Understanding the Doshas

To learn how to balance the body, mind and consciousness requires an understanding of how Vata, Pitta and Kapha work together.

According to Ayurvedic philosophy the entire universe is an interplay of the five elements — Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. What goes on in the world at large also goes on within the human physiology. Vata, Pitta and Kapha are combinations of these five elements. In the physical body, Vata is the subtle energy of movement, Pitta the energy of digestion and metabolism, and Kapha the energy that forms the body's structure.

Vata is responsible for all movement - composed of Space and Air. Vata regulates all sensory and mental balance. It governs breathing, blinking, beating of the heart, muscle and tissue movement, and all impulses of the nervous system, such as stimulation of nerves; transmission of sensory stimuli; initiation of motor functions, creation of impulses, creation of reflexes, inspiration and expiration, circulation of blood, oxygen, nutrients, thoughts, stimulation of digestive juices, peristalsis, normal elimination, ejaculation, delivery of foetus, stimulation of tears, expression of emotions, enthusiasm, creativity. In balance, Vata promotes creativity and flexibility. Out of balance, Vata produces fear and anxiety.

Pitta is the energy of all transformation - composed of Fire and Water. It governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism, body temperature, creation of thirst and hunger, lustre of eyes and skin, vision, comprehension of sensory stimuli, transformation with the mind and body, assimilation of thoughts, recognition, discrimination, comprehension, confidence, cheerfulness, increase appetite and thirst. In balance, Pitta promotes understanding and intelligence. Out of balance, Pitta arouses anger, hatred and jealousy.

Kapha is the energy that forms the body's structure - composed of Earth and Water. Kapha is responsible for giving compactness to the body as a whole. Kapha supplies the water for all bodily parts and systems. It brings strength, stability, firmness to the body, lubricates joints, moisturises the skin, and maintains immunity. In balance, Kapha is expressed as love, calmness and forgiveness. Out of balance, it leads to attachment, greed and envy.

Life will always challenge us, and things are always changing. We can learn to let go of the things we cannot change and focusing on the things we can control such as our diet and lifestyle. To maintain balance and health, it is important to pay attention to these decisions on a daily basis.

Ayurveda teaches us this and provides the practices and teachings to live in accordance with our body constitution, so we can strengthen the body, mind and consciousness.