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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.
Vata governs
movement and neural-electrical impulses. It
is responsible for some of the basic body
functions such as the heartbeat, cell
division, movement of food in digestion and
the workings of the nervous system. Vata
body areas are the large intestine, pelvis,
bones, skin, ears, and thighs. Vata
imbalances can cause conditions like high
blood pressure, constipation, anxiety and
dry skin. People with Vata as dominant dosha
are believed to be quick thinking, thin, and
fast.
Pitta controls
transformation, perception, metabolism,
digestive system and hormones and is
responsible for functions like digestion and
temperature. Pitta body areas are the small
intestines, stomach, sweat glands, skin,
blood, and eyes. Pitta imbalances can cause
ulcers and acne, indigestion, heartburn and
arthritis. People with pitta as their
primary dosha are usually have a fiery
personality and oily skin.
Kapha governs
structure and lubrication of the body and is
believed to be responsible for strength,
immunity, and growth. Kapha body areas are
the chest, lungs, and spinal fluid. Kapha
imbalances can cause runny nose or
productive cough, painful joints, diabetes,
obesity and gallbladder problems. People
with kapha as their dominant dosha are
thought to be calm and have a solid body
frame.
All these doshas are
present in every human being but the balance
differs. Usually only one dosha is prominent
and determines the constitution or Prakriti
of an individual. Doshas are constantly
being formed and reformed by food, activity,
and bodily processes. The balance of these
doshas depends and changes with lifestyle or
diet; mental and physical exertion; weather,
chemicals, or germs etc. Thus a person's
chances of developing certain types of
diseases are related to the balance of
doshas, the state of the physical body, and
mental or lifestyle factors. The prakriti is
believed to be unchanged over a person's
lifetime. |
