Concept of Tri-Dosha

According to Ayurveda, everything in this universe is made up of five elements, namely, earth, water, fire, air and ether (space). These elements combine to form the three doshas, vata, kapha, and pitta, or metabolic types and are represented in the human body in different forms. For instance, bones and teeth are earth, blood and lymph are water, the metabolism is fire, oxygen is air, and ether is the spaces found between matter, represented best by vibration or sound.

Each dosha is formed by the combination of basic five elements, earth, fire, water, air and ether (space). Vata is a combination of Ether (space) and Air, Pitta is formed by combination of Fire and water and Kapha is a combination of Water and Earth. These various doshas govern different functions and different attributes in the individual’s body.

The three active doshas are called Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Dosha Related Elements
Vata: Air and Ether
Pitta: Fire and Water
Kapha: Water and Earth

Vata
The meaning of the word vata is "wind, to move, flow, direct the processes of, or command." In Ayurveda Vata is one of the tridoshas that is believed to be the combination of air and space (ether). It is also thought to be the controlling energy in the body and influences all forms of movement in the mind and body. Hence it is believed that the initial cause of diseases in the body and mind is Vata imbalance. Vata also facilitates the other two doshas to be expressive.

Vata governs many basic functions of the body like breathing, heart pulsation, blood flow, all expansion and contraction, movements in the muscles and tissues, the movements of cytoplasm and the cell membranes, and the movement of the single impulses in nerve cells, blinking of the eyelids, waste elimination, and the way our thoughts cross our minds. Vata also controls feelings and emotions such as freshness, anxiety, fear, nervousness, pain, tremors, and spasms.

The prime location of Vata in human body is colon but it also resides in the hips, thighs, ears, bones, large intestine, pelvic cavity, and skin. Thus if the vata exceeds in the body it accumulated in these areas. Any imbalance of Vata energy can cause conditions like high blood pressure, constipation, anxiety, dry skin, insomnia and cramps. Vata can be thrown out of balance by, by staying up late at night, eating dry fruit, or eating before the previous meal is digested.

Distinctive Features of Vata people
Physical
Body frame – People with Vata prakriti has light body frame and are usually physically underdeveloped. They may be short or tall but thin and slender. Their chests are flat and their veins and muscle tendons are visible.

Skin & HairType – The vata people usually have brown complexion with dry, rough, cold and cracked skin. They have average to thin hair that is usually dark and dry and may be curly.

Eyes – Vata people usually have dark brown or grey colored eyes with thin eyelashes and less luster. The eyes may be sunken, small, dry, and active.
Other – Vata people have rough and brittle nails, crooked, large or protruding teeth, and bent and turned-up nose.

Physiological
Vata people generally have irregular daily routine. The Vata individual is quick moving both physically and in talking. They have variable appetite and digestive efficiency and like sweet, sour and salty tastes and hot drinks. They usually have irregular appetite and thirst; hence experience digestive and malabsorption problems. Vata people have tendency to cold hands and feet and moderate sweating. The urine production is also scarce and the feces are dry, hard and small in quantity. Their sleep is light, interrupted, and fitful and they usually sleep less than the other types. They show dislike for cold climate. They spend high energy in short bursts thus tend to tire easily and to overexert. Sexually such people are easily excitable but quickly satisfied. Vata types tend to be delicate in health, so they may have few or no children.

Behavioral or Psychological
Positive 
Highly imaginative, Creative and filled with ideas.
Mental quickness means they quick in learning and grasping new knowledge.
They have excitable, lively, fun personality with tendency for swing able moods. When in balance they are full of joy and enthusiastic.
They do not like sitting idle, and seek constant action.

Negative
They have little willpower and possess little tolerance, confidence or boldness.
Their reasoning power is weak. They have a tendency to act on impulse.
These people are fearful, anxious, and insecure. Fears of darkness, heights and enclosed spaces are common with them.

Their memory is not very good and they are quick to forget the learned knowledge.
These people are restless and often have disjointed thoughts.
When out of balance they respond to stress with fear, worry, and anxiety.
They have a tendency to change and may often move furniture or residence to keep from feeling bored.

They are quick to earn money but spend it on trifles and have difficulty saving.

Indications of Balanced Vata
Vata influences as well as controls many vital organs of human body. When it is in balanced condition it ensures:
Mental alertness
Abundance of creative energy
Good elimination of waste matters from the body
Sound sleep
A strong immune system
Enthusiasm
Emotional balance
Orderly functioning of the body's systems
Thus it encourages your physical and mental health as well.

Indications of Imbalanced Vata
Any of the qualities of vata in excess can cause an imbalance. Frequent travel, especially by plane, loud noises, constant stimulation, drugs, sugar and alcohol, exposure to cold and cold liquids and foods can disturb the balance of vata. Vata dosha also aggravate and increase during autumn and early winter. When vata is imbalanced or disturbed the body shows some distinctive signs or symptoms that include: 
Feeling of tiredness, fatigue but unable to relax
Poor stamina
Nervousness, lack of concentration, anxiety, fearfulness
Impatient, or hyperactive behavior
Weight loss, under weight
Insomnia; wake up at night and can't go back to sleep
Generalized aches, sharp pains, Arthritis, stiff and painful joints
Agitated movement
Sensitivity to cold
Nail biting
Rough, flaky skin, chapped lips
Fainting spells
Heart palpitations
Constipation, Intestinal bloating, gas, Belching, hiccups
Dry, sore throat, Dry eyes
Self-defeating, shy, insecure and restless nature
Indecisiveness (lack of decision making power)
Mental and emotional depression

If you experience any of the above-mentioned condition it is a sign that your Vata is aggravated or imbalanced. In such condition one should follow the practices that balance vata dosha.

Health Problems caused by Imbalanced Vata
Vata regulates some of the basic functions of human body, hence the imbalance in vata can cause several minor or major health problems including headaches, hypertension, dry coughs, sore throats, earaches, anxiety, irregular heart rhythms, muscle spasms, lower back pain, constipation, abdominal gas, diarrhea, nervous stomach, menstrual cramps, premature ejaculation and other sexual dys-functions, arthritis. Most neurological disorders are related to Vata imbalance.

General Tips on Health and Wellness For Vata Types
When in balance, vata promotes creativity and flexibility and general well being of body and mind, when run out of balance; vata produces fear and anxiety along with several health ailments. To keep vata in balance one should be acquainted with the causes and factors that can influence vata dosha and also the ways to regulate them.

The Vata people usually have irregular habits of eating and sleeping but this is the most important thing for them to do. When Vata is out of balance this may feel almost impossible, but all the people with a Vata body type should make an effort to establish a regular routine.

You should include relaxed and moderate kind of exercises in their routine. Yoga, meditation, walking, swimming are good for them. But you should avoid exhausting, competitive and frantic activities.

To maintain vata balance one should rest sufficiently, and choose foods, behaviors, personal relationships, and environmental circumstances that can set positive influences on vata. It is also important to regulate mental and physical impulses and to modify mental attitudes, emotional states, and behaviors in supportive ways. Try to associate with people who are calmly purposeful.

Vata people need to keep warm thus they should avoid staying out in cold weather and having cold food. Steam baths, humidifiers and moisture in general are beneficial for them. Daily oil massage before the shower or bath is also advisable.  

Vata prakriti people should consume warm, moist, slightly oily and heavy food and should avoid cold and raw food. Optimum meal times for vata people are: breakfast at 7 a.m., lunch at noon, a snack at 4 p.m. and a full dinner at 6 p.m.

Vata people should go to bed by 10 p.m. since they need more rest than the other types. A small daily nap between 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. is beneficial for them.

The colours that correspond well with the Vata dosha are warm and gentle such as yellow, ochre, and brown. So vata people should include these colors in their wardrobes and homes as well.

People having vata constitution should wear Amethyst as this stone associate well with Vata dosha and drive positive influences.

If your basic constitution is mixed like vata-pitta or vata-kapha, then you should include portion for the second influential dosha.

A Food Plan to Balance Vata Dosha
Since vata is a cold dry dosha, warm, nourishing foods are good to balance Vata. You should include in your diet the food that is warm, moderately heavy, slightly oily (garnished with butter and fat), sweet, soothing and satisfying. All such foods are good for settling disturbed Vata. Food items such as warm milk, cream, butter, warm soups, stews, hot cereals, fresh baked bread, ripe fruits, salted nuts are good for vata. Breakfast is very important for vata people. You can add hot cereals such as cream of rice or wheat, any warm, milky, and sweet food item in your breakfast. Vata person should avoid high caffeine drinks instead of them they can opt herbal teas. Spicy Mexican or Indian foods that are cooked in oil also good for vata people. On the other hand cold foods such as cold salads, iced drinks, raw vegetables and greens are not very good for persons with vata imbalance. They should avoid eating candies, dry fruits, and unripe fruits.

List of Favorable Food Items

List of Unfavorable Food Items

Pitta is hot, sharp, light, oily, liquid, and spreading in nature. It is sour, bitter, pungent to the taste, and has a fleshy smell. All these characteristics are revealed in the body of the pitta person. The main centers of pitta in human body are small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, fat, eyes, and skin. Pitta governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism, body temperature, skin coloration, the luster of the eyes, intelligence, and understanding. It gives the person appetite, vitality, and the capacity to learn, understand and determine what is right or wrong. The imbalanced pitta can cause many physical and psychological problems like anger, criticism, negative emotions, acidity, ulcers, heartburn, rashes and thinning hair. Pitta can be thrown out of balance by, eating spicy or sour food; being angry, tired, or fearful; or spending too much time in the sun. People with a predominantly pitta constitution are thought to be susceptible to heart disease and arthritis.

Distinctive Features of Pitta people

Physical
Body Frame – Pitta prakriti people have light to medium body frame with well-built physique and medium height. Their chests are not very flat and they show a medium prominence of veins and muscle tendons.
Skin & Hair Type – The pitta person may have coppery, yellowish, reddish or fair complexion with fair or reddish, fine, soft, shiny, warm skin. The hair may be fine red, fair or dark brown in color and straight or thinning, shiny, fine and silky in texture.
Eyes – Pitta people have distinct, bright eyes that are usually blue, grey or hazel in colour.

Teeth – Pitta people may have sharp but yellowish teeth with soft and, at times, bleeding gums.
Other – Pitta person has heart-shaped face with tapering chin and pointed nose that is sharp and tends to be reddish at tip. The nails are usually soft.
Some distinctive physical problems faced by pitta people include rashes or inflammations of the skin, sunburns, acne, boils, skin cancer, sensitive and burning eyes, hair loss, premature graying of hair and baldness.

Physiological
Pitta people usually have a sensitive and reactive body with a medium frame and weight. They usually keep in shape as they rarely gain or lose much weight.
Pitta constituent people usually have strong metabolism, good digestive fire and strong appetites. Thus they usually take large quantities of food and liquid at a time and often get irritated if they have to miss or wait for a meal.
Pitta type people have a natural longing for sweet, bitter and astringent tastes and enjoy cold drinks.
Pitta people usually have average or medium sleep but keep fresh and active, as their sleep is sound and uninterrupted.
Pitta is a fire element, thus people with pitta constitution tend to have higher body temperature with warm hands and feet. They do not feel comfortable in sunlight heat or hot weather as heat makes them tired.
Pitta people do not like hard work as well as they also have a tendency toward excessive perspiration.
Pitta people produce a large volume of urine and the feces are yellowish, liquid, soft and plentiful.
These people also show tendency toward grey hair with thinning hairline or baldness.
Pitta prakriti people are passionate and romantic and sexually have more vigor and endurance than Vatas, but less than Kaphas.

Behavioral or Psychological
Positive
Pitta people have sharp mind and superior memory hence they boast outstanding learning, understanding and concentrating powers.

These people are orderly, focused, assertive and entrepreneurial by nature.
Pitta people have inborn leadership skills with good comprehension power, focused vision and blessed wisdom. They are usually good public speakers and also capable of sharp, sarcastic, cutting speech. They have a desire to spread their name and fame all over.

They have natural fondness for noble professions and often make large amounts of money. They like to spend on luxurious items like perfume and jewelry.
Pitta people appreciate material prosperity and they tend to be moderately well off financially. They enjoy exhibiting their wealth and luxurious possessions and like to surround themselves with beautiful objects.

Negative
Pitta person is often stubborn, pushy, prejudiced, and authoritarian.
They have emotional tendencies toward hate, anger and jealousy.
Pitta people become commanding, irritated, angry, aggressive, demanding, assertive when out of balance.
Pitta people usually show extremist behavior and never yield an inch from their principles. They can be judgmental, critical and perfectionist, and tend to become angry easily.
Pitta person is subject to temper tantrums, impatience, and anger.
Indications of Balanced Pitta
A balanced pitta is an indication of sound physical and psychological health of an individual. When in balance pitta ensures:
Good digestion, , Energy , Goal-setting inclinations, Good problem-solving skills, Keen powers of intelligence, Decisiveness, Boldness and courage, Bright complexion

Indications of Imbalanced Pitta
Pitta is imbalanced when any property exceeds or decreases from its normal level. There are many factors that can cause pitta imbalance including alcohol and cigarettes, hard work, overexertion, and overheating. Pitta is a fire element thus summer season is time when it gets easily aggravated. When pitta is out of balance or disturbed the body shows some distinctive signs or symptoms both physical and behavioral. Physical symptoms include:
Acidity, Heartburn
Fitful sleep, Disturbing dreams, Insomnia
Diarrhea, Food allergies
Bad breath, Sour body odor
Sensitivity to heat, Hot flashes
Skin rashes, Boils and Acne
Ulcers, Hot sensations in the stomach or intestines
Bloodshot eyes other vision problems
Weakness due to low blood sugar
Fevers, Night sweats
Anemia
Jaundice
On behavioral Front one may feel:
Angry, Irritable, hostile
Destructive and Impatient
Critical to self and others
Argumentative, Aggressive
Bossy, controlling
Frustrated, Willful, Reckless
Mental confusion

Health Problems caused by Imbalanced Pitta
Pitta is an element of fire hence any imbalance in pitta usually causes fevers, inflammatory diseases, acidity, ulcers, rashes, digestive problem etc. It can also cause loss of strength, heart problems, skin problems, jaundice and hair problems.

General Tips on Health and Wellness For Pitta

When in balance, pitta promotes intelligence and understanding but when disturbed or imbalanced it produces anger and jealousy. To ensure sound and healthy living one should be aware with the causes and factors that can influence pitta dosha and also the ways to regulate them.

It is very important for Pitta people that they lead a pure and moderate life and try to keep cool. Pitta is a fire element; hence to balance it one should avoid excessive heat, oily, steamy and salty food, rigorous exercises that increase body heat, etc. Such people should opt foods, attitudes, behaviors, personal relationships, and environmental conditions that can be instrumental in balancing pitta.

They should take food that is sweet, bitter, and astringent because these tastes decrease pitta influences, do exercise during the cooler part of the day, and do things that cool the mind, avoid conflicts and choose cool climates. On behavioral front developing the virtues of honesty, morality, kindness, generosity, and self-control also help in balancing pitta dosha.

Pitta prakriti people should do meditation as it helps to control negative thoughts and calm mind and body. Optimum meal times for pitta people are: breakfast at 7 a.m., lunch at noon, a snack at 3 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m.

The pitta people should use colors that are cool and calm, for example, blues and greens. These colors provide a soothing effect and help to control pitta. The stone should be worn by pitta people is Moonstone as this stone associate well with pitta dosha and drive positive influences.

A Food Plan to Balance Pitta Dosha
Pitta is related with fire and control digestion and metabolism, body temperature, and biological transformations in the body. Usually Pitta people have strong efficient digestion, they can generally eat just about everything but they should include cool or warm food in their diet with less butter and added fat. Excessive use of salt, overuse of sour and spicy food and overeating are the main causes that trouble pitta so such food items should be reduced, instead starchy foods such as vegetables, grains and beans, salad, milk and ice cream should be included in the diet.

Alcoholic and fermented foods should also be avoided. Pitta person should not take coffee also as the acid in the coffee is also pitta aggravating, instead they can have herb teas like mint, licorice root or other that pacify pitta. If your basic constitution is mixed like pitta-vata or pitta-kapha, then you should include portion for the second influential dosha.

Kapha is heavy, slow, cool, oily, liquid, hard, smooth, dense, soft, static, viscous, and cloudy. It is white in color and has a sweet and salty taste. These attributes of kapha can be seen with an individual who has predominant kapha dosha.

The main centers of kapha in the human body are chest, throat, head, sinuses, nose, mouth, stomach, joints, cytoplasm, plasma, and the liquid secretions of the body such as mucus. The chest is the dominant seat of kapha.

kapha provide body resistance, lubricates the joints, moisture the skin, heals wounds; fills the spaces in the body; gives biological strength, vigor and stability; supports memory retention; gives energy to the heart and lungs and maintains immunity. Psychologically, it is responsible for the emotions of attachment, greed, and long-standing envy, calmness, forgiveness, and love.

In a balanced state kapha individual shows terrific endurance and physical strength with slow and steady speech and a calm, loving and forgiving attitude. But excess of Kapha can lead to lethargy, weight gain, congestion and allergies along with envy, greedy and possessive behavior.

Kapha can be aggravated by, sleeping during the daytime, eating excessive sweet foods, overeating, and eating and drinking foods and beverages with too much salt and water (especially in the springtime). The main health ailments associated with kapha dosha include diabetes, gallbladder problems, stomach ulcers, and respiratory illnesses such as asthma.

Distinctive Features of Kapha people

Physical
Body Frame – Kapha prakriti people usually have strong and large body frame with heavy bones and muscles. Their chests are expanded and broad. Their veins and tendons are not obvious because of their thick skin but the muscle development is good. The bones are not prominent.
Skin & Hair Type - Kapha people generally have fair and bright complexion with lustrous, oily and smooth skin that can be cold and pale. Their hair can be thick, dark, soft, curly or wavy.
Eyes - Eyes are prominent feature of kapha people. They usually have large and attractive eyes. The eyes are dense and black or blue in color and the white of the eye is generally very white and beautiful.
Teeth – Kapha people generally have strong and white teeth.

Physiological
When in balance kapha people enjoy excellent health with strong immune system. Kapha people have the most energy of all constitutions, but it is steady and enduring, not explosive.
Kapha people have a tendency to gain weight as they have slow digestion and metabolism. They also face great difficulty in shedding weight because they are slow movers. They walks and talks slowly, have steady appetite and thirst with slow metabolism and digestion.
Kapha people enjoy sound and prolonged sleep. They feel cloudy and foggy in the morning and often desire tea/coffee as a stimulant to start the day.
Their perspiration is moderate.
Kapha people have dislike for cold and damp weather as they are more prone to colds, congestion and cough problem. Kapha people are also sluggish and loves sitting, sleeping and doing nothing.
Such people are usually slow to anger, strive to maintain harmony and peace in their surroundings. They have soft pleasing look with attributes such as love, care, compassion, kindness and forgiveness.
Kapha people have craving for sweets and sweet taste helps them to stimulate sperm formation and increase the quantity of semen.
Sexually Kaphas are the slowest to be aroused, but they also have the most endurance.

Behavioral or Psychological
Positive
Kapha people hold exceptional long-term memory.
Kapha people have many behavioral virtues like they are easygoing, relaxed, slow-paced, stable, reliable, affectionate and loving, forgiving, compassionate, faithful, gentle and calm.
They usually have calm, steady mind thus do not loss their temper easily.
Kapha people love to hug and are deeply attached in love and relationships.
They have a deep melodious voice and a monotonous pattern of speech.
Kapha people tend to be wealthy as they are good at earning as well as saving the money.

Negative
Kapha people are slow learner.
They usually have nonjudgmental nature.
They are also slow at comprehension.
If in imbalanced condition kapha people suffer from greed, attachment, possessiveness, and laziness.

Indications of Balanced Kapha
A balanced Kapha provides:
Physical strength
A strong immune system
Serenity or calmness
Steady mind, rational thinking and mental determination
Endurance and adaptability

Indications of Imbalanced Kapha
Any of the properties of kapha in excess can cause an imbalance. Kapha can be aggravated by, sleeping during the daytime, eating excessive sweet foods, overeating, and eating and drinking foods and beverages with too much salt and water. It also increases during winter and early spring or when weather is heavy, wet, cloudy, and cold. Full moon also aggravates kapha. When kapha is aggravated or imbalanced one may feel:
Sluggish and Dull in thinking
Lethargic or tired
Depressed, Sad, Sentimental
Slow to comprehend, Slow to react
Clingy, hanging on to people and ideas
Greedy, Possessive, Materialistic
Sleepy or very tired in the morning, hard to get out of bed
Drowsy or groggy during the day
Weight gain, obesity
Mucus and congestion in the chest, throat, nose or sinuses
Nausea
Diabetes
Hay fever
Pale, cool, clammy skin
Edema, water retention, Bloated feeling
Sluggish digestion, food "just sits" in the stomach
High cholesterol
Aching joints or heavy limbs

Health Problems caused by Imbalanced Kapha
Kapha people have a tendency to have diseases related to the water principle. When imbalanced the kapha can cause many minor or major ailments such as the flu, sinus congestion, respiratory problems (including asthma and wheezing), gallbladder problem, hay fever, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), sluggishness, excess weight, diabetes, water retention, and allergies.

General Tips on Health and Wellness For Kapha Types
When in balanced kapha individual enjoys immense physical strength, sound health, strong immunity with calm and steady mind. Out of balance, kapha produces greed and envy and many health disorders. To keep kapha in balance one need to know the causes and factors (both positive and negative) that can influence it.
Kapha prakriti people have more risk to lethargy, sluggishness, depression, and overweight because their metabolism is slow. To keep oneself fit and healthy kapha person need activity and stimulation.

Daily exercise is more important for them than for any other type. As they are fast to gain weight but slow to reduce, they need rigorous kind of physical exercises to keep their body weight under control.

Meditation can be more intensive for kapha constitutions than for vata or pitta constitutions. They should perform prayer and meditation everyday.

Kapha people should avoid heavy, oily foods, dairy and iced drinks; instead they need to include pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes that decrease kapha influences. Food items such as spices, green leafy vegetables, chilies, beans etc. should be included in diet.

Opting foods, mental attitudes, behaviors, exercise routines, relationships and environmental surroundings, which can be instrumental in balancing kapha characteristics, help to stay healthy.

Kapha person should be receptive to useful change and deliberate to implement life-enhancing actions. Indulging in new experiences and activities is also beneficial for them.

Kapha people should avoid daytime naps. Going to bed early and rising early is always beneficial for them.

The corresponding colors of Kapha dosha are bright colors such as red and orange and the favorable stone is Lapis.

A Food Plan to Balance kapha Dosha
Kapha is mainly water element thus influences the heavy, moist aspects of the body. To keep kapha under balance warm, dry, light food cooked with less water and minimum of fat is needed. One should increase the use of pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes. Kapha people should consume limited amount of sugar, oil and salt as well. Lightly cooked vegetables and raw fruits and vegetables are more beneficial for kaphas.

Kapha people usually have a tendency to overeating that should be controlled because it lead to weight gain due to slow digestion.

Any food that is spicy is good for kaphas such as very hot Mexican or Indian food, especially in winter.

For kapha types, breakfast is optional that means you can skip it if you like. If you take breakfast it should be very light. You can have foods such as hot-spiced cider, buckwheat pancakes with apple butter, corn muffins, and bitter cocoa made with skim milk and a touch of honey. The main meal should be at the middle of the day, and only a light, dry meal in the evening is advisable.

To energize yourself in the morning, you can take honey, hot water, lemon juice and ginger. Ginger tea can also be taken.