According to Ayurveda, we all have a particular constitution or prakruti, an individual combination of physical, mental and emotional characteristics?determined by many factors surrounding the time of conception and birth. Disturbance of this balance (by factors such as emotional and physical stress or trauma, improper food combinations and choices, or seasonal and weather changes) may lead to disease. If we understand how such factors affect us on a constitutional level, we can take appropriate actions to minimize their effect and eliminate the cause of imbalance.

Our constitution is a combination of the three fundamental doshas, or principles that govern the functions of our bodies on the physical, mental and emotional levels. These three energies are known as vata, pitta and kapha. In balance, they promote harmony of body, mind and consciousness. Out of balance, they can create mental, emotional and physical ailments. All three doshas are present in a person and are continuously interacting with each other and with the environment.

Everyone has all three doshas to varying degrees, although one and sometimes two tend to be predominant and the other(s) secondary. According to the classical texts, there are seven constitutional types, based upon the ratio of each dosha present in it, but for practical purposes we may say that a person is a vata type, pitta type, or a kapha type. Only a trained Ayurvedic practitioner can make a more accurate individual asessment.

Ayurveda has a profound knowlegde of all the systems and functions of the body (all the way to the most subtle aspects), but for practical purposes it is important to understand that any imbalance in the doshas is what really triggers the disease process. This is why Ayurveda encourages prevention of imbalance and the restoration of balance by managing the doshas through a natural, Ayurvedic regime and lifestyle, Ayurvedic herbs and preparation, as well as dinacharya or daily routines, yoga and meditation practices suited to your unique constitution.

General Description of Doshas:

VATA, The Energy of Movement

PITTA, The Energy of Digestion and Metabolism

KAPHA, The Energy of Lubrication and Structure

VATA: The Energy of Movement

Vata is the principle of movement that regulates all activity in the body ?from how many thoughts one might have during a given period to how efficiently food moves through our intestines. Vata is in charge of functions such as the pulsation of the heart, respiration, circulation and elimination. It is responsible for joy, happiness, creativity and speech. Vata is also in charge of the vital life essence, or prana. Thus when vata (prana) leaves the body, life stops.
When aggravated, it can cause disorders such as flatulence, constipation, tremors, spasms, asthma, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, as well as many neurological problems. Since vata moves the other doshas and can aggravate them, vata management is essential to restore, promote and maintain overall harmony and health.

PITTA: The Energy of Digestion and Metabolism

Pitta represents the Fire principle in the body. Everything that enters the body must be digested (or cooked, so to speak), from sensory perception to food for nourishment. In addition to the gastric fire, pitta also includes the enzymes and amino acids that play a major role in metabolism, and even the neurotransmitters and neuropeptides involved in thinking.
Some of the responsibilities of pitta are to regulate the body heat through the chemical transformation of food and to give a person appetite, vitality, and the capacity to learn and understand.
Pitta type of disorders include hyperacidity, ulcers, all sorts of skin eruptions, chronic fatigue, Crohn's disease, colitis and numerous inflammatory problems.

KAPHA: The Energy of Lubrication and Structure

Earth and Water give kapha its definitive qualities. Kapha comprises all our cells, tissues and organs. Kapha molecules tend to stick together to form dense masses and give the body a chubby shape.
Lubrication of joints and organs, strong muscles and bones, cellular secretions, and memory retention, are all part of kapha's function.
Out of balance, kapha can cause problems such as obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, edema, asthma, tumors and a variety of congestive disorders.

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