We all are different, have different skill sets, different identities, different perspectives and in a similar way our body consists of different energies. Ayurveda shows that the path to optimal health is different for different people, which is based on the nature of their body. The science of understanding the nature of our body or the energies consisted by it is known is Tridosha.
Tridosha is made up of 5 elements (mahabhutas) air, ether, fire, water and earth. Each body is a composition of these five elements, ruled by any one of the elements. It is not possible for any element to be absent from the composition. When the imbalance happens, it signifies the dominance of any one of the doshas.
Tridosha defines three different energies or principles called Vata, Pitta and Kapha consisted by our body and govern its function on physical and emotional levels. Each individual has a balance of these three Doshas and imbalance of these can lead to several diseases or sufferings such as diarrhea, weak nervous system, weak metabolism, constipation, anxiety, depression etc.
Types of Doshas
Vata, Pitta and Kapha- are the three types of Doshas as described by Ayurveda.
. Vata Dosha ( consists of air and space )
. Pitta Dosha ( consists of Fire and water )
. Kapha Dosha ( consists of water and earth )
1. Vata Dosha :
Vata Dosha is made up of air and space elements and possess qualities similar to these elements. Vata Dosha holds characteristics very similar to wind such as light , cool, unstable and dry. People with Vata dosha tend to have quite lean physical appearance due to thin bones, light body and they tend to have dry skin and hair. People with Vata Dosha move and speak quickly. They tend to be talkative, enthusiastic, creative, energetic and flexible.
Vata dosha occurs at the following places in the body —
Waist , Thigh, Leg , bones , Colon or Stomach ,navel area, small and large intestines
What are the symptoms of Vata Dosha?
If the Vata dosha is imbalanced in a person’s body then he may have many physical and mental problems. These problems are also seen as symptoms of vitiation of Vata dosha, which have been done as follows:-
Physical symptoms
- being constipated
- gas problem
- body dehydration
- dry and rough skin
- persistent body aches
- sour and astringent taste in the mouth
- weakness, fatigue, lack of energy poor sleep
- body tremors always feeling confused,
- scared and nervous feeling colder than usual
Mental symptoms :
- pessimism about life
- be worried
- always be impatient
- running away from responsibilities all the time
- everything seems insignificant
- wanting to talk to people
- feeling lonely
To balance Vata dosha :
Eat These — Include warm, “moist”, and soft foods in your diet. In these, you can take berries, bananas, peaches, cooked vegetables, oats, brown rice, meat, eggs and dairy products. In such a situation, you can also take protein rich diet.
Stay away from these — Stay away from bitter, dry and cold foods. Like — raw vegetables, cold sweets, dry fruits, nuts, seeds etc.
2. Pitta Dosha :
Pitta Dosha is made up of fire and water elements, fire being the dominating one. Pitta Dosha holds characteristics very similar to fire such as hot, sharp and penetrating. People with Pitta Dosha tend to feel warm, have oily skin, sharp features and penetrating eyes. They have good musculature and moderate weight. People with Pitta are highly focused, competitive, capable, courageous, clear communicators and are generally known as problem solvers.
Pitta dosha occurs at the following places in the body —
Stomach and small intestine , Chest and Navel , Sweat , lymph, Blood, digestive system, urine spot, Genital
What are the symptoms of pitta dosha ?
If Pitta Dosha becomes unbalanced in one’s body, then the following types of symptoms may appear: —
Physical symptoms :
- increased hunger and thirst
- Heartburn — Acidity Burning sensation in eyes,
- hands and soles getting hotter than usual
- Sweating all the time — this can happen even in winter
- Having skin problems like pimples, acne, pimples and other problems on the face
- vomiting bile
- hypersensitivity to light
- pungent body and mouth odor
- severe headache
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea problem
- bitter taste in mouth
- Overheating and craving for cool environment
Behavioral symptoms :
- outburst
- work irritability
- always getting angry
- being aggressive with everyone
- always ready to argue
- be impatient and fidgety
- feeling hopeless all the time
- their moods change very quickly
To balance Pitta dosha :
Eat these — Must consume ghee, Consume cabbage, cucumber, carrot, potato, capsicum and green leafy vegetables. Consume all types of pulses. Consume aloe vera juice, sprouted grains, salads and oatmeal. Eat cold things. Water should be drunk in plenty.
Stay away from these — Avoid eating radish, black pepper and raw tomatoes. Avoid sesame oil, mustard oil. Avoid cashews, peanuts, pistachios, walnuts and unshelled almonds. In general, keep distance from dry fruits. Avoid orange juice, tomato juice, coffee and alcohol. Stay away from citrus fruits and other sour things. Too many sweet things should not be consumed. Spicy food should not be taken.
3. Kapha Dosha :
Kapha Dosha is made up of water and earth elements. Kapha Dosha holds characteristics very similar to water such as moist, cool, stable and heavy. People with Kapha Dosha tend to have heavy bone structure, supple skin; low metabolism and large body frame.
They are not prone to quick fluctuations due to their stable personality and does not approve of change due to their comfort-prone nature. They are generally conservative and prefer to keep things the way they are. They possess soft and watery nature.
What are the symptoms of Kapha dosha?
The following symptoms can be seen when Kapha dosha is there, which are visible both physically and mentally like other doshas.
Physical symptoms :
- lazy all the time
- heaviness
- loss of appetite but still eating
- nausea
- Sick
- water retention in the body
- to be tight
- Formation of mucus — Due to this, cough can often occur and there can also be complaints of catarrh.
- Mouth discharge
- Difficulty in breathing — In such a situation, there can be a problem of asthma.
- Excessive sleepiness which is the biggest sign of laziness.
- sweet taste in mouth
- looseness of limbs
- having problems with sex
- excessive discharge of dirt from the eyes and nose
- wetness in the body
- Viscosity in urine and sweat
Behavioral symptoms :
- Depression
- be sad
- uninterested in work
- Being dependent on others — Such people always feel alone.
- The feeling of always considering oneself weaker than others
- to be greedy
- Waking up to the feeling of attachment
To balance Kapha dosha :
Eat these — Consume these grains — millet, maize, wheat, quinoa, brown rice, rye. Consume these vegetables mainly — spinach, cabbage, broccoli, green beans, capsicum, peas, potatoes, radish, beet etc. Use olive oil and mustard oil. Cow’s ghee can also be taken. Consume buttermilk and cheese. Consume buttermilk during day time only. Eat spicy and hot foods. Avoid eating cold food. Cook all types of pulses and eat them. Keep distance from raw food. Consume salt in limited quantity only. Use rock salt instead of common salt. Consume old honey in proper quantity.
Stay away from these — Do not consume flour and things made from it. Avoid consumption of avocado, cucumber, tomato, sweet potato. Avoid consumption of banana, dates, figs, mango, watermelon.
