Dosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)
Ayurveda's fundamental framework for understanding individual constitution and disease — the three bio-energetic forces that govern physiology.
— Definition
In Ayurvedic medicine, Doshas are three bio-energetic forces — Vata (air + ether), Pitta (fire + water), and Kapha (earth + water) — that govern all physiological and psychological functions. Every person has a unique combination (Prakriti).
— In Detail
Vata governs: movement, nerve impulses, breathing, circulation, bone health, creativity, and fear. Vata imbalance causes: anxiety, constipation, dry skin, joint pain, insomnia, irregular periods. Pitta governs: digestion, metabolism, body temperature, intelligence, ambition, and anger. Pitta imbalance causes: inflammation, acid reflux, skin rashes, perfectionism, anger. Kapha governs: structure, lubrication, immunity, stability, love, and attachment. Kapha imbalance causes: weight gain, congestion, lethargy, depression, insulin resistance. Food is classified by six tastes (Rasa): sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, astringent — each affecting different doshas. The goal of dietary medicine in Ayurveda is to maintain or restore the individual's natural Prakriti balance.
— Why It Matters
The Dosha system is a sophisticated early attempt at precision medicine — personalised dietary recommendations based on individual constitution. Modern research on the gut-brain axis, metabolic phenotypes, and the microbiome's role in personality and mood is beginning to provide mechanistic explanations for Ayurvedic observations made 5,000 years ago.
— Related Terms
— See in Field Guide
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