The Three Doshas

Ayurveda classifies three basic types of energies or principles that work towards the functioning of our bodies besides mahabhutas, mahabhutas can be assessed in the external world while when they are assessed in the perspective of the human body they are called three elements known as Doshas.

Basically these three energies are (I) Energy of movement (II) Energy of metabolic changes (III) Energy of lubrication and maintenance of the structure.

Vatta: - Is the energy of movement and transportation.

Pitta:- Is the energy of consumption or digestion and thermoregulation.

Kapha:- Is the energy of lubrication and it is the base line energy on which other energies workout.

These three energies are present in all human beings, in various proportions. In some Vatta is predominant, and others are Pitta predominant, and some are Kapha predominant. Diseases are caused in the view of Ayurveda due to excess or imbalance of these three energies.

In the Ayurvedic philosophy body, mind and cosmic consciousness work together in maintaining harmony. To achieve balance health one needs to understand how the three predominant energies are working. According to Ayurveda the entire creation is a play of the five great elements, in conjunction with the three great energies.

Space, air, earth, fire, water. Vatta, pitta, and kapha are combinations and permutations of these five elements that manifest as patterns present in all creation.

Vatta is the energy associated with movement-composed of space and air. It governs breathing, blinking, muscle and tissue movement, pulsation of the heart, and all movements in the cell membranes. Any movement and transportation occurring in the body is generated controlled and ended by vata.

Pitta is the body’s metabolic energy made up of fire and water. It governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism and body temperature. In balance Pitta promotes understanding and intelligence. Out of balance, pitta arouses anger, hatred, and jealousy.

Kapha:- Is the energy of lubrication. It provides the smoothness that joins together bones, muscles, tendons. Is formed of earth and water. Kapha supplies water for all bodily parts and systems. It lubricates joints, moisturizes the skin, and maintains immunity. In balance, kapha is expressed as love, calmness and forgiveness. Out of balance, it leads to attachment greed and envy.

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(Prepared by Divyajyot Ayurvedic Research foundation India. We are conducting research and treatment in Ayurvedic herbal cure of cancer since last 25 years. The data and information contained on this site is based on Ayurvedic herbal wisdom and our research.)