Ayurveda is one of the most ancient and comprehensive systems of health care known to humanity. It’s a science of life that tells us how to improve the quality and longevity of human life.
- Composition of Ayurvedic elements in Humans
Ayurveda treatises describe three elements of doshas viz vata , pitta and kapha . And they state that balance of these doshas results in health, while imbalance results in diseases. Doshas are considerd to shape the physical body according to a natural constitution established by birth, determined by the time of conceptions and other factors. The particular ratio of doshas in person’s natural constitution is associated with their mind and body type including various physiological and psychological characteristics.
- Defining Tri-doshas
Vata is the energy of movement. Pitta is the energy of digestion or metabolism. While Kapha is the energy of lubrication and structure. All people have the qualities of vata, pitta and kapha, but one is usually primary, one secondary and the third are usually least prominent.
- Physical characteristics of those with vata Dosha
Those with predominance of vata dosha usually have thin, light frame and excellent agility. Their energy comes in bursts, and they are likely to experience sudden bouts of fatigue. Those with predominance of vatas are typically have dry skin and hair also with cold hands and feet.
When it in balance, vata allows us to navigate our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Our ambulation is easy, our sensory integration and mental processes flow, and we feel spacious, creative, and energized. When our vata is in balance, our breath supports our nervous system, and there is homeostasis between tissues and organs. The movement of our life force (prana) is regulated by vata, and this function allows us to “inspire” (inhale) easily and to surrender (exhale) with ease as well.
- Physical characteristics of those with Pitta Dosha
People with predominant Pitta dosha are usually medium-tall and well-developed athletic figures. They do not like hot summers and bright sun. They sweat easily and quickly. They have bright red hair but early graying, baldness or thinning hair .They have excellent digestive power and they have a warm body. They sleep soundly for short periods of time.
The classic ayurvedic texts says that when pitta is in balance within any individual, according to their prakruti or constitution, their blood will be healthy and the acid secretions in their intestines and stomach optimal for digestion. Mental health, sound judgment, and discernment are functions of balanced pitta. Our ability to clearly perceive what the body senses (sees, hears, smells, etc.) is governed by pitta. Regarding transformation, pitta governs the ability of the body to combust, or digest, the materials needed to bring warmth and color to the body. The body’s ability to maintain warmth and absorb sunlight as well as our ability to mentally digest our thoughts and emotions are governed by pitta dosha. The Charaka says that the “light of awareness” is governed by pitta as well.
- Physical characteristics of kapha dosha
Kapha type have strong build and excellent stamina, large soft eyes ,smooth radient skin. they sleep soundly and have regular digestion. Kapha predominant peoples are naturally calm, thoughtful, caring and loving.
When kapha within us is in balance, we feel a sense of support in bodily function. The dense, stable, conserving qualities of kapha support our body heat and protect our organs.
There is a firm quality to our joints, which are well-lubricated and support the bones, and there is internal support from mucous membranes and GI lining, as well as the myelin sheath for proper brain function.
Kapha’s ability to love and forgive supports relationships with compassion and patience.