Vata, Pitta and Kapha…heard these names before? They are body humors or a composition that exists within your body. Questions like can you have all 3 doshas are valid. The answer is yes - every human body consists of three doshas or compositions, according to Ayurveda, the Science of Life. In some, one dosha will be more prominent than the other. Each dosha has unique characteristics that determine one’s personality, health, fitness, lifestyle and overall well-being. They are responsible for an individual’s physiological, mental and emotional health. When the doshas are balanced, health is good. Imbalances lead to health problems, stress, sleep issues and more. They act as a blueprint to achieving optimal health.

There are five elements in the world - aakash (space), jal (water), prithvi (earth), teja (fire) and vayu (air). The doshas are made up of a combination of these elements.

The Ayurveda Doshas

Vata

Vata has the characteristics of air and space. It is generally known to be cold, light, dry, rough and expansive. From a seasonal perspective, Autumn represents Vata for its cool, dry days. Vata individuals are described to be lean, impulsive and creative. They tend to think outside the box but their mood is largely dependent on the weather, the people they surround themselves with and the food they consume. They are easily distracted but are quick learners and highly flexible. They like to live life ‘on-the-go’, while also being multi-taskers. On the other hand, they are also forgetful, anxious and moody.

This dosha is responsible for the movement and processes in our body and mind, demonstrating processes such as the flow of blood, elimination of wastes, breathing, the nervous system, joint movements, and the occurrence of thoughts. They tend to have trouble sleeping, struggle with irregular appetite and poor eating habits, digestion trouble and gas.

Ayurveda suggests that for optimal health, a vata-dominant person should follow a regular daily routine, manage stress through activities like meditation and maintain a warm body temperature by avoiding cold weather. Exercising the right way is also important. Vata-dominant individuals should focus on activities that involve constant yet steady movement, such as cycling, running, walking, yoga, etc.

They should also consume warm food and beverages. Warm, moist and soft foods like berries, berries, bananas, peaches, cooked vegetables, oats, brown rice, lean meat, eggs and dairy are recommended. Bitter, dried, and cold foods (e.g raw vegetables, cold desserts, dried fruit, nuts, seeds) should be avoided.

Kapha

Displays characteristics of earth and water, a person dominant with this dosha is steady, stable, heavy, slow, cold and soft. Spring represents Kapha and a person with this dosha is strong and caring. Such individuals like to have everything together, while also being a support system for others. They don’t get upset easily, they tend to think before acting and are deliberate and thoughtful in their approach to life. They are very caring and trusting towards their people, patient and calm, happy and wise. They tend to have a strong immune system and healthy bones, joints and muscles.

They are, however, prone to weight gain, slow metabolism, sluggishness, lethargy, excess sleeping, breathing issues, risk of heart diseases, depression, etc. They need regular motivation and encouragement to maintain a healthy routine and fitness regime. Kapha individuals work best when they have company and focus on a combination of cardio and weight-resistance exercise to stay interested and motivated. Any type of movement is beneficial for them.

For optimal health, kapha-dominant individuals should exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet consisting of warm food. A healthy, regular sleep routine is also important. Recommended foods include spicy, acidic, and filling foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, eggs, low fat cheese, unprocessed meats, hot spices, while heavy, fatty foods like oils, processed foods, nuts, seeds should be avoided.

Pitta

Displays characteristics of the fire and water elements, pitta is tenacious, sharp and bright. This dosha is commonly described as being hot and light, oily, liquid and mobile, and is represented by Summer’s hot days.

They have a muscular build, are very athletic and make for strong leaders. They are highly motivated, goal-oriented and competitive. They are highly intelligent, purposeful, quick-learners. They are also self-determined, skillful and have a strong desire for success. However, they are impatient and prone to conflict as their aggressive nature can be seen as a problem for others. For exercise, pitta-dominant individuals should avoid exercising in the heat. An imbalance in pitta affects the digestive system, skin and complexion, body temperature, and metabolism.

They are hungry very often, but have a quick metabolism, good circulation and healthy skin and hair. They do experience mood-swings when hungry and are prone to acne and inflammation, especially in hot weather. They should avoid extreme heat and spicy food. Light, cold, sweet, and energizing foods like fruits, vegetables, oats and eggs can be consumed and heavy, spicy, and sour foods like red meat, potatoes, and hot spices should be avoided.

The three doshas help us understand ourselves better. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are essential to our physiology, and no one dosha is more important than the other.

Imbalance in doshas

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An imbalance in the doshas can occur due to an improper diet, where the food eaten is not suitable for the dosha, poor lifestyle or daily routine, stress and tension.

When the doshas are imbalanced, they disturb the harmony and peace of mind, impact health and more. If vata is imbalanced, it may cause metabolic or pathological dryness in the body. If the vata levels fall below the optimum level, one may feel weakness, speech-related concerns may crop up, and a state of confusion may also be induced. For kapha dominant individuals, one may feel physical stagnation and stagnation of the mind and coldness. Body flabbiness and white skin coloration are some effects of this imbalance, as well as lethargy and excess sleep. Cold and wet weather, and heavy and fatty foods (including oils, nuts, and processed foods) can also aggravate this Dosha. Pitta-dominant individuals may experience inflammatory reactions when imbalanced. On a mental level, the pitta imbalance can lead to a negative state of mind, creating jealousy, frustration, anger, and a tendency to criticize others. Vitiation can affect digestion and it can lead to excessive hunger and thirst. Discoloration of skin and discoloration in the urine and stools can occur. It can also cause sleeplessness. Exposure to hot weather, the heat of the sun, and hot food can aggravate Pitta. Sour, salty, and pungent foods worsen pitta dosha. Spicy food and potatoes can vitiate this dosha.

Balancing the doshas

It is important to balance the doshas as soon as an imbalance is recognized. But how do you constantly balance all the 3 doshas? Apart from correcting diet, sleep and exercise regimes, making lifestyle changes and adding yoga, pranayama and meditation is helpful. One can also seek help from an Ayurveda doctor and take Ayurvedic medicine if prescribed.