The theory of the three basic individual constitutions

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The theory of the three basic individual constitutions - Vata, Pitta and Kapha

In Ayurveda, the human organism is first viewed as an inseparable whole before

examination of its organs and systems takes place. In contrast to popular

medicine, which primarily developed along therapeutic concepts for

predetermined illness, Ayurveda addresses the basic needs of a human being on

three levels: prevention of illness, awareness of the origins of life and

health issues, a systematic approach for establishing diagnosis and treatment.

All tangible Life forms contain five essential elements or building blocks:

ether, air, fire, water, and earth. Life proceeds from the subtlest to the

grossest matter, the subtlest form of matter being ether. This mixes with

eternity to create air, a more observable element. As air moves, it creates

friction, which creates heat or fire. Heat produces moisture, thus creating

water. Finally, water produces the densest form of matter, earth. The Vedas

(Ancient texts) assert that all, including humans, are made up of the five

elements, the subtlest aspects of human life, before the molecular, atomic or

subatomic levels.

This is the level on which Ayurvedic healing works. The five elements combine to

give three distinct individual constitutions or doshas: Ether and air compose

the Vata dosha, which is responsible for movement - the movement of food

through the gastrointestinal tract, nerve impulses, motor impulses, physical

activity and intellect.

Fire and water compose the Pitta dosha, which relates to internal fire, emotion,

bile, body heat, digestive enzymes and endocrine systems. It is responsible for

digesting chyle into protoplasmic substances.

Water and earth combine to form the Kapha dosha, which fills the intercellular

spaces of the body as connective tissue. Examples of Kapha include mucus,

synovial fluid and tendons, elements that are responsible for the gross

structure of the body.

Clearly, as each individual has all these forces at work, each person is a

combination of the three doshas. Together, all doshas are responsible for

anabolic and catabolic metabolism, nourishing the body and building the

tissues.

In any individual, however, one of the two doshas are typically dominant. This

dominant dosha determines the individual's unique mental and physical makeup or

Prakruti.

When any or all of the doshas develop imbalances or Vikruti, the body ceases to

be nourished and ill health develops. Imbalances can occur from unhealthy

living, such as poor diet or lack of exercise; high stress levels due to

demands from work or family; or external conditions such as weather.

Everything within Life embodies dosha qualities, be it food, activities or

weather. Imbalances occur when there is too much of one dosha in a person's

life. For example, if a person eats high Pitta quality foods, a Pitta imbalance

may occur, even if that person is Vata dominant. This imbalance leads to

Pitta-oriented problems, such as indigestion or acid stomach.

Ayurvedic approach to healing is threefold:

Determining one's predominant elemental constitution or Prakruti.

Determining Vikruti the root cause of illness by understanding which doshas are imbalanced.

Applying therapeutic recommendations to balance elements causing the illness.

Tridosha is a concept that has been clinically tested and proven to be effective

for centuries. It represents basic psycho-physiological processes in the human

body.

Here are examples of each dosha:

 

Vata

Pitta

Kapha

Weather

Dry, very cold

Hot and humid

Cold and damp

Foods

Cold and dry foods e.g. chilled drinks or garbanzo beans

Spicy foods e.g. chilies, peppers

Sweet foods, complex carbohydrates e.g. cakes and breads

Behavior

Excitable, hyperactive

Intense, intellectual

Calm, easy-going

Weight

Long and wiry build

Medium, athletic

Large Frame

Skin

Normal to dry, thin

Sensitive, T-zone

Thick, large pores, oily all over

Hair

Dry, brittle

Patchy, thinning

Thick, voluminous

Health

Low immunity, Susceptible to fatigue

Susceptible to infection, bacteria

Strong immunity

Sleep

Light or disturbed sleep

Medium Sleep, active dreams

Deep, sound sleep

For example, if a Vata type, has EXCESS Vata by living in cold dry weather and

eats cold, dry foods, they will be Vata imbalanced, exhibiting extremely dry

and rough skin.

Even a Pitta type, with usually oily skin, if exposed to cold dry weather and

other Vata aggravating conditions long enough, may develop a Vata imbalance and

exhibit extremely dry and rough skin, as well.

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