In Ayurvedic Medicine the Doshas are headings for the three primary biological combination of elements that govern all physical, mental, and physiological functions in the body.
The three Doshas are:
Vata Dosha
Vata governs movement and communication in the body.
Functions:
Common Signs of Excess Vata:
Pitta Dosha
Pitta governs transformation and metabolism.
Functions:
Common Signs of Excess Pitta:
Pitta is the heading for the following elements:
Kapha Dosha
Kapha governs structure, lubrication, and stability.
Functions:
Common Signs of Excess Kapha
Kapha is the heading for the following elements:
Disease and emotional instability develop when the qualities of a Dosha increase beyond balance. Treatment generally uses the principle of opposites:
The three Doshas are:
- Vata — composed primarily of air and ether
- Pitta — composed primarily of fire and oil
- Kapha — composed primarily of water and earth
Vata Dosha
Vata governs movement and communication in the body.
Functions:
- Nervous system activity
- Breathing
- Circulation
- Elimination
- Movement of thoughts and impulses
- Speech and sensory perception
Common Signs of Excess Vata:
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Gas and bloating
- Anxiety or fear
- Insomnia
- Irregular digestion
- Cold hands and feet
- Variable appetite
- Dry
- Light
- Cold
- Rough
- Subtle
- Mobile
Pitta Dosha
Pitta governs transformation and metabolism.
Functions:
- Digestion
- Hormonal activity
- Body temperature
- Vision
- Intellect and discrimination
- Cellular metabolism
Common Signs of Excess Pitta:
- Acid reflux
- Inflammation
- Skin rashes
- Irritability or anger
- Excess heat
- Loose stools
- Burning sensations
- Premature graying or hair thinning
Pitta is the heading for the following elements:
- Hot
- Sharp
- Oily
- Spreading
Kapha Dosha
Kapha governs structure, lubrication, and stability.
Functions:
- Immunity
- Tissue building
- Joint lubrication
- Emotional steadiness
- Strength and endurance
- Fluid balance
Common Signs of Excess Kapha
- Congestion
- Weight gain
- Lethargy
- Water retention
- Excess mucus
- Slow digestion
- Depression or attachment
- Heaviness in body and mind
Kapha is the heading for the following elements:
- Heavy
- Cold
- Slow
- Smooth
- Dense
- Stable
Disease and emotional instability develop when the qualities of a Dosha increase beyond balance. Treatment generally uses the principle of opposites:
- Excess dryness → moisture/oil
- Excess heat → cooling
- Excess heaviness → lightening
- Excess Vata is often calmed with warmth, oiliness, routine, and grounding foods.
- Excess Pitta is soothed with cooling, moderation, and calming measures.
- Excess Kapha is reduced through stimulation, lightness, heat, and movement.
- By season
- Age
- Time of day
- Climate
- Diet
- Emotional state
- Lifestyle habits