The Doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha
Graphics by Adrienne Diaz
One of the goals of Ayurveda is self-knowing. A better understanding of your body leads to greater self-care and vibrant health.
To understand our bodies, let’s understand nature first. There are five elements found in nature, and these elements are: ether, air, fire, water and earth. Various combinations of the elements create the three doshas, or tri-dosha: vata, pitta and kapha.
What is a dosha?
Dosha - pronounced [DOH-SHAH] - the principle that governs your psychophysiological tendencies, or the way in which your mind and body interacts.
See the graph below, and then we’ll dive into each dosha in detail.
The Three Doshas
Vata — combination of ether and air elements, and is responsible for movement in the body. Functions of vata in the body include: cardiac movements, movement of breath, reflexes, motor function and mental activity.
Pitta — combination of fire and water elements, and is responsible for transformation in the body. Functions of pitta in the body include: body heat, complexion and digestion.
Kapha — combination of water and earth elements, and is responsible for cohesion and stability in the body. Functions of kapha in the body include: lubrication of joints, growth, stamina and hydration.
An understanding of the three doshas is essential in keeping the body and mind happy, healthy and balanced.
Elements of Tri-Dosha
There are twenty attributes, or gunas, that characterize the 3 doshas (see image below). These characteristics help to shape your psychophysiological tendencies, or the way in which your mind and body interacts.
Vata tendencies
Due to its characteristics, vata manifests physically as a thin body frame, dry skin, small and dark eyes, irregular appetite and a cold body temperature.
Mentally, vata shows up as hyperactive thoughts, creative energy, a love for movement, airy, making money fast and spending it fast.
Pitta tendencies
Due to its characteristics, pitta manifests physically as a medium body frame, radiant skin, eyes sensitive to light, strong appetite and a warm body temperature.
Mentally, pitta shows up as intelligence, structured energy, sharpness, easily angered and spending money on luxury.
Kapha tendencies
Due to its characteristics, kapha manifests physically as a large body frame, oily and soft skin, big eyes, slow and steady appetite and a cold body temperature.
Mentally, kapha shows up as slow acting, loving, compassionate, forgiving and saving money.
As you reflect on the doshas, you may realize that you embody more than one dosha. This is true because we all have vata, pitta and kapha (VPK) present within our bodies.
What is your Doshic Constitution?
Prakruti - pronounced [PRUH-CROO-TEE] - the unique mind-body constitution you were born with.
Vikruti - pronounced [VIH-CROO-TEE] - the current state of imbalances in the body and mind.
We each have different amounts of VPK, which is why we appear differently, act and react differently and require different foods and lifestyle practices for healing.
To learn more about your doshic constitution, book an Ayurveda Health Session below: