The doshas - Vata, Pitta, Kapha

Bioenergies in Ayurveda teaching

Each of us has three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Doshas are bioenergies or functional principles that are formed from the five elements: space, air, fire, water and earth. The expression of each dosha varies from person to person and is referred to as the constitution. To a certain extent, the constitution is unchangeable, namely in terms of the genetic constitution that we were given by our parents.

Counteracting imbalances in the basic constitution

The basic constitution of every person is called Prakriti and is best recognized at around the age of 20. Think back to what you looked like at twenty! What was your body type and your mind like? However, the basic constitution can become unbalanced over time due to an unhealthy, non-type-appropriate diet and lifestyle, environmental influences, stress and other factors. Certain doshas can increase as a result, disrupt the constitution and cause physical and mental problems. However, this imbalance can be changed and can be brought back to its original and healthy constitution in several ways using Ayurveda therapy.

The doshas have different characteristics in terms of body, metabolism, behavior, mind, character and symptoms of illness. The more characteristics of a dosha apply to you, the more pronounced this dosha is in your individual constitution. However, the characteristics listed below give you an idea of ​​which doshas are more or less pronounced in you.

Vata – principle of movement

Vata consists of the elements space and air and has the characteristics of light, cold, rough, mobile and subtle.

The physique of Vata types is delicate and narrow. Vata people are either very tall or very short and have difficulty gaining weight. The face is rather small. The skin is rather dry, rough and the veins are clearly visible. The hands and feet are often cracked and cold. The Vata type has less physical strength and therefore has little stamina. His metabolism and digestion are unstable, he is prone to flatulence and constipation. He is active, moves a lot, likes to travel, is creative and eccentric. He is able to adapt well, is curious and open. But he is also indecisive, not well structured and quickly overloaded. When Vata is out of balance, he is usually distracted, erratic, nervous, anxious, complains about his suffering and likes to be cared for.

Pitta – principle of transformation

Pitta consists of the elements fire and water and has the characteristics of hot, sour, spicy, sharp, penetrating and oily.

Pitta types have an athletic build and are of medium height. Their weight is normal and their muscles are well developed. Pitta gains and loses weight quickly, has rather angular facial features and blushes easily. Their skin is soft, oily and tends to freckles. Their hands are warm and rosy. Pitta people have a good metabolism, burn and digest a lot and quickly. They have very good physical strength and are powerful. Pitta types are very clever and quick to grasp things. They are intelligent, critical, ambitious and goal-oriented. Pitta feels comfortable in competition. However, if they lose their balance, they can react very emotionally, irritably, angrily, aggressively and frustrated.

Kapha – principle of structure/stability

Kapha consists of the elements water and earth and has the characteristics of heavy, cold, moist, immobile, sweet, slimy and building.

The original constitution of a Kapha type looks like this: The body is stable, large-limbed and broad. Kapha tends to be overweight because it gains weight easily but has difficulty losing it. The facial features are soft, large and round. The skin is oily, cool, pale and tends to retain water. The hands are strong and moist. Kapha people are strong, persistent, but slow and difficult to mobilize. They work precisely, calmly and thoughtfully. They enjoy the beautiful things.

Doshas vary greatly throughout life

These three doshas control all metabolic activities in the body. Kapha promotes the building, growth and regeneration of cells. Pitta regulates metabolism, which includes digestion and the absorption of nutrients. Vata triggers catabolism, the breakdown of metabolic products to detoxify the organism. During our lifetime, the three doshas act with varying degrees of intensity. In childhood, Kapha predominates, building and growing the body. In middle age, Pitta is strongly pronounced. This time represents vitality and activity. Vata then becomes apparent in old age, when processes of degeneration take place.

Which dosha type are you?

Find out more about your individual dosha distribution, your Ayurvedic constitution in a 1:1 Ayurveda coaching session with Katharina .