The Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

In Ayurveda, we use the Doshas to regulate the energy of the Elements within our bodies.

The Doshas are three primary categories of energy, which make up everything. Accordingly, these energies are made up of the original Five Elements. Here, this means Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. 

Everyone has a unique energy to call their own. So, everyone has one ruling Dosha. In Ayurveda, we can observe our health and further educate ourselves about our energy. Then, we are able to more accurately eliminate dis-ease in our lives.

The Doshas aren’t only present in the human body. Also, they are found in nature and the cosmos. It is up to us to balance these energies within ourselves. This helps us optimize our mental, bodily, and spiritual health. This, in turn, also helps our communities.

Since each Dosha holds its own properties, a description of each is listed below. 

Vata Dosha

The first of the three doshas is Vata.

Because it’s comprised of Space and Air, Vata holds our Prana. (To learn about the Five Pranas, click here!) Vata provides movement within the body and the Universe. 

Prana in Ayurveda is synonymous with Air, and Space is required for all other elements to exist in the first place. So, the element of Air exists as Vata in nature (since it only can exist alongside Space).

The energy of Vata is:

• Dry
• Light
• Cold
• Rough
• Subtle
• Mobile
• Clear
• Spacious

Pitta Dosha

The second of the three doshas is Pitta.

Made up of Fire and Water, Pitta is responsible for the process of Transformation. Therefore, it rules our digestion and metabolism.

The Fire element denotes action, and Water is emotion. Together, they create a flow of creation and experiential energy. This is otherwise known as Universal Life Energy, or Source.

The energy of Pitta is: 

• Oily
• Sharp
• Hot
• Light
• Smelly
• Acidic
• Mobile
• Liquid

Kapha Dosha

The third of the three doshas is Kapha.

Made up of Water and Earth, Kapha rules lubrication and provides shape and structure.

The intuitive Water element forms with the material Earth to form matter. Creating physical reality, Kapha rules muscle and bones.

Kapha energy is: 

• Heavy
• Cold
• Slow
• Oily
• Dense
• Soft
• Static
• Sticky

To balance your Doshas, first identify your Ruling Dosha. Next, use your intuition to observe your body. Contemplate each individual Dosha, noticing which ones feel comfortable/uncomfortable or excess/lack. 

Great ways to balance your Doshas include daily Yoga asana or Pranayama practice. Equally as effective, watching your diet and fluid intake can help you eat in alignment with your body and your energy. Every species on the planet has a ruling Dosha, so being mindful of what you eat can balance your energy. Some examples to strengthen each Dosha are:

If you need to heighten your Pitta, take turmeric in the morning. You can also spend some time in the morning Sun, watching it rise.

To strengthen Vata, practice deep belly breaths or exercise regularly. You can also take Fenugreek Seed.

For Kapha, eat warming foods or astringents. Rest, meditation, and Yoga Nidra are great practices to increase Kapha energy.

Other helpful ways to get in tune with your own energy are to practice meditation, divination, or anything that helps you connect to your Higher Self. To find tools, guidance, and more, contact us directly or check out our Etsy Shop!