What Are the Three Doshas in Ayurveda? Vata - Pitta - Kapha Explained

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What Are the Three Doshas in Ayurveda? Vata - Pitta - Kapha Explained
Ayurveda literally means the science of life ("ayur" = life; "veda(s)" = science or knowledge).  Ayurveda originated in ancient India, or the Indus River Valley, some believe over 5000 years ago.  Ayurveda is considered the "mother of all healing" due to its ancient roots. 

Disease in Ayurveda is thought to be the natural end result from living out of harmony with Nature.  Our disease symptoms are the body's natural way of communicating that disharmony to us.  

Healing, on the other hand, is the natural result of living in harmony with our environment.  Ayurveda teaches us how to do that--how to maximize our natural potential to heal.   

Ayurveda is based on the idea of 5 elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether.  You can (and I would recommend before going any further) read more about the 5 great elements here.  

The elements make up every part of ourselves and our universe.  The elements combine to form the three doshas.  

What Are The Doshas?
The doshas are the fundamental energies in the universe and in our bodies.  Each one of us has a unique balance of the doshas in our bodies and minds at conception.  This combination never changes and determines what we’re naturally attracted to and repelled from and what will cause us to become out of balance with our environment, become sick, or become diseased. 

Understanding our constitution gives us the power to choose and create a diet and lifestyle that supports us the best and keeps up from disease and disharmony, and this is what an Ayurvedic consultation will help you do.  

Here is a description of the three Ayurvedic doshas:

Vata dosha is made of air and ether. Those with vata constitution tend to be drawn to creative pursuits; they love to move and change. 

Physically, they tend to have smaller, thinner, and more delicate features; they tend to be drier and have digestive tendencies like a variable appetite, gas, bloating, and constipation. 

When in balance, they are enthusiastic and energetic; when out of balance, it is very hard for them to sit still, to stay committed and focused to the task at hand. 

They are prone to fear, worry, and anxiety; when they live in balance with their environment and practice a vata-reducing diet and daily practices, this isn’t a problem, but something they will always have to keep an eye on.

Pitta dosha is made of fire and a little water to contain the fire.  Those with pitta constitution tend to be drawn to leadership and intellectual pursuits.  They love to achieve and have a tendency to be intense in all aspects of their lives, especially work. 

Physically, they tend to have moderate features; they tend to be a bit oily and have very strong digestion and a strong appetite with a tendency toward over-acidity if they abuse their digestion for too long.  

When in balance, they are warm, friendly, and focused. 

When out of balance, they become too intense, angry, and prone to inflammation; again, when practicing a pitta-reducing lifestyle, this isn’t a problem, but something they will need to monitor

Kapha dosha is made of earth and water.  Those with a kapha constitution tend to be drawn to routine and comfort. 

The heaviest of the elements, earth and water create more solid features (thicker bones and skin, larger features, etc.); they tend to have more moisture in their bodies and more emotional “flow” in their minds.  Their digestion is on the slower side and can cause them to be prone to weight gain; they often have a very low appetite and feel better when they fast

When in balance, they are nurturing, steady, and reliable. 

When out of balance, they are withdrawn, sluggish, and emotionally attached to their possessions, routines, and relationships; once again, when practicing a kapha-reducing lifestyle, this is not an issue, but they must always be aware
 
This is what your first session with me as an Ayurveda Clinical Specialist and Ayurvedic Health Counselor in Salt Lake City (or online) will seek to find: by looking at your physical features, physical tendencies, and lifelong digestive, psychological, and emotional tendencies, we will determine your Ayurvedic constitution, called “prakruti.”

We will also determine what is imbalanced in your body and mind.  This is called your “vikruti."

In finding out what is imbalanced, we will determine which practices, including diet and herbs, will bring you back into harmony with your environment, thus putting your body in its most optimal state for healing. 

​Meghan Hays is an Ayurvedic Practitioner in Salt Lake City Utah. To schedule an appointment or ask for more information about Ayurveda Salt Lake City,
email meghan@meghanhays.com.

To book your initial consultation now, click here. 
 
Email me today to set up your 2-hour Initial Ayurvedic Consultation and 50-minute Report of Findings.  I am an Ayurvedic Practitioner and Ayurvedic Health Counselor in Salt Lake City; I can also meet with you anywhere in the world via Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime.  
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