tridoshas - vata pitta kapha

This universe is run by three types of forces namely Kinetic Force, Potential Force and the Force acting as stimulant for either of these. These forces are represented in our body in the form of ‘Tridoshas’. ‘Doshas’ here means the forces those can disturb the body when these are not in balance. These three Doshas are named as Vata, Pitta & Kapha. These three represent the whole metabolism going on in the body. 

The Tridoshas of Ayurvedic practice have particular qualities or attributes, which characterize their effects on the human body. As long as the doshas are in a state of balance or equilibrium within the body, people remain healthy. The body has the capacity to overcome minor disturbances in the equilibrium of the doshas, but if the equilibrium is disturbed too greatly, the body then succumbs to disease and decay.

Though everyone's body contains all Tridoshas, generally, one or two of the doshas will predominate in an individual, leading to the categorization of people as different Ayurvedic body types or Prakruthi. Correct balance between the doshas is important for good health. In a balanced state the doshas sustain the body.

Kinetic force has the ability to bring about the changes in the subject matter wherever it is applied. Vata represents this force in our body. Etymologically ‘Vata’ means, “that which moves things.” In the absence of Vata other two forces are considered to be lame, incapable to bring about any change. It also governs our sensory and mental balance and orientation, and promotes mental adaptability and comprehension.

Potential force in our body is Kapha. Etymologically ‘Kapha’ means “that which holds things together.” It provides substance and gives support, and makes up the bulk of our body tissues. It also provides emotional support in life and governs such positive emotional traits as love compassion, modesty, patience, and forgiveness. In brief it is the on going anabolic process in our body.

The stimulant for kinetic or potential force to be working is ‘Pitta’. Etymologically it means “that which digest things.” It is responsible for all chemical and metabolic transformations in the body. It also governs our mental digestion, our capacity to perceive reality and understand things as they are. Thus we can say Pitta represents the catabolic process going on in the body. 
 
Ayurveda considers each and every thing of this universe to be composed of five great elements (Panchmahabhootas). It applies for Tridoshas besides this these have some elements in higher proportion than others and they are considered to be made of those elements in higher proportion. 

Vata is composed of element Air and Ether. One of them is the working force and another provides the space for that force to be functional. But when there is less working force and space is greater, the change will hard to notice. While greater force in less space will result in destruction. So Vata is that force which maintains the equilibrium between air and ether element.

Everything that moves, from a molecule to a thought, moves because of Vata, and every motion of any kind influences every other motion, according to the law of like and unlike.

Pitta is considered to be composed of Water and Fire elements. But it is not possible for water and fire to exist together. One with higher potential will exist and other will vanish. Here Pitta comes in action. It is the force that makes water and fire to reside together. It is just like hot water or acids present in stomach as these are nothing more than fire in water.

Pitta is in charge of all transformation in the organism. Digestion of food by the gut, of light by the eyes and of sensory data by the brain is examples of Pitta's activities. 

Kapha consists of element Water and Earth. But practically these two can never mix with one another. Earth will sediment leaving the water clear. The force namely Kapha compels these two to stay together.

Kapha is the stabilizing influence in the living being. It lubricates, maintains and contains, and its various activities, like those of Vata and Pitta, are interrelated.

CHARACTERISTICS OF DOSHAS: 

DOSHAS EFFECTING BODY: