Doshas

Origin·Role in Ayurveda·Influence·Dosha types·Nutrition·Treatment·Everyday tips·Conclusion·FAQ·Sources

Origin: Where does the concept of doshas come from?

The term and concept originate from Ayurveda, the traditional Indian art of healing. In Ayurvedic teachings, everything is based on the five elements of fire, water, earth, air and ether. Different elements are also assigned to the doshas (vata = air, pitta = fire and water, kapha = earth and water). Their individual, unique combination makes up a person's Ayurvedic constitution.

Ayurvedic teachings refer to the constitution created at birth as Prakriti (or Prakruti). Vikriti (also Vikruti), on the other hand, refers to the doshas that influence health at the current time.

Role in Ayurveda: What is the importance of dosha in Ayurveda?

Knowledge of the dosha types forms the central basis of Ayurveda. The three constitutional types regulate and control all processes in the human body. If they are disturbed or out of balance, the person becomes ill. Their significance is comparable to that of chi in TCM.

Influence on the human being: How does the dosha influence body and mind?

Everyone carries all three doshas within them, but to varying degrees. Two of the doshas usually dominate. We then speak, for example, of a Pitta-Kapha type or a Vata-Pitta type. A healthy body regulates itself. According to Ayurveda, a person with 80 percent Vata can be just as healthy as another with 80 percent Pitta, as long as this corresponds to their natural disposition and constitution. Conditions only arise when there is an excess of dosha, which brings the body's natural balance into imbalance.

Sub-terms: What doshas are there and how do they differ?

There are three dosha types that are associated with different characteristics:

Vata: dry, light and airy, flexible

Vata types are sensitive and delicate personalities by nature. They have a slender build, dry skin and artistic abilities. Body and mind need activity to satisfy curiosity and the urge to move. Due to their open nature, people with a Vata constitution are strong communicators, talkative and sociable. They like to learn and have lots of ideas, but often have little stamina and several projects open at the same time. The already sensitive digestion of Vata types reacts to stress, inappropriate food and inner restlessness with flatulence and constipation. Vata people are sensitive to cold and wind and have little to offer against conditions. Their nervous system and physical strength tend to be less pronounced. Vata types are prone to overwork, exhaustion and conditions in the musculoskeletal system, digestive tract and cardiovascular system.

Pitta: liquid, hot, pungent, penetrating

Pitta types have a lot of energy and physical and mental strength. They are dynamic, successful and impressive. Their often tense disposition needs to be balanced by sporting activity and physical exercise. Pitta people are good speakers with fluent, clear speech that also has a certain sharpness. They can argue well and love meetings, debates and discussions. Dominance, assertiveness and a strong ability to act are among the most common characteristics of Pitta types.
The heat, pungency and acidity of the fiery Pitta constitution ensure a good metabolic turnover, good digestion, heavy sweating and warm, well-supplied skin, which is, however, prone to problems. Hyperacidity, inflammation and diseases of the liver and other digestive organs are also more common in Pitta people.

Kapha: moist, heavy, cold, immobile

Kapha types are characterized by inner strength and stability. This is based on the elements of water and earth, which ensure slowness, security, contentment, stability, structural compactness and tolerance. The physique of Kapha people is correspondingly strong with round contours and a tendency to put on weight, although they tend to eat little. They have smooth skin, large eyes and strong hair. The physical strength of people with a Kapha constitution is impressive and their good immune system makes them resistant to conditions. However, diabetes and problems with the lungs, bronchial tubes or sinuses can occur, as can obesity and conditions caused by excess fat.
Mental disorders, on the other hand, are rare in Kapha types. Due to their balanced nature, they are calm, loyal, reliable and faithful in their dealings with themselves and other people. They need a lot of time for themselves and tasks to be performed, tend to be comfortable and lack physical and mental drive.

In addition to these three main types, there are also combinations such as Vata-Pitta, Vata-Kapha, Pitta-Kapha and Vata-Pitta-Kapha.

The three dosha types at a glance

Dosha Table

Dosha Characteristics

Dosha Properties Elements Functions in the Body Location in the Body Disorders In Balance
Vata Dry, cold, light, subtle, mobile, rough Air and space Movement, breathing, circulation, excretion, embryo development, sensory perception, speech formation, nerve functions Large intestine, lumbar region, sacrum, thighs, bones, skin, ears Anxiety, insomnia, constipation, dry skin, joint disorders Creativity, flexibility, vitality, clear thinking, good circulation
Pitta Hot, sharp, light, oily, intense, liquid Fire and water Digestion, metabolism, body temperature, energy production, vision Small intestine, stomach, liver, pancreas, blood, eyes, skin Inflammation, heartburn, ulcers, anger, skin rashes Intelligence, courage, strong digestion, enthusiasm, good metabolism
Kapha Heavy, slow, steady, solid, cold, soft, oily Earth and water Structure, lubrication, stability, immunity, memory, growth Chest, lungs, stomach, throat, muscles, joints, fat tissues Obesity, congestion, lethargy, depression, sinus issues Patience, strength, stability, endurance, calmness

Nutrition: Which foods are associated with the doshas?

Ayurveda recommends individual diets depending on the dosha or constitution type. Vata types should give preference to warm, fatty and sweet foods such as cooked vegetables, nuts and ripe fruit. Pitta types benefit from cooling and bitter foods such as cucumbers and fruit. Kapha types would do well to choose easily digestible, high-fiber and warm foods.

Areas of application: Where and how are doshas used for treatment?

Doshas form the basis of human health. If they are balanced, a person will not have to struggle with either physical or psychological complaints. During an Ayurveda retreat or other examination by Ayurvedic specialists, the individual constitution is determined on the basis of the pulse, among other things, and a treatment and nutrition plan is put together on this basis to bring the doshas back into balance.

Certain things can also help to keep the doshas in balance in everyday life. The following lists provide a few tips, especially on diet.

Tips for everyday life: How do I maintain dosha balance?

For Vata types:

  • Warming, moist and oily foods such as cereal porridge, stew and high quality vegetable oils
  • Regular routines
  • Sufficient sleep

Pitta types should:

  • Favor cooling foods with bitter and sweet flavors, such as green vegetables, fresh herbs and fruits
  • Avoid spicy and sour foods

Kapha types focus on:

  • Light, dry and spicy foods, e.g. mung beans, barley and leafy vegetables
  • Regular exercise
  • Avoid sweet, sour and cold foods

Conclusion

The most important facts about the Doshas at a glance

  • 1. Every person carries all three Doshas in different proportions within themselves.
  • 2. Depending on which Dosha predominates, the diet should be adjusted accordingly.
  • 3. Diseases arise as soon as one or more Doshas fall out of balance.
  • 4. The three Doshas are called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and each encompasses different characteristics.
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FAQ - Further questions about the doshas

Can the dosha type change?
Which elements are the three doshas?
How can I bring my doshas into balance?
Which dosha type am I?

Sources

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