The Three Doshas
The Three Doshas
At the heart of Ayurveda is its concept of the three Doshas, or the three different basic types of human constitution. From ether and air comes Vata; from fire and an aspect of water comes Pitta; and from water and earth comes Kapha. By the elements and Doshas, we determine the basic nature of different individuals and we establish a line of treatment unique to their needs.
The three Doshas can be recognized by their attributes: Vata is dry, cold, light, mobile, subtle, hard, rough, changeable and clear. It is the most powerful of the Doshas, being the life-force itself, the strongest to create disease. It governs all movement, and carries both Pitta and Kapha.
Pitta is hot, light, fluid, subtle, sharp, malodorous, soft and clear. It governs heat, temperature and all chemical reactions. Kapha is cold, wet, heavy, slow, dull, static, smooth, dense and cloudy. It maintains substance, weight and coherence in the body.
Vata, in its natural state, maintains energy of will, inhalation, exhalation, movement, the discharge of impulses, equilibrium of the tissues, acuity of the senses. When aggravated, it causes dryness, dark discolorations, desire for warmth, tremors, abdominal distention, constipation, loss of strength, insomnia, loss of sensory acuity, incoherency of speech, and fatigue.
Pitta, in its normal state, is responsible for digestion, heat, visual perception, hunger, thirst, lustre of skin, intelligence, determination, courage, and softness of the body.When aggravated, it causes yellow discoloration of urine, feces, eyes and skin, and may create hunger, thirst, burning sensations and difficulty in sleeping.
Kapha, in its normal state, is responsible for firmness and stability, maintenance of bodily fluids, lubrication of joints, and such positive emotions as peace, love and forgiveness. When aggravated, it produces loss of digestive power, accumulation of phlegm and mucus, exhaustion, feeling of heaviness, pallor, cold sensations, looseness of limbs, difficulty of breathing, coughing and excessive desire for sleeping.
Vata dwells in the colon, hips, thighs, ears, bones and sense of touch. Its main site is the colon where it accumulates, causes disease, and from which it can be expelled directly from the body.
Pitta dwells in the small intestine, stomach, sweat, sebum, blood, plasma, and sense of sight. Its main location is the small intestine where it accumulates, and from which it can be directly expelled from the body.
Kapha dwells in the chest, throat, head, pancreas, ribs, stomach, plasma, fat, nose, and tongue. Its main site is the stomach where it accumulates and causes disease, and from which it can be directly expelled from the body.
Reprinted with permission from The Yoga of Herbs by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, P. O. Box 325, Twin Lakes, WI 53181. ©1986 All Rights Reserved
From The Yoga of Herbs by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad
For the first time, here is a detailed explanation and classification of herbs, using the ancient system of Ayurveda. More than 270 herbs are listed, with 108 herbs explained in detail. Included are many of the most commonly used western herbs with a profound Ayurvedic perspective. Important Chinese and special Ayurvedic herbs are introduced. Beautiful diagrams and charts, as well as detailed glossaries, appendices and index are included.
