Concept of Tri-Dosha

In Ayurvedic philosophy, the five elements combine in pairs to form three dynamic forces or interactions called doshas. Dosha means "that which changes." It is a word derived from the root dus, which is equivalent to the English prefix 'dys', such as in dysfunction, dystrophy, etc. In this sense, dosha can be regarded as a fault, mistake, error, or a transgression against the cosmic rhythm. The doshas are constantly moving in dynamic balance, one with the others. Doshas are required for the life to happen. In Ayurveda, dosha is also known as the governing principles as every living thing in nature is characterized by the dosha.

The three active doshas are called Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Dosha	Related Elements
Vata	Air and Ether
Pitta	Fire and Water
Kapha	Water and Earth

Vata is a force conceptually made up of elements ether and air. The proportions of ether and air determine how active Vata is. The amount of ether (space) affects the ability of the air to gain momentum. If unrestricted, as in ocean, air can gain momentum and become forceful such as a hurricane.

Vata means "wind, to move, flow, direct the processes of, or command." Vata enables the other two doshas to be expressive. The actions of Vata are drying, cooling, light, agitating, and moving.

Vata governs breathing, blinking of the eyelids, movements in the muscles and tissues, pulsations in the heart, all expansion and contraction, the movements of cytoplasm and the cell membranes, and the movement of the single impulses in nerve cells. Vata also governs such feelings and emotions as freshness, nervousness, fear, anxiety, pain, tremors, and spasms. The primary seat or location of the Vata in the body is the colon. It also resides in the hips, thighs, ears, bones, large intestine, pelvic cavity, and skin. It is related to the touch sensation. If the body develops an excess of vata, it will accumulate in these areas.

The effect of Vata on our body or microcosm is described in the table below.

Pitta is a force created by the dynamic interplay of water and fire. These forces represent transformation. They cannot change into each other, but they modulate or control each other and are vitally required for the life processes to occur. (For example, too much fire and too little water will result in the boiling away of the water. Too much water will result in the fire being put out.)

Pitta governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism, body temperature, skin coloration, the luster of the eyes, intelligence, and understanding. Psychologically, pitta arouses anger, hate, and jealousy. The small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, fat, eyes, and skin are the seats of Pitta.

The effect of Pitta on our body or microcosm is shown in the table below.

Kapha is the conceptual equilibrium of water and earth. Kapha is structure and lubrication. One can visualize the Kapha force as the stirring force to keep the water and earth from separating. For example, if we take a pot, fill it to the half with water and then add sand to it, the sand will gradually sink to the bottom of the pot. (It separates from the water). The only way to keep the sand in equilibrium with the water is by stirring the mixture continuously. The Kapha force can be visualized as this stirring force in our body.

Kapha cements the elements in the body, providing the material for physical structure. This dosha maintains body resistance. Water is the main constituent of kapha, and this bodily water is responsible physiologically for biological strength and natural tissue resistance in the body. Kapha lubricates the joints; provides moisture to the skin; helps to heal wounds; fills the spaces in the body; gives biological strength, vigor and stability; supports memory retention; gives energy to the heart and lungs, and maintains immunity. Kapha is present in the chest, throat, head, sinuses, nose, mouth, stomach, joints, cytoplasm, plasma, and in the liquid secretions of the body such as mucus. Psychologically, kapha is responsible for the emotions of attachment, greed, and long-standing envy. It is also expressed in tendencies toward calmness, forgiveness, and love. The chest is the seat of kapha.

The effect of Kapha on our body or microcosm is shown in the table below.

Effect of Constitution Type on Body or Microcosm

Pitta

Kapha

Function of the Dosha (or controls)

	Body heat
	Temperature
	Digestion
	Perception
	Understanding
	Hunger
	Thirst
	Intelligence
	Anger
	Hate
	Jealousy

	Stability
	Energy
	Lubrication
	Forgiveness
	Greed
	Attachment
	Accumulation
	Holding
	Possessiveness

Manifests in living things as

The quality of transformation. Pitta controls the enzymes that digest our food and the hormones that regulate our metabolism. Pitta transforms the chemical/electrical impulses in our mind to thoughts we can understand.

Cells which make up our organs and fluids which nourish and protect them.

Characteristics

	hot
	light
	fluid
	subtle
	sharp
	malodorous
	soft
	clear

	oily
	cold
	heavy
	stable
	dense
	smooth

Too much of the dosha force can result in

	ulcers
	hormonal imbalance
	irritated skin (acne)
	consuming emotions (anger)

	Mucous build-up in the sinus and nasal passages, the lungs and colon.
	In the mind it creates rigidity, a fixation of thought, inflexibility.

Too little dosha force can result in

	indigestion
	inability to understand
	sluggish metabolism

	Experiences a dry respiratory tract
	burning stomach (due to lack of mucous, which protects from excess stomach acids)
	inability to concentrate

Where found in a plant

Plant's essential oils, resins and sap

Roots (The roots are where water is stored. Roots also stay within the earth.)

Climatic influences

Hot summers or hot climates will increase Pitta

Wet winters and damp climate add to Kapha.

Predominant during the life stage of

Teen and Adult.
During this stage, our hormone changes transforms us into adults

Childhood years.
During this period, we grow or increase in substance of the body.