THE THREE PRIMARY DOSHIC STATES

The Doshas are biological energies that govern all physical and mental processes and provide every living being with an individual blueprint for health and achievement. They are found in the following three states:

• Balanced: In this state all the three Doshas are balanced in their natural proportions.
• Aggravated: In this state one particular Dosha is in excess and dominates.
• Depleted: In this state one particular Dosha is present in less than normal proportion.

Of the three, the aggravated state is the worst and leads to imbalance and disease. An aggravated Dosha state can be the result of an imbalanced diet or a stressful lifestyle. Ayurveda offers an individualized treatment for each type or body condition which is very different from the western model’s “one-pill for all” approach. If detected on time, imbalanced Doshas can be cured by making alterations in diet and lifestyle. It is important to note that each Dosha type has its own specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations to keep it balanced and for this apparent reason, Ayurveda does not believe in a universal diet for all. Every individual should consume a diet compatible to his/ her predominant biological humors/doshas, to keep them in state of equilibrium in different seasons. This is both a preventive and curative approach to optimal health.

VATA DOSHA (WIND ENERGY)

Vata is primarily composed of the space (akasha) and air (vayu) elements. Intrinsically, the vata dosha is dry, light, mobile, cold, subtle and clear like the characteristics of air and space. Vata is also called the “King of the Doshas” because it is the energy of movement and governs all biological activity and gives the body its life force.Aperson with a predominantlyVata constitution will have physical and mental qualities that reflect the essential qualities of space and air and consequently, the Vata type of individuals are quick thinking, thin and fast moving. The balanced Vata individual is energetic, artistic, articulate and communicative. However, when the Vata type is disturbed then, like the hurricane effect it causes imbalance and the person becomes restless and anxious. The bodily disorders related toVata imbalance are dryness of the skin, digestive disorders and constipation, painful joints, hampered circulation and movement.

PITTA DOSHA (FIRE ENERGY)

Pitta is made up of the Fire (agni) andWater (jal) elements. It has the qualities of being hot, sharp, light, liquid and oily. Physiologically, Pitta provides the body with heat and energy through the breakdown of complex food. It governs all processes related to transformation of energy throughout the mind and body. Thus, it governs nutrition and metabolism and the body temperature. A Pitta type individual will have qualities reflective of Fire and Water, such as a fiery personality and oily skin. Pitta is related to intelligence, understanding, digestion, and transformation and it governs joy, courage, willpower, anger, jealousy, and mental perception and intellect. The balanced Pitta individual is blessed with a joyful disposition, a sharp intellect, and tremendous courage and drive. However, when Pitta is imbalanced it leads to anger, rage, and ego leaving an individual who is bitter with life and haughty towards others. There is a saying that imbalanced Pitta individuals don’t go to hell; they simply create it wherever they go! Pitta imbalances leads to bodily disorders like infection, inflammation, ulcers, heartburn, and fever.

KAPHA DOSHA (WATER ENERGY)

Kapha is composed of the earth (prithvi) and water (jala) elements. It has the qualities of being heavy, thick, slow, oily, moist and humid. Kapha lends structure and firmness to the physical body. Physiologically, Kapha moistens the food, gives bulk to our tissues, lubricates joints, stores energy, and makes up the cool bodily fluids such as water, mucous and lymph. A Kapha type individual has a sturdy body structure/frame and a calm temperament, reflecting the underlying elements of Earth and Water. Psychologically, Kapha governs love, patience, tranquility, compassion, greed, attachment and mental inertia. When imbalanced it leads to depression and lethargy and this makes the body prone to obesity, sinus congestion and ailments related to the mucous.