Ayurveda attests that the universal life force is manifested by three individual energies which are called Doshas. These Doshas are named vata, pitta, and kapha. Vata is air and space energy, pitta is fire and water energy, and kapha is water and earth energy. A combination of these three energies make up every living being in the universe. From birth, or actually from the moment of conception, a person has a unique combination of the three Doshas imprinted up on their essence. This influences and in a way almost dictates the individuals’ personality, emotions, idiosyncrasies and habits.
However, as you grow and age, or as your life situation changes, your balance of these three energy changes. While your dosha composition, which is usually dominated with one energy and supported by a secondary energy such as Vata-Pitta or Kapha-Vatta, remains the same for your whole life, your the balance of all three doshic energies will oscillate dependent upon your diet, climate, age, and environment. When the Doshas move in and out of balance, then your energy, health, and mood is impacted.
Essentially, doshas are energies found in the body and mind that influence physical and mental processes. Since these energies are dynamic, they change in response to stimulus, situations, and environment. The doshas are simply your Ayurvedic mind-body type as derived from the five elements.
Curious about finding out which dosha you are? Click here.
The Dosha States
There are three possible ways for your dosha to be expressed:
- Balanced: When all three doshas are in equilibrium, in perfectly natural proportions
- Increased: This is when particular dosha is increased at a more than normal proportion, which means that one dosha is present in excess.
- Decreased: This is when a particular dosha is decreased at a less than normal proportion which means that it is reduced or depleted.
The Vata Dosha
In general, someone who has vata as their dominant dosha will have the characteristic that one might think about when thinking of wind or air. Vatas then to be thin, with dry skin, and are quick to experience cold. They move very quickly, both in body and mind. It often seems that a vata is all over the place, unstable, flighty. However, Vatas are very creative and they love to travel. As their minds move quickly, and they don’t like to sit still, sleep can be hard for them. They also might suffer from anxiety and other mental disorders as the mind is so active that thoughts can spiral out of control easily. Out of all the doshas, vatas are the most talkative and friendly.
The Pitta Dosha
When you think of pitta, think of fire. They are very powerful, strong, and often quick to anger. They usually are very stubborn, determined, and even brash. They are headstrong, and approach their lives with intensity. They are good leaders, and always are up for a new challenge. Pittas are fiercely competitive. They have strong digestion, as metabolic activity is attributed to the fire element. However, those with a pitta dominance may suffer from rage, judgemental attitudes, and inflammation in their bodies and also in their attitudes.
The Kapha Dosha
Kapha is dominated by the earth element, and therefore those with a kapha disposition may be slow, sluggish, heavy, and lazy. On the other hand, they are the most stable and loyal people out of all the doshas. They make wonderful partners and friends in their trustworthiness and in the security they provide their partners. However, if they become too complacent they lack of motivation can be frustrating for other dosha types.
Can I Have A Mix Of Two Doshas?
Yes, most people have qualities from two different dosha types. This is referred ot as bi-dosha or bi-doshic. Most people are dominated by one dosha and have a secondary dosha that can also flare up and take over if the situation, season, or emotional charge warrants it.
If you feel like you have a balance of all three doshas, then you could be a tri-dosha. A tri-dosha person is one whose energy and mentality is in harmony with all three dosha types. Of course, one dosha can override the others if there is cause in diet, emotion, or mental state.
Ayurveda to the Rescue
As the knowledge of life, Ayurveda provides recommendations for each person dependent on their dosha type. These recommendations can include lifestyle changes such as what time to wake up to advice on diet. Ayurveda is a wealth of knowledge that tailors their advice and treatment options based on a myriad of factors. One pill will not fix that. But your mind and body, and the connection between the two, paired with an awareness of your doshic constituted and your environmental, physical, emotional, and mental influences can, and will.
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