The Three Doshas According to Ayurveda

You may have heard about Ayurveda in your yoga class, at a herbal oil store, or your fitness wellness journey. They say it is the sister science of yoga, but what is it, exactly?

Ayurveda originated from India more than 5,000 years ago. Its origin words in Sanskrit "Ahyu", means the longevity of life; and "Veda", which means the branch of knowledge; translating to "The Science of Life".

It is also known as the "Mother of All Healing." Ayurvedic medicine, or simply Ayurveda, is one of the world's oldest whole-body healing methods. It has survived thousands of years of political struggles in India, yet the Indian people have preserved its science. Because of modern spiritualism and yoga, it is expanding around the world.

Ayurveda is a holistic form of healing that honors the mind, body, and spirit. This science adheres to many virtues, such as

1. it encompasses a person's lifestyle and diet and is respective to each individual - meaning that a regimen for one individual might not be the same for another's
2. Ayurveda fosters self-awareness, you can make your own decisions on what you do base on how you are feeling at the moment and
3. it addresses underlying and root causes rather than scratching the surface and through which, focuses on preventive diseases too.

The Three Doshas

Ayurveda identifies three basic types of energy or "doshas" that are present in everything and every one of us living things: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These words have never had direct English translations; hence we refer to them as is. Ayurvedic healing also believes that all people have these three doshas within them; however, do not manifest them equally.

People may be classified according to the most prominent dosha that they are manifesting. According to the views of Ayurveda, the imbalances of the three doshas is the root cause of any disease. So here are the types of doshas and how to maintain their balance.

Vata: Vata is composed of space and air. This force that is associated with movement controls our very basic body functions such as breathing, muscle and tissue movement, heart function, blood flow, and internal waste movement. In Ayurveda, Vata is known to be the most powerful of all three doshas.

Vata Body Features: People who are prominently using their Vata dosha may tend to become constipated because of their weak digestion and irregular appetite. Vata people are usually thin with fine hair.

These people are more susceptible to getting diseases relating to their nervous system or locomotor system. If you are classified as Vata, you can balance your dosha by eating at least three easy-to-digest meals per day. You should also eat a small portion of raw food during noontime and incorporate small quantities of well-cooked legumes in your diet.

Pitta: Pitta is made up of fire and water. This essentially encompasses the body's metabolic system; which is in charge of digestion, absorption, nutrition, and body temperature.

Pitta Body Features: People under this dosha usually are of normal size. They have great appetite and thirst and have a good digestion system. Pitta people are believed to have a good memory and are adventurous.

However, they should take extra care for their stomach, skin, and heart since these are the organs that are most susceptible to imbalances. To maintain balance for people under the Pitta dosha, they must give up drinking alcohol and coffee, and eating too spicy and salty foods.

Kapha: Lastly, Kapha, which is formed from earth and water, is the "glue" that holds the cells together and forms the body's structure and supplies water to lubricate joints, moisturizes the skin, and maintains immunity.

Kapha Body Features: People who are predominantly Kapha may be large, fat, and have thick skin. They have a low appetite and may digest food slowly. In terms of psychology, Kapha people have good mental stability and self-esteem. However, Kapha people tend to have illnesses related to their respiratory, digestive, and lymphatic systems.

To maintain balance, Kapha people should eat hot meals that are neither too salty nor sweet. Dairy products should not be part of the diet. Likewise, dried fruits must be avoided because these can produce mucus that may affect the respiratory system. Kapha people should also keep their skin healthy by rubbing herbal oil on them.

The imbalance of the three doshas within a person may result in illnesses. However, if you can maintain the right balance and harmony for your three doshas, you will become a strong and stable person in your mind, body, and spirit.

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