Know Thyself - An Introduction to Aryurveda

The Three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, Kapha

In Ayurveda, perfect health is defined as "a balance between body, mind, spirit, and social wellbeing." In fact, the twin concepts of balance and connectedness echo throughout Ayurvedic texts, thought, and practice.

Like all holistic health systems, Ayurveda emphasizes the unshakable connections between the body, mind, and spirit. However, Ayurveda's connectedness extends far beyond the individual, reaching into the universal.

7 Principles

  1. All things in the universe, both living and nonliving, are joined together. Everything in the universe is made of the same five elements: space, air, fire, water, and earth.
  2. There is a deep connection between the self and the environment.
  3. We are all initially connected within ourselves, to people surrounding us, to our immediate environment, and to the universe. This balanced connectivity ensures good health.
  4. We remain healthy if we retain balance, interacting with our environment in an effective and wholesome way.
  5. Our balance is often disrupted by our lifestyles. Choices about diet, exercise, profession, and relationships all have the potential to create physical, emotional, or spiritual imbalances.
  6. This imbalance causes a lack of harmony, and makes us more susceptible to disease.
  7. Human beings are responsible for their choices and actions. We can attain and maintain good health if we make balanced choices that promote connectivity and harmony.

The 5 Elements

  1. Space (associated with expansiveness)
  2. Air (associated with gaseousness, mobility, and lack of form)
  3. Fire (associated with transformation, heat, and fire)
  4. Water (associated with liquidity and instability)
  5. Earth (associated with solidity and stability)

The Three Doshas

Pitta

Pitta-dominant people enjoy an efficient metabolism and hearty appetite. They are considered intelligent, aggressive achievers. Pitta people must be on guard against bleeding disorders, inflammations, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, and anger. To achieve Pitta dosha balance, Ayurveda advises avoiding extreme heat and eating less spicy food.

Vata

A vata-dominant person is quick, alert, and restless. She/he may walk, talk, and think quickly. However, vatas tend toward nervousness, fear, and anxiety, and are more susceptible to diseases like arthritis, insomnia, flatulence, constipation, and nerve disorders. To balance vata, it is important to maintain calm and routine, avoid extreme temperatures, and get adequate rest. Vata in the body increases with age.

Kapha

Kapha-dominant people are considered strong but loving, tenacious but calm, and are blessed with wise tolerance. Kapha people are believed to be susceptible to weight gain, lethargy, excessive sleep, goiter, pulmonary congestion, allergies and asthma. To maintain balance, Kapha people are advised to frequently exercise, eat light meals, and avoid napping.

Notes to Self

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