What Are The Doshas?
The doshas are the combination of energies that are responsible for a person’s physiological, mental, and emotional health.
According to Ayurveda (and the basis of Ayurvedic Nutrition), balance is everything.
In this ancient system of medicine and nutrition, balance in the dosha is gained by harmonizing the energies within the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas.
Being energetic forces of nature, each of the doshas is actually composed of the five basic elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether (space) – which are considered the building blocks of life.
These natural elements combined in different ratios are what make up our personal composition -in other words, our dosha.
By understanding how to work with our dosha we can keep ourselves in better balance, allowing us to live healthier happier lives altogether. Let’s explore a little about each dosha below.
Vata, Pitta, and Kapha
All three of the doshas can be found in everyone and everything but in different proportions. Every person on earth is said to have a unique ratio of elements that form each dosha, with one dosha standing out a bit more than the others.
For example, a person may be mostly Pitta while another may be mostly Kapha. No matter which dominant dosha we have, each one of them plays an important role within our bodies.
The Qualities of Each Dosha
Vata Dosha:
Air and Ether (space)
Movement and Communication
*associated with breathing, muscle contraction, and heart function.
- Dry
- Light
- Cold,
- Rough
- Subtle
- Mobile
- Clear
Pitta Dosha:
Fire and Water
Digestion and Transformation
*associated with the endocrine, metabolic, and digestive systems.
- Hot
- Sharp,
- Light
- Liquid
- Spreading
- Oily
Kapha Dosha:
Water and Earth
Cohesiveness, Structure, and Lubrication
*associated with maintaining the immune system.
- Heavy
- Slow,
- Cool
- Oily
- Smooth
- Dense
- Soft, Stable
- Gross
- Cloudy (Sticky)
When Out Of Balance
Disturbances or imbalances in our doshas can be caused by diet and lifestyle choices, as well as the environment, stress, and trauma.
When this happens we can become ill with physical and emotional distress. The goal of Ayurvedic nutrition is to get all of your doshas back to the levels that are natural in your body. Let’s take a look at some of the issues that can arise when our doshas are out of balance:
Imbalanced Vata
- causes fear, anxiety, isolation, loneliness, and exhaustion
- leads to low energy both physically and mentally
- Disrupts proper nervous system communication
- Abnormal movements such as tics, tremors, and muscle spasms
Imbalanced Pitta
- fiery, reactions such as frustration, anger, jealousy, and criticism
- often at the root of inflammatory disorders
- can affect organs and tissues throughout the body
Imbalanced Kapha
- attachment, greed, and possessiveness
- creates stubbornness, lethargy, and resistance to change
- invites stagnation and congestion in organs and tissues throughout the body and the mind
Ancient Wisdom vs Modern Medicine
In Sanskrit, the word Ayurveda translates to “the science of life.”
However, in Western medicine, Ayurveda is classified as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), with other treatments like acupuncture, massage, and Reiki.
Western medical practices primarily focus on the treatment of a disease once it has manifested.
Ayurvedic medicine is focused on the prevention of disease, where the balance of energy is maintained through diet, exercise, and mindfulness.
Correcting Dosha Imbalances
Yoga and Ayurveda go hand in hand as a lifestyle. If you’ve been trying to get healthier… but are becoming frustrated with the results, maybe a more holistic approach is just what you need.
By utilizing this “science of life” as an Ayurvedic nutritionist, I can come to a deeper understanding of your personal composition, which in turn allows me to offer suggestions to help you correct imbalances in your dosha.
Once you begin to understand how to work with and balance your dosha, through these ancient practices, your overall health and well-being can begin to flourish.
Book Your Private Ayurvedic Nutrition Consultation Today!
If you’re ready to take charge of your personal wellness, I would love to support you in your journey from a holistic perspective.
I’ll help you to understand your own dosha and guide you into Ayurvedic nutrition in tandem with Yoga to help you bring more complete balance, wellness, and harmony into your life.