The Three Dosha

THE THREE DOSHAS

In Ayurvedic philosophy, the five elements combine in pairs to form three dynamic forces (interactions) called doshas. Dosha means "that which changes" because doshas are constantly moving in dynamic balance, one with the others. Doshas are primary life forces or biological humors. They are only found in life forms (similar to the concepts of organic chemistry), and their dynamism is what makes life happen.

Vata (va-ta) is a force conceptually made up of the elements ether and air. The proportions of ether and air determine how active Vata is. The amount of ether (space) affects the ability of air to gain momentum, as expressed in Vata, In the body, Vata is movement (a dynamism of the combination between ether and air), and manifests itself in living things as the movement of nerve, impulses, air, blood, food, waste and thoughts.
When the movement of air is unrestricted by combination between ether and space (as in the open ocean) it can gain air, momentum to become hurricane winds moving at speeds of over 150 mph. When air is restrained in a box, it cannot move and becomes stable.

Vata has seven characteristics, which are: cold, light, irregular, mobile, rarefied, dry, and rough. These qualities characterize their effect on the body. Too much Vara force can cause nerve irritation, high blood pressure, gas and confusion. Too little Vata, we have nerve loss, congestion, constipation and thoughtlessness.

Pitta {pit-ta) is a force conceptually created by the dynamic interplay of water and fire. These two seemingly opposed forces represent transformation. They cannot change into each other, but they modulate each other and are vitally necessary to each other in the life processes.
In our bodies Pitta is manifested by the quality of transformation. Pitta is the enzymes which digest our food and the hormones which regulate our metabolism. In our mind, the Pitta force is the transformation of chemical/electrical impulses into understood thoughts. Too much Pitta can cause ulcers, hormonal imbalance, irritated skin (acne), and consuming e (anger). Too little Pitta and we have indigestion, inability to understand, and sluggish metabolism. The Pitta force is described according to eight characteristics which affect the body: hot, light, fluid, subtle, sharp, malodorous, soft and clear.

When you boil water on a fire, if the fire is too hot, all the water boils away and the pot burns. If you put too much water into the pot, it overflows and puts out the fire.

Kapha (ka-fa) is the conceptual equilibrium of water and earth. Kapha is structure and lubrication – it draws on the conceptual characteristics of the elements of earth and water. At one level, Kapha is the cells that make up our organs and the fluids which nourish and protect them.
In the Ayurvedic organization of cause and effect, too much Kapha force causes mucous buildup in the sinus and nasal passages, the lungs and colon. In the mind it creates rigidity, a fixation of thought, inflexibility. Not enough Kapha force causes the body to experience a dry respiratory tract, burning stomach (due to lack of mucous, which gives protection from excess stomach acids), and inability to concentrate. Kapha force is expressed according to the following qualities: oily, cold, heavy, stable, dense and smooth.

When a handful of sand is thrown into a container of water, the two will separate as the sand settles to the bottom. Only by continuous stirring will the mixture remain in balance. The force of Kapha is like the stirring, maintaining the balance.

Changing Forces

These three dynamic forces are constantly changing and balancing each other in all living things. They make life happen. In a plant, Vata is. concentrated in the flowers and leaves (which reach farthest out into space and air), Kapha is concentrated in the roots (where water is stored in the embrace of earth), and Pitta is found in the plants' essential oils, resins and sap (especially in spices which stimulate digestion). Different plants have different concentrations of V-P-K (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). We can use different foods, plants, and specific plant parts to alter our body's proportion of V-P-K. Eating root vegetables, milk products, or sedating herbs like valerian, increases our Kapha. Drinking herbal flowers like jasmine, or eating dry grains, increases our Vata forces. Eating hot, spicy foods like cayenne, or concentrated protein like bee pollen, increases our Pitta tendencies.

Climatic Influences

The climates we live in and the change of seasons also add or subtract from our V-P-K balance. Hot summers or hot climates increase our Pitta: Dry climates or cold autumn winds increase Vata. Wet winters and damp climates add to Kapha.

Life Stages

The stage of life we are in also affects V-P-K balance. The increase in the substance of the body which occurs during childhood growth means that Kapha forces arc dominant during this cycle of life. The hormone changes which transform us into adults indicate that our early and middle years are under Pitta influences. As we age, we can shrink and dry out, indicating an increase of Vata forces.