tridosha
readosha

Doshas are three dynamic forces formed by the five elements in nature; Air, Ether, Fire, Water, and Earth. The meaning of the Sanskrit word ‘Dosha’; is ‘that which changes’, because The Doshas are constantly moving in dynamic balance, one with the others. The five elements combine in pairs to create the three Doshas; ether & air form Vata Dosha, fire & water form Pitta Dosha, and water & earth form Kapha Dosha.

Doshas are three primary energies existing in everything around us and within us. They create life in all living things. For instance, Vata is concentrated in the leaves and flowers of plants, Kapha is in the roots, and Pitta is found in the oils, essential oils, and saps. When it comes to the seasons; Vata represents the characteristics of Autumn, Pitta those of Summer, and Kapha is Spring. Winter is a combination of both Vata and Kapha.

The stages of life are also reflective of the Doshas – Kapha represents growth and structure, therefore, it is dominant during childhood. Pitta represents transformation and hormonal changes, therefore, it is dominant during teen years and adolescence. Vata represents roughness and dryness, indicating dominance during late adulthood.

vata

Air (Vayu) & Ether (Akash)

Vata (va-ta) is the force made up of Air & Ether. The proportions of the two elements determine how active Vata is. The larger ether is (space), the more area there is for air to move. In the body, Vata governs movement and is manifested
as the movement of nerve impulses, gas, blood, food, waste, breath, and thoughts.

Too much Vata Dosha can lead to high blood pressure, gas, bloating, anxiety and nervousness. Too little Vata can cause weight gain, congestion, water retention, and carelessness.

pitta

Fire (Agni) & Water (Jal)

Pitta (pit-ta) is the force made up of Water & Fire. The two opposed elements modulate each other and work dynamically and interdependently to attain life processes. In the body, Pitta governs transformation,
and is manifested as the enzymes responsible for food breakdown in the digestive system, as the hormones which regulate metabolism, and the transformation of brain chemicals into processed thoughts.

Too much Pitta Dosha can cause heartburn, ulcers, rashes, acne, anger, and hormonal imbalance. Too little Pitta can cause sluggishness, indigestion, incomprehension, and aversion to change.

kapha

Earth (Prithvi) & Water (Jal)

Kapha (ka-fa) is the force made up of Water & Earth. It is structure and lubrication; a representation of the characteristics of both elements. In the body, Kapha governs is manifested as the cells which make up our organs and the nutritive fluids protecting them.

Too much Kapha Dosha can cause weight gain, mucus buildup in the sinuses, nasal passages, lungs, and colon. It can also lead to inflexibility and closeness of the mind. Too little Kapha will create dryness in the respiratory system, burning sensation in the stomach due to lack of lubrication, and anxiety.