Tridoshas
The principles of Ayurveda are based on the concept of
Tridosha, or the system of three doshas. The three doshas,
known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha, are dynamic forces with distinct
characteristics that shape all things in the universe. Each
person is born with a unique constitution, called prakriti
that is composed of varying amounts of influence from each
of the three doshas.
In the Ayurvedic view, an imbalance between the doshas
produces a condition called vikriti, a Sanskrit word that
means "deviated from nature." According to Ayurvedic
principles, each individual's diet should be suited to his
or her prakriti.
During times of vikriti, or imbalance, the diet can be
used to either decrease or increase the three doshas until
balance is restored. Vikriti results from an over expression
of one or two doshas (usually the dominant dosha)and a diminished
expression of the other dosha. This imbalance can be caused
by eating the wrong foods, chronic mental stress, physical
overexertion, negative emotions, or poor sleeping habits,
and will eventually lead to the development of disease,
obesity and/or mental disorders. As a result, to prevent
disease, each individual must maintain the doshas in, or
restore them to, their proper balance.
The dosha balancing effect of a food is determined by its
taste, being either salty, sour, sweet, bitter, astringent,
or pungent and its other qualities, being either heavy,
oily, cold, hot, light, or dry.
In humans, the doshas control all mental, emotional, and
physical functions and responses, and also determine the
state of the soul. They produce natural urges and individual
preferences in food. They govern the maintenance and destruction
of bodily tissue and the elimination of waste products.
Each person is born with a unique prakriti (Sanskrit for
"essential nature"), a constitution or personal
blueprint composed of varying amounts of influence from
each of the three doshas. Each person's prakriti describes
the unique harmony or balance between the doshas that is
necessary for that person to experience perfect health.
Only a small percentage of people are purely Vata, Pitta,
or Kapha. Each of us possesses a proportion of all three
doshas. In many cases, two doshas combine to determine our
dominant physiological and personality traits.
Ayurveda says that the balance of three main subtle energies,
called Vata, Pitta and Kapha, maintains the health. Biological
air humor, "Vata" is responsible for all the movements
in the body. Biological water humor or Kapha is responsible
for strength and immunity. Biological fire humor or Pitta,
is responsible for digestion and metabolism.
Please click on the respective sub web pages for a more
detailed outline about the three Doshas, their characteristics,
and the foods emphasized to balance each of them.
