Learn About The Three Primary Doshas (Energies)
Foundation of Ayurveda: Three Primary Doshas (Energies)
Ayurveda identifies three basic types of energies that are responsible for all bodily as well as mental functions. These energies are called vata, pitta and kapha. These principles are related to the basic physiology of the body. Vata is the energy of movement; pitta is the energy of digestion or metabolism and kapha, the energy of lubrication and structure. Each person has all three energies; however, one is usually primary, one secondary and the third is usually least prominent. As per Ayurveda, a lack of proper cellular function due to an excess or deficiency of vata, pitta or kapha is a cause of disease formation. Diseases can also be caused by the presence of toxins (ama) and depletion of agni (disturbed gut microbiome).
As per Ayurveda, body, mind and consciousness work together in maintaining balance. The entire cosmos is an interplay of the energies of the five great elements—Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth and the permutations and combinations of these five elements form vata, pitta, and kapha energies.
Explore the Doshas
Vata is the subtle energy related with movement — It is made up of Space and Air. It governs breathing, blinking, muscle and tissue movement, pulsation of the heart, and all movements in each individual cell. In balance, vata is responsible for creativity and flexibility. Out of balance, vata mainly creats fear and anxiety.
Pitta manifests as the body’s metabolic system — It is made up of Fire and Water. It governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, metabolism and body temperature. In balance, pitta is responsible for understanding and intelligence. Out of balance, pitta generates anger, hatred and jealousy.
Kapha is responsible for the body’s structure and strength —It is made up of Earth and Water. Kapha is kind of glue that holds all body parts and bones, joints, ligaments together. It lubricates joints, moisturizes the skin, and maintains immunity. In balance, kapha is responsible for the emotions of love, calmness and forgiveness. Out of balance, it leads to attachment, greed and envy.
Learn about the practice of Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a very comprehensive science that offers various techniques for assessing health. The practitioner carefully evaluates signs and symptoms of illness, especially in relation to the origin and cause of an imbalance. The practitioner takes a detailed history of a client, uses techniques such as observation and physical exam to determine the prakruti (constitution) and vikruti (imbalance) of an individual. Feeling pulse, observing the tongue, eyes, and physical form; and listening to the tone of the voice are an integral part of an assessment.
Palliative and cleansing measures are used when appropriate, to help eliminate an imbalance and reestablish balance(health). The root cause of the illness is identified and eliminated to reduce symptoms and faster healing. Recommendations may include lifestyle changes; dietary changes, and the use of herbal dietary supplements. In necessary, a cleansing program, called panchakarma is suggested to help get rid of accumulated toxins to gain more benefit from the various suggested measures of treatment.
In summary, Ayurveda emphasizes the integral connection of the body, mind, and spirit. It recognizes that each of us is unique, each responds differently to the many aspects of life. Every single individual possesses different strengths and weaknesses. Ayurveda’s wisdom gives great emphasis to the relationships between causes and their effects, both immediate and subtle, for each unique individual and provides various tools and techniques for deep healing.