Ayurveda and Doshas

Ayurveda views the tissues, organs, and systems within the human body as interrelated and interdependent functions and structures. Ayurveda takes these related structures and functions and groups them into three principles called doshas. The sanskrit name for these three principles are Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

VATA

The Vata principle includes the entire nervous system and motor controls. Vata structures and functions are responsible for all the communications within the human being as well as communication with the outer world. Vata is movement and transport within a person's body and mind. Vata functions include, the breathing process of the lungs, the peristaltic movement of the intestines, the pumping of the heart and all the movements of the skeletal system and muscles.

Vata dosha is also responsible for one's intuition, imagination, and includes emotions like fear, anxiousness, insecurity. Vata can also be restless and always on the move. As we stated earlier, the human is part of nature, therefore the five elements exist within each and every one of us. Each dosha has two elements that are more dominant. Vata represents the biological principles of air and space. Therefore the structures and functions that represent Vata usually have the qualities of air and space like light, dry, rough, cold and subtle.
The diet and lifestyle that fits a Vata constitution will be discussed in herbs, cooking and yoga sections. If you'd like to learn more about Vata now in regards to herbs, cooking and yoga, go there now.

Pitta

The Pitta principle includes the digestive system, regulation of body temperature and controls eyesight. Pitta structures and functions are responsible for transformation within the human being. Pitta functions include digestion, absorption and assimilation of food, and the luster of the skin, hair and eyes.

Pitta types have a high capacity for learning and concentration, and therefore governs intelligence and intellect. The emotional qualities include being judgmental, critical, angry. Pitta can also be stubborn and highly driven. As we stated earlier, the human is part of nature, therefore the five elements exist within each and every one of us. Each dosha has two elements that are more dominant. Pitta represents the biological principles of fire and water. Therefore the structures and functions that represent Pitta usually have the qualities of fire and water like hot, sharp, light, liquid, mobile and oily. The diet and lifestyle that fits a Pitta constitution will be discussed in herbs, cooking and yoga sections. If you'd like to learn more about Pitta now in regards to herbs, cooking and yoga, go there now.

Kapha

Kapha structures and functions are responsible for structure and lubrication. Kapha includes the musculoskeletal frame, composition of all joints, the process of tissue building, and wound healing . Kapha is present in the sinuses, nose, mouth, stomach, joints, chest, throat, head, and also cytoplasm, plasma, and in the liquid secretions of the body such as mucus.

Kapha types are known to be compassionate and loving but also express the emotional qualities that include attachment and greed. Kaphas are sometimes refered to as the "couch potatoes". They are happy to sit around and be comfortable. As we stated earlier, the human is part of nature, therefore the five elements exist within each and every one of us. Each dosha has two elements that are more dominant. Kapha represents the biological principles of earth and water. Therefore the structures and functions that represent Kapha have the qualities of earth and water like oily, dense, cold, stable, smooth, heavy The diet and lifestyle that fits a Kapha constitution will be discussed in herbs, cooking and yoga sections. If you'd like to learn more about Kapha now in regards to herbs, cooking and yoga, go there now.