We always consider nature as our mother not only because we owe our birth to it but for many other reasons, as well. Let’s explore the Prakriti of the body.
If you have been exploring the world of Ayurveda, you might have heard some words like Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. Popularly, these are collectively called the ‘Doshas’.
And if you are hearing them for the first time also, there is no need for you to worry. The Doshas are one of the most foundational concepts when one tends to explore the tradition of Ayurveda.
What Exactly Dosha’s Are?
If we dig deep into the essence of these words or the founding concepts, one can understand that the doshas are known as the energetic forces of nature. They are the basis of the functional principles. Doshas have an important role to play as they help us better understand ourselves and the world around us.
Is anyone Dosha superior to the other?
Vata, pitta, and Kapha are recognized as Doshas in traditional Ayurveda and each plays an essential role in human physiology in some or the other way. So, if anyone has been telling you that one of them enjoys domination or supremacy, there is no way that you should believe them.
Instead, the fact is that no one dosha is better than, or superior to, any other, in any form or matter. Each of them has a very dedicated role and a specific set of functional roles to play in the human body. But, you also need to make sure that they are in proper balance. The main reason behind this is that when the doshas are out of balance, they can wreak havoc and take a major toll on our health.
Role of the Doshas
It won’t be right and justified to jump into the deep specifics of each of the three doshas. The right and helpful way to understand them is by having an idea about their elemental composition and their broader role in the natural world.
In the field of Ayurveda, it is said that the most basic building blocks of the material world are a result of the functions compiled by the five elements. Ther are as follows:
- Ether that is space
- Air
- Fire
- Water
- Earth
Vata is associated with ‘Vayu’ and is characterized by the mobile nature of Wind which is the energy of the air.
Pitta highlights the transformation instincts presented by the power of Fire energy.
Kapha, being the third dosha, reflects the binding nature that is offered by the Water energy.
Nature and Functions of Doshas
They are observed in nature and hence, let us understand their functions in the human body.
Vata controls the movement’s energy and hence, it finds its connection with air or wind. It has its link with an individual’s ability to go for creative movements and flexible communication. It controls everything from the heartbeat to the pulse rate and others like the contractions and movements of muscles and tissues in the body.
Pitta controls the transformative energy and is hence, connected with the element of fire. Pitta is mainly liquid and is hence connected with the ability of the body to carry out processes like digestion and transformation.
Kapha is responsible for the cohesiveness, and body structure. The element has the watery energies of love and compassion. It maintains proper hydration of the body cells, systems, and organs.
Dosha Imbalance
Imbalanced Vata
Imbalance Vata results in fear, anxiety, isolation, loneliness, and other issues like exhaustion. It can also disrupt the ability of proper communication by the human body.
Imbalanced Pitta
If the human body is witnessing an imbalanced pitta, it causes fiery, reactionary, and outrage of risky emotions such as frustration, anger, agitation, fearfulness, jealousy, and criticism. Imbalanced pitta as a part of the human body is often at the root of inflammatory disorders. The imbalance can have a deep-rooted effect on the body’s organs and tissues.
Imbalanced Kapha
An imbalance Kapha triggers emotions of constant attachment, unmatched greed, and possessiveness. It can create stubbornness, lethargy, and resistance to the body to opt for any change.
Conclusion
Like humans, every one of us has innate strengths and gifts, and are also persistent challenge areas. Creating a balance between the doshas is a good way in which your outlook towards life can change and you can bring a positive change in your inner self, as well.