In Ayurveda, the five elements combines in pairs to form three dynamic forces of interactions called doshas; of three forms, they are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. They are born from the five basic elements known as mind body types.
What is Doshas?
Dosha can often translate as biological type or constitution. Dosha is a Sanskrit word means unfavorable, flaw, not good, can cause danger, fault, disease, etc. against the cosmic rhythm. Therefore, doshas may be considering as the pathogenic factors, or disease-causing agents.
In Ayurveda, dosha is considering as the governing principles as every living thing in nature characterized by the dosha.
In Ayurvedic philosophy, the five elements combine in pairs to form three dynamic forces called doshas. These three forces (vata, pitta & kapha) circulate in the body and govern physiological activity. Their distinct proportions decide individual temperament and physical constitution. When it became unbalance leads to particular physical, mental and emotional disorders.
Five element and dosha
The five element (Panchamahabhutas) combine in different ways to form the three vital bio-energies; vata, pitta, kapha.
- The elements air and ether combine to form Vata.
- The elements fire and water combine to form Pitta.
- The elements earth and water combine to form Kapha.
Dosha and its characteristics
The central concept of Ayurvedic medicine is the theory that health exists when there is a balance between three fundamental bodily humors or doshas called Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
- Vata is the impulse principle necessary to mobilize the nervous system function. Vata predominates during old age. Manifest as the movement of nerve impulses, air, blood, food, waste, and thought. Its characteristics are cold, light, irregular, mobile, rarefied, dry, and rough. Function of the Vata dosha are movement, breathing, natural Urges, transformation of the tissues, motor functions, sensory functions, secretions, excretions, fear, emptiness, and anxiety. Aggressive vata dosha can result in nerve irritation, high blood pressure, gas, and confusion. Too little dosha (shortage) can result in nerve loss, congestion, constipation, and thoughtlessness.
- Pitta is the fire principle uses bile for digestion and metabolism. Pitta predominates during teen age (during hormonal changes) and adult. Manifest as enzymes that digest food and the hormones that regulate metabolism. Its characteristics are hot, light, fluid, subtle, sharp, malodorous, soft, and clear. Functions of the pitta dosha are body heat (temperature), digestion, perception, understanding, hunger, thirst, intelligence, anger, hate and jealousy. Aggressive pitta dosha can result in ulcers, hormonal imbalance, irritated, skin (acne), and anger. Too little dosha (shortage) can result in indigestion, inability to understand, and sluggish metabolism.
- Kapha is the water principle relates to mucous, lubrication and is the nutrient carrier. Kapha predominates during childhood year (during growth. Manifest as cells that make up organs and fluids, which nourish and protect them. Its characteristics are oily cold, heavy, stable, dense, and smooth. Functions of the kapha dosha are stability, energy, lubrication, forgiveness, greed, attachment, accumulation, holding, and possessiveness. Aggressive kapha dosha can result in mucous build-up in the sinus and nasal passages, the lungs and colon. Too little dosha (shortage) can result in experiences a dry respiratory tract and burning stomach.
As per Ayurveda, health exists only when there is balance between all the three fundamental bodily doshas or humors called Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
According to Ayurveda, dosha is one of the three humors that make up one’s constitution this concept also called as Tri-dosha theory. Tridosha are the psychobiological or biological pattern regulating the complete bodily function.
If all three doshas are in perfect equilibrium, you will experience:
- Every body tissues are functioning properly.
- Waste products (urine, feces and menstrual blood, etc.) eliminates in time & quantity.
- The body channels are open and clear without any blockage.
- The digestive fire is at its optimal level.
- All the five sense organs work at its best.
- The body, mind and spirit are in harmony.