Ayurveda Types Dosha Knowledge Vata Type Pitta Type Kapha Type Mixed Types Nutrition Tips

Vata, Pitta, Kapha – doshas in Ayurveda

What you should know about Vata, Pitta, Kapha

Vata, Pitta and Kapha: This is what Ayurvedic health science calls the three “doshas” (regulating forces), and it places great importance on their harmony and balance.

But what exactly are doshas? Ayurveda describes the doshas as three fundamental forces or principles that permeate the entire cosmos, nature, and humans, and thus control all bodily functions.

Man as a mirror of his dosha balance

The individual distribution of the three doshas determines our constitution, or our Ayurvedic type. It describes our mental and physical predispositions: our physique, our nutritional needs, and our metabolism, as well as the different traits of our personality, our temperament, our likes and dislikes, our strengths and weaknesses.

Ayurveda types

Depending on which dosha(s) predominates, Ayurveda distinguishes between different constitutional or Ayurveda types : the Vata, Pitta and Kapha types as well as a number of mixed types.

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Vata, Pitta, Kapha – How the doshas shape us

1. Vata – das Bewegungsprinzip

Vata ist verantwortlich für das Nervensystem, die Atmung und alle Bewegungsabläufe im Körper. Dem Vata-Dosha werden die Elemente Raum und Luft zugeordnet. Bei ausgeglichenem Vata fühlt man sich energievoll, froh, enthusiastisch und kreativ; der Geist ist ruhig, klar und wach.

2. Pitta – das Stoffwechselprinzip

Pitta regelt unter anderem die Verdauung und die Körpertemperatur. Im geistigen Bereich steht es für einen scharfen Intellekt und Emotionen. Pitta besteht in erster Linie aus dem Feuerelement. Im Gleichgewicht verleiht es Zufriedenheit, Energie, Sprachgewandtheit, eine gute Verdauungskraft, die richtige Körpertemperatur und einen klaren Geist.

3. Kapha – das Strukturprinzip

Kapha verleiht dem Körper Festigkeit und Stabilität und hält den Flüssigkeitshaushalt im Gleichgewicht. Die Elemente Erde und Wasser werden ihm zugeordnet. Ein ausgeglichenes Kapha schenkt Kraft, Ausdauer, ein gutes Immunsystem, Geduld und psychische Stabilität.

Distribution of Vata, Pitta & Kapha in the body

Although all three doshas are present in the body, the ancient Vedic texts describe a main dosha for each. The "Ashtanga Hridayam, Sutrasthan 1.7" states: "Vata is found mainly below the navel, Pitta mainly between the heart and navel, and Kapha above the heart."

Maintain inner balance

If the three doshas are in their individual balance, this means that all bodily functions can function unhindered – according to Ayurveda, we are then in perfect health and feel completely at ease in our own skin. However, if the dosha balance becomes unbalanced, for example because one dosha exerts excessive influence, long-term illnesses can develop.

Therefore, Ayurvedic texts explain simple measures that can be used to gently restore a dosha to its natural balance at an early stage. This strengthens the body's natural self-healing powers.

Wisdom from ancient scriptures – How we benefit from a successful dosha balance

The foundational text of traditional Ayurvedic literature, the Charak Samhita, explains the importance of balanced doshas: "The body of every living being is always the abode of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. One should know whether they are in a natural (balanced) or unnatural (unbalanced) state." – (Charak Samhita, Sutrasthan, 18.48)

The effect of balanced doshas is described in detail below. For example, it states that a balanced Vata dosha is expressed, among other things, as enthusiasm, well-functioning tissue metabolism, and good excretion.

A balanced Pitta dosha is said to be reflected in good digestion and eyesight, balanced body temperature, balanced hunger and thirst, as well as good charisma, happiness and intelligence.

Kapha in balance is characterized by strength, forbearance, patience, and the absence of covetousness. – (Charak Samhita, Sutrasthan, 18.49-51)

Ojas – The Secret of Vitality & Strength

It is therefore good when the doshas are in balance, because then the body is healthy and, according to Ayurveda, “Ojas” is created, the finest end product of digestion, which has such a fine structure that it is both matter and consciousness at the same time.

Ojas is the sum total of all three doshas. Its properties are described in detail in the classical texts of Ayurveda: Ojas brings vitality and strength, good health, maintains digestion and metabolism, preserves youthfulness, allows us to think positively and distance ourselves from problems.

A person with a high level of ojas feels completely happy and radiates this. Externally, ojas is recognizable, for example, in healthy, radiant skin and radiant eyes.

What can we do to maintain, restore, or rebalance the doshas so that ojas can arise?

On our website you will find many tips and information for a healthy daily routine , dealing with the seasons , nutrition , work-life balance and much more.

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