Ayurveda is the oldest known healthcare system in the world. As any medical science in the world has a fundamental concept behind it, Ayurveda too has a fundamental concept called the Tridosha.
In Ayurveda, a Vaidya (Ayurveda physician) approaches a patient by taking into consideration these tridoshas, namely vata, pitta and kapha.
These doshas are responsible for the normal physiology of a human being. All the functions and processes taking place inside our body is governed and carried out by these 3 doshas. So a healthy human being has these 3 doshas in a balanced state. But when these get out of proportion or imbalanced (either an increase or a decrease in a dosha) that’s when diseases arise. At this point a Vaidya identifies the imbalance and finds the cause for the same and applies changes in diet, daily routine and medicines to bring back the balanced state of doshas.
So a healthy and unhealthy condition is based on the symptoms exhibited by theses doshas (either an increase or a decrease in a dosha) in the body.
Before going further, there’s another point to be noted that, the balanced state of tridoshas is different in each individual and that is called the prakriti ( inborn physical constitution) of that particular individual.
Now let’s have a look into these 3 doshas:
Kapha-
Kapha is the nourishing and constructive factor among the 3 doshas. It is responsible for moisturizing the cells and organs and helps maintain a strong immune system.
Pitta-
It’s the dosha performing a destructive or disintegrating function in the body. It is responsible for the digestion, absorption of nutrients, body temperature and release of energy.
Vata-
Last but definitely not the least is the Vata. It’s the controller of the functioning of pitta and kapha and keeps them in tune. Besides these, it is also responsible for the mobility, circulation, breathing etc.
So as we can see, the 3 doshas can be beautifully compared to the srishti sthithi samhara mentioned in Hindu Mythology.
- Srishti – Kapha
- Sthithi – Vata
- Samhara – Pitta
When these 3 doshas perform their individual duties in a balanced state, then it is termed as the healthy state of an individual.
How to identify the prakriti of an individual???
Kapha –
In a healthy state they are –
- Supportive
- Loving
- Patient
- Loyal
- Grounded
- Broad minded
- Forgiving
- Well built
- Quick learner etc…
When out of balance, they are
- Lazy
- Insecure
- Controlling
- Insensitive
- Attached
- Depressed
- Jealous etc…
Pitta –
In a healthy state they are –
- Hard working
- Competitive
- Friendly
- Courageous
- Good leader
- Smart
- Medium built
- Athletic
- Have good physique
When out of balance, they are
- Angry
- Manipularting
- Aggressive
- Reckless
- Violent etc…
Vata –
In a healthy state they are –
- Energetic
- Creative
- Adaptable
- Thin physique
- Dry, cold, sensitive skin
- Delicate digestive system
When out of balance, they are
- Stressed out
- Indecisive
- Agitated
- Hyperactive
- Fearful
- Constipated etc…
So what’s your prakriti??? This was just a quick peek into the tridoshas. Do share your views and queries in the comment section, so that we can dig deeper into this topic. Till then, stay healthy, stay blessed.
