Understanding the Tridosha

According to Ayurveda Space, Air, Water, Fire and Earth are “Five elements” that flow through every cell in our bodies. These five elements combine in various ways to form the three constitutional factors called Dosha’s or energies. Dosha’s are responsible for the characteristics of Body, Mind and Soul. These are the basis for health and illness.

The Three Doshas

1. Vata – Comprises space and Air. It is responsible for movement. When it is in balance the person will be energetic, enthusiastic, friendly and happy.
2. Pitta – Comprises fire and water. It is responsible for digestion and metabolism. The pitta balanced person will be funny, cooperative, confident and decisive.
3. Kapha - Comprises water and earth. It is responsible for stability and structure. When it is in balance the person will be generous, kind, patient, strategic.

Dosha	Common problems	General Treatment
Vata	Roughness of skin Drying of skin Cracking of skin Headache Dandruff Giddiness Yawning Hiccup Depression Weakness Disturbed sleep Unstable mind	Snehana (Abhyanga) – body massage Swedana (steam) Basti (Enema) – Asthapana basti (enema with decoction) Anuvasana basti (enema with oil) Parisheka (Sprinkling of oil) Shirodhara (Pouring of oil on head) Elakizhi (Fomentation) Nasya (Medication through nostrils)
Pitta	Heat Burning Excessive temperature Excessive sweating Bad odor Mouth ulcers Fainting Eye related problems	Snehana (Abhyanga) – body massage Virechana (purgation) Pradeha (application of paste) Parisheka (sprinkling of liquid)
Kapha	Drowsiness Excessive sleep Heaviness of the body Laziness Loss of strength Indigestion Obesity	Swedana (steam) Vamana (enema) Shirovirechana (detoxification of head region) Udvartana (dry powder massage) Vyayama (exercise)