What are the Doshas?

The Three Doshas

In Ayurveda, it is believed that all things are made up of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. The doshas are the manifestation of the five elements in us and are the fundamental energies of our minds, bodies, and emotions. 

There are three doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha. Vata is air and ether; pitta is fire and water; kapha is earth and water. 

Vata is responsible for inspiring change. It controls the nervous system, breathing, movement, motor functions, and sensory functions.

Pitta is responsible for transformation or carrying out change. It regulates body heat and appetite, digests food and life experiences, and provides vitality and comprehension. 

Kapha is responsible for structure, stability, and nourishment. It is our muscles and bones and is responsible for lubricating our joints and strengthening our structures.

While everyone has all three doshas, we all have our own constitution or amount of each dosha in us. The doshas can also fall out of balance, which explains a variety and physical and mental health complaints.

Understanding your unique constitution and dosha imbalances helps you to care for your emotional self and address physical health issues more effectively.