Vata, Pitta, Kapha
In Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, there is a concept of 'doshas,' three essential energies said to be present in everyone and everything. These energies are called Vata dosha, Pitta dosha and Kapha dosha. They comprise what Ayurveda considers the 'mahabhutas' or five great elements: air, ether, fire, water, and earth. These elements are the building blocks of all matter, including our bodies, and they combine in different proportions to form the doshas.
In this short article, we will consider how the five elements relate to each dosha, how the doshas manifest in the human body and how we can use this knowledge to improve and maintain our emotional, physical and social well-being.
How the five elements relate to the doshas
All five elements are present within each dosha, but two predominate.
| Vata | Pitta | Kapha |
| Ether+Air | Fire+Water | Earth+Water |
Vata combines air and ether, Pitta fire and water, and Kapha earth and water. In very simple terms, the unique characteristics of vata are dryness, pitta heat, and kapha heaviness.
Now we have a basic understanding of the doshas, let's consider how they manifest in the human body.
The role of the tridosha in the mind and body
The 'tri dosha' is a fundamental concept in Ayurveda. These three energies are responsible for all functions of the body, mind, and consciousness and play a crucial role in maintaining health.
They are responsible for the processes that maintain the body's normal physiological state by overseeing the production, upkeep, and breakdown of bodily tissues and the elimination of waste products from the body.
They also play a role in psychological processes, influencing emotions like fear, anger, and greed and higher emotions such as understanding, compassion, and love. They also influence our natural tendencies and preferences.
Thus, they are the building blocks of every individual's physical and mental well-being and play a pivotal role in human design and health.
Doshas in the context of the individual
We are each born with a unique ratio of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which is our prakruti or constitution. This distinct combination is determined at conception based on the proportions of air, fire and water in our parent's bodies during fertilisation. No two people have the same tri-doshic makeup, so we can consider this individualised blend our genetic blueprint, much like a fingerprint.
When considering an individual's prakruti or constitution, two doshas usually predominate. Some people are born with one dominant dosha or an equal ratio of all three, although this is less common.
Constitution v's conditional state
A person's 'prakruti' or constitution does not change and remains constant throughout life. However, the state of the doshas constantly fluctuates due to various internal and external influences. This changed pattern is called 'vikruti' or conditional state, as it does not match the original pattern. A disorder will manifest if the doshas move too far away from their original state or balance. Understanding our vikruti can help us identify when our doshas are out of balance and take appropriate actions to restore equilibrium.
Understanding your prakuti
In general, there are seven types of constitutions:
1. Vata
2. Pitta
3. Kapha
4. Vata-Pitta
5. Pitta-Kapha
6. Vata-Kapha
7. Vata-Pitta-Kapha
Within these seven general categories, countless subtle differences exist based on the proportion of vata-pitta-kapha elements in the constitution.
So, how can we determine our individual dosha balance? Traditionally, this would be ascertained by a highly skilled pulse diagnostician or Vaidya (Ayurvedic doctor). However, you can get a general insight by considering the following list of attributes. Just remember to focus on what has been true for most of your life rather than at present. There are also numerous online quizzes available that can offer a clue.
Vata
If we liken vata dosha to an animal, it would be a bird: delicate, light, always on the move, adventurous, explorative, like to spread their wings, independent, free-spirited, rapid movements, and changeable.
- Light, thin bones, small, visible joints, joints prone to cracking, long slender limbs.
- Weight can be harder to gain and relatively easy to lose, with a tendency to put weight on the midriff.
- Complexion is dull, grey and lacking lustre. Skin is dry, rough, transparent and prone to wrinkles. Veins are visible.
- Sensitive to the cold and windy weather, prone to cold hands and feet.
- Irregular digestion, prone to gas, bloating, constipation and hard pellet-like stools.
- Irregular appetite, eats a lot or very little. Can easily get lost in a project and forget to eat. A tendency to graze rather than consume big meals and loves crunchy snacks.
- Scattered, disorganised, dislikes routine, prefers variety and change.
- Poor, spends money on trifles.
- Hyperactive, walks fast, talks fast and excessively, has low stamina, tends to be over-enthusiastic, and then overdo.
- Quick to learn but also quick to forget.
- Light, scanty sleepers.
- Prone to worry, anxiety, and nervousness when emotionally imbalanced, creative, enthusiastic and inspirational when in balance.
Pitta
If we liken pitta dosha to an animal, it would be a tiger: sharp, intelligent, natural leaders with an intimidating, intense, piercing glare, muscular, and powerful.
- Medium, muscular build, medium bone structure, well-proportioned limbs and joints, naturally athletic.
- Puts on weight evenly, can be wilfully successful at losing weight.
- Complexion is fair, pinkish or coppery, freckled, slightly oily, good lustre and prone to acne, skin rashes and blackheads. Skin is warm to the touch all over. Veins are moderately prominent.
- Easily overheated and becomes irritable in hot weather.
- Strong, fast digestion, tendency to burning sensations and loose, odorous stools.
- Irritable if a meal is missed or late. Loves luxurious, spicy, colourful foods that are aesthetically pleasing.
- Alert, efficient, precise and orderly, prefers routine.
- Spends on money luxuries.
- Direct, precise movement and speech. Loves to debate and will talk to anyone considered intelligent equals. Moderate stamina except in heat. Competitive.
- Intelligent, focused and ambitious planners. Strong curiosity and love to research information and learn. Good at dissecting large complex information into simpler formats. Reasonable memory.
- Little but sound sleep when the mind is clear, disturbed sleep when under stress, prone to night sweats.
- Prone to anger, hate, jealousy, frustration, irritability, and criticism when emotionally imbalanced. When in balance, excellent leaders and visionaries.
Kapha
If we liken kapha dosha to an animal, it would be an elephant: slow-moving, heavy, steady, grounded, nurturing, caring, loyal, good memory, and family-orientated.
- Large, heavy, short bones, joints are not prominent but well lubricated, large, strong build, well proportioned limbs.
- Weight is easily gained and lost with difficulty, with a tendency to gain weight around the bottom and hips.
- Pale complexion with thick, oily, unctuous skin. Skin tone is even and cool to the touch, and veins are well covered.
- Prefers warmth, sunshine and comfort. Generally cold all over, rarely cold hands and feet.
- Slow, steady digestion, thick, oily, sluggish stools, often mucous present.
- Appetite is stable, and digestion is slow/sluggish. Not usually hungry for breakfast, missing meals is not a problem, but has a tendency towards emotional eating — loves sweet, starchy foods.
- Organised, adverse to change, favours the familiar and stability.
- Rich, good money preserver.
- Slow-moving and relaxed. Talks slowly, prefers to be still, enduring stamina if inspired.
- Slow to learn but holds onto information well once digested. Strong memory.
- Loves sleep, usually deep and prolonged.
- Prone to attachment, greed, and possessiveness when emotionally imbalanced. When in balance, calm, grounded, natural protectors and nurturers with good strength of mind and emotions.
The benefits of understanding the tridoshas
Understanding our prakruti is about self-awareness and empowerment. By being aware of our nature and that of others, we can honour our differences and ways of approaching life. Moreover, knowing what disorders we are naturally prone to allows us to make informed lifestyle choices that can prevent the onset of these disorders. If health does show signs of deteriorating, understanding the language of the tridosha allows us to recognise which doshas are moving out of balance. Using this knowledge, we can guide the system back to balance through the appropriate actions.
Ultimately, by understanding the doshas and our inherent nature, we are empowered to take charge of our physical and emotional health, happiness, and overall well-being—another wonderful gift from the wisdom of Ayurveda.