in our body, nourishing our tissues and enhancing our immunity.
Qualities
These elements give Kapha the qualities of heavy, dense, wet, and slow. This energetic humor’s role is to protect, retain and preserve.
In and out of balance
On a mental and spiritual level, when the Kapha Dosha is balanced it yields feelings of compassion, love, and grace. When this energy becomes out of balance it can produce feelings of attachment towards people and things, resistance towards change lethargy, sadness, and heaviness in our body and mind.
In the body
Kapha’s home in the body is in the lungs. Just as earth and water combine to create sticky mud, congestion and swelling of any kind is the most common indicator of excess Kapha. In order to support these heavy, slow and grounded qualities, Kapha must be balanced through activities that work to activate and energize the body both mentally and physically.