The play of Doshas

By Rippan Sandhu

The play of the Doshas from the moment of conception, this individual constitution is created by the energies of Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. These five elements combine into the three fundamental energies or doshas known as: VATA, PITTA, and KAPHA.

What is Dosha
In our bodies, these three doshas or humours govern every physiological and psychological characteristic from basic cellular process to the most complex biological functions. Vata-Pitta-Kapha is present in every cell, tissue and organ.When in a state of natural balance they create health and longevity and when out of balance they create skin problems or imbalances. When these forces are in a state of natural balance the defence mechanism of the body works at peak efficiency rewarding us with health and longevity.

VATA is moving force/ energy of movement and is governed by Air and ether
It is responsible for all bodily activities and sensation. It controls the movement of blood through the circulatory system, air in and out of the lungs, excretions out of the body and nutrients into cells. Vata governs movement in the body, the activities of the nervous system and the process of elimination.

Qualities of Vata:
Cold, light, dry, irregular, rough, moving, quick, changeable .If Vata dosha predominates, movement and change are characteristic of your nature. You will tend to always be on the go, with an energetic and creative mind. As long as Vata is in balance, you will be lively and enthusiastic, with a lean body.

Physical Characteristics:
Those with a predominance of Vata dosha are usually have a thin, light frame and excellent agility. Their energy comes in bursts, and they are likely to experience sudden bouts of fatigue. Vatas typically have dry skin and hair and cold hands and feet. They sleep lightly and their digestion can be sensitive. When the Vata dosha becomes imbalanced, it manifests in the body as weight loss, constipation, hypertension, arthritis, weakness, restlessness, and digestive challenges.

Emotional Characteristics:
Vata types love creativity, excitement and new experiences. They are quick to anger but also to forgive. When Vatas are in balance, they are energetic, creative, and flexible. They love to talk and take initiative.. When unbalanced, they are prone to worry and anxiousness and often suffer from insomnia. When they feel overwhelmed or stressed, their response is, “What did I do wrong?”

Since the vata dosha is characterised as restless, constantly in motion and irregular, the primary lifestyle recommendation for balancing vata is to maintain a regular routine.

PITTA Represents biological fire/energy of transformation.
Pitta is the energy of Transformation and is governed by the fire and water element. It governs digestions and metabolic transformation of nutrients into a biologically usable form. It also imparts capacity to absorb ideas and impression and bestow intelligence and an enthusiasm for life. The Pitta dosha controls digestion, metabolism, and energy production. The primary function of Pitta is transformation.

Qualities of Pitta:
Sharp, Hot, pungent, light, intense, penetrating, acidic. The pitta predominance means that these qualities are generously present in your mental , emotional and physical make up i.e fiery and intense nature in both body and mind.

Physical Characteristics:
Pittas are usually of medium and symmetrical size and weight. They have soft , fair sensitive skin. They have excellent digestion, which sometimes leads them to believe they can eat anything. They have fine hair with tendency towards thinning of hair or greying, baldness is also common in a Pitta. They have regular sleep pattern. When in balance, Pittas have a lustrous complexion, perfect digestion, abundant energy, and a strong appetite. When out of balance, Pitta type may suffer from burning sensations, acidity, peptic ulcers, excessive body heat that can lead to skin sensitivity or rashes , heartburn, and indigestion.

Emotional Characteristics:
Pittas have a powerful intellect, very organised and a strong ability to concentrate. When they’re in balance they promote understanding and intelligence. They are leaders, good decision makers, teachers, and speakers. They have good entrepreneurial skill and are precise, sharp-witted, direct, and often direct or outspoken. Out-of-balance Pittas can arouse anger, hate/jealousy. They can be short-tempered, impatient, demanding, critical and argumentative. When Pittas are overstressed or out of balance they can have tendency to blame others or their typical response is “What did you do wrong?”

Since the Pitta dosha is characterized by fire and water element the primary lifestyle recommendation for balancing Pitta is to stay cool--both physically and emotionally.

KAPHA Energy of Protection and is governed by water and earth elements and support.
It gives strength and stability, both physically and psychologically.

Kapha energy enhances resistance against disease and promotes the healing process. Kapha governs the structure of the body and lubrication that body needs, It provides stability, compactness to the bodily tissues . It holds the cells together

Kapha governs the structure of the body and lubrication that body needs, It provides stability, compactness to the bodily tissues . It holds the cells together and forms the muscle, fat, and bone.. The primary function of Kapha is protection and stability.

Qualities of Kapha:
Heavy, slow, steady, solid, cold, soft, oily Physical Characteristics: Kapha types have a strong build and excellent stamina Kaphas generally have excellent health with natural resistance to disease. Large, soft eyes; smooth, radiant skin; and thick hair are important Kapha characteristics. Those who are predominantly Kapha sleep soundly and have regular digestion. But when imbalanced it builds to excess, weight gain, fluid retention, and allergies manifest in the body. When they’re out of balance, Kapha types may become overweight, sleep excessively, and suffer from asthma, diabetes, and depression.

Emotional Characteristics:
Kaphas are naturally calm, thoughtful, and loving. They have an inherent ability to enjoy life and are comfortable with routine. When in balance, Kaphas are strong, loyal, patient, steady, and supportive. Not easily upset, you can be a point of stability for friends and family. you are better at finishing things than starting them and are often traditional or conventional in behaviour and beliefs .Excess Kapha in the mind manifests as resistance to change and stubbornness. The typical Kapha stress response is lack of motivation, withdrawn, exhibit signs of jealousy and possessiveness or simply “I don’t want to deal with it.”

Since the Kapha dosha is characterised by wet, cold, heavy virtues the primary lifestyle recommendation for balancing kapha is physical and emotional stimulation..

Take care,
Rippan and the Ayurda team.