The Tri-Dosha Concept: The Vata, The Pitta And the Kapha

The five elements air, earth, water, fire and space combine together to form the Doshas as per the ayurvedic philosophy. Doshas in literal sense can be understood as faults, mistakes or errors against the natural flow of energy. These Doshas in a healthy human body are believed to be in equilibrium. These Doshas are very much required for the proper functioning of living being

There are three kinds of Doshas in human body, namely Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Vata comprises the air and space, Pitta constitutes the fire and water, and Kapha integrates water an earth.

Vata:

Vata as per ayurveda is believed to be a combination of Air and Space, the constitution of these elements determines how strong the Vata is in an individual. Vata provides the power of expression to the other two Doshas in human body.

Vata is believed to reside in the body in the colon, and also in the bones, ears, large intestine, thighs, hips and skin. The prominence of Vata is visible in these parts of the boy.

The Vata governs the following:

• Movements in the muscles and tissues.
• Blinking of the eyelids.
• All expansion and contraction.
• The movement of the single impulses in nerve cells.
• Breathing.
• Pulsations in the heart.
• the movements of cytoplasm and the cell membranes.
• Feelings and emotions such as, nervousness, anxiety, freshness, pain, tremors, fear and spasms.

Pitta:

Pitta comprises of the two basic elements fire and water, representing transformation. They can not transform into each other but still are very much important for the life processes to carry on.

Blood, eyes, skin, small intestine, stomach, and the sweat glands are believed to be the seats of Pitta.

The Pitta governs the following:

• nutrition
• assimilation
• intelligence
• digestion
• body temperature
• skin coloration
• the luster of the eyes
• metabolism
• absorption
• understanding

Kapha:

Conceptually Kapha is believed to be constituted of Earth and Water, governing the structure and lubrication of the living being. Kapha is actually a stage of equilibrium between the earth and water. It tries and keeps the elements of earth and water in harmony with each other in the human body.

It is believed that the chest is the seat of the Kapha. Kapha resides in the throat, head, nose, mouth, chest, sinuses, joints, plasma, cytoplasm, and the liquid secreting sections of the body.

Kapha controls:

• Body resistance.
• Biological strength and natural tissue resistance in the body.
• Kapha lubricates the joints.
• Provides moisture to the skin
• Gives energy to the heart and lungs.
• Helps to heal wounds.
• Gives biological strength, vigor and stability.
• Maintains immunity.
• Memory retention.
• Emotions like attachment, greed, and envy are also governed by Kapha.
• Also governs tendencies like calmness, love, and forgiveness.