BIOLOGICAL ENERGIES - The 3 DOSHAS OF THE HUMAN BODY
Ayurveda offers ways to attain a more balanced life and internal sense of being through knowing ourselves with the concept of Dosha.
Have you ever wondered how are we different from each other? Why are some people more active and alert than others? Why are some people inherently happy and positive all the time while some make it seem like they are carrying the entire world’s weight on their shoulders?
I have often heard people say, “How can you eat whatever you want, I look at food and gain weight?” This is a lie; it is something I always say to my husband.
So, what makes us different?
Ayurveda and the Doshas
While modern genetic research offers answers to these questions to some extent, Ayurveda answers these questions by defining three biological energies are known as the 3 Doshas. They are Kapha, Vata, and Pitta.
According to Ayurvedic Medicine, we each have a dominant dosha, characterized by air, fire, water, and earth elements. Our own Dosha controls the creation, preservation, and breakdown of bodily tissue and elimination of wastes, as well as psychological aspects, such as emotions, understanding, and love.
When the physical, mental, and emotional aspects are all well balanced, the doshas are successfully maintaining the systems of the body. When our Dosha is impacted by changes in your diet and lifestyle, an imbalance is created.
Ayurveda suggests many ways in which we can balance these doshas for our bodies. Each dosha comprises of certain qualities that are expressed in the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of one’s being. They are meant to provide every human being a blueprint to their health and fulfillment.
The doshas are derived from the Five Elements and their related properties. Vata is composed of Space and Air, Pitta of Fire and Water, and Kapha of Earth and Water.
The chart above pretty much sums up the differences in the 3 doshas.
Vata: Space & Air
The Vata Dosha body is long, lean: an "ectomorph". They are inspirational when balanced, scattered, and anxious when out of balance
Eating raw vegetables, dry fruits can cause Vata imbalance. Foods such as cooked root vegetables can help balance Vata.
Pitta: Fire & Water
The Pitta body is well defined with good muscle tone. Their body type is called mesomorph. They are determined and focused when balanced, and aggressive and angry when out of balance. Foods such as hot peppers and pickled foods can aggravate Pitta. Cooling foods balance Pitta.
Kapha: Water & Earth
The Kapha Dosha body is stocky and stout: an endomorph. They have well-developed muscles and don't lose weight easily. They are stable and secure when balanced; stubborn and attached when out of balance. Foods such as dairy products and oily foods can cause Kapha imbalance. Light foods such as raw vegetables, and less red meat or less meat, in general, can restore Kapha balance.
There is a lot we can do on our own to balance our doshas and make our bodies stronger internally.
Food is a natural healer
Here is a quick cheat sheet of what you can do and what you can eat to balance your dosha. Remember every little bit helps!
Remember, you are what you eat so small changes are better than no changes at all.
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