Are you aware that knowing your dosha can help you cure many health issues? If you have not heard about them, you will understand the concept of dosha and their role in this article.

Understanding Doshas

Vata, Pitta, and Kapha (Doshas) is the basic concept in Ayurveda. These three are the bioenergetic forces that play an essential role in the human body. 

Each Dosha holds a vital role in maintaining the health of an individual. Doshas, when in balance, maintain health. On the other hand, an imbalance in any one of the Dosha leads to the disease. The diet and lifestyle have a direct effect on these doshas. 

Before diving into the details of Doshas, it is essential to understand their elemental composition. Ayurveda considers that these three Doshas are made with a combination of Panchamahabhutas. The five Mahabhutas – combines in different proportions inside the body during the conception to form these doshas. They are responsible for all the functioning of the body.

Elemental composition of Doshas

Vata, Pitta, and Kapha contain all five elements, but two different Mahabhutas dominate each Dosha. 

Vata dosha: Air + Ether

Pitta: Fire + Water

Kapha: Water + Earth

Vata Dosha

• Air and space elements together form Vata dosha. 
• It represents the air and is responsible for all body movements. 
• Its main qualities are light, dry, and cold.

Pitta Dosha

• Fire and water elements together form pitta dosha. 
• It represents fire and is responsible for metabolism, temperature, and digestion. 
• It is hot, sharp, and acidic by nature.

Kapha Dosha

• Kapha dosha is formed with earth and water elements. 
• It represents the water and is responsible for the lubrication inside the body. 
• It is slow, heavy, oily, cold, etc. by nature.

Combination of Doshas: Prakriti

These powerful energies combine in different proportions during conception, depending upon various factors like season and parental mind-body constitutions. 

This unique combination imparts us with an exclusive mind-body type (constitution) known as “Prakriti.” These three doshas are present in different proportions in each individual. In some individuals, Vata dosha is present more, and in others, Pitta or Kapha is dominant. This way, it is different for each one of us. 

Prakriti remains the same throughout life and never changes. It represents your inherent strength and weakness. 

You respond to environmental changes, diet, and lifestyle according to your Prakriti. So, taking care of your health based on your Ayurvedic body type is essential.

If you don’t know your Prakriti, click on the link below and take a free quiz in our health app on the google play store. Know your constitution and get a healthy diet and lifestyle recommendation.

Doshas in action

According to Ayurveda, the actions of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas in the body are similar to air, sun, and moon’s effects on the universe.  

Air is the representative of Vata. These both have a similar act of “Vikshepa.” 

Vikshepa means to move. Vata here is responsible for all body actions like taking a breath and blood circulation. Similarly, air does all the movements in the universe.

Sun is the representative of Pitta. They both have the action of “Aadan.”

Aadan means to transform. Pitta is responsible for digesting and transforming food into energy within the body. Similarly, the sun absorbs and transforms energy into the universe.

Moon is the representative of Kapha. They have the action of “Visarga.”

Visarga means to nourish. Kapha is responsible for the nourishing and endurance of the body. Similarly, the moon nourishes the universe.

Doshas play an essential role in your body and are responsible for your health and illness. Eating the right kind of food that help you balance your dosha helps to maintain your health and even cure the disease. On the other hand, indulging more in food items that can aggravate your dominant dosha can cause illness. So, it is essential to understand Doshas and their effect on your body for better health.