The Three Doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha

Maharishi Ayurveda understands health in terms of the balance of three principles that are the most fundamental expressions of the unified field on the physical level. These three basic principles, known as the three doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha), underlie and govern all aspects of physiological functioning. All three doshas are present throughout the body, with each one predominating at certain sites and performing specific functions.

When the doshas are in balance, the individual enjoys good health and well-being. Imbalance of the doshas, if not corrected, leads eventually to disease. All programmes of Maharishi Ayurveda are designed to restore and maintain the three doshas in perfect balance.

Empower Yourself for Better Health

Understanding what you need to do to achieve total health is as simple as understanding Vata, Pitta and Kapha - the three fundamental principles of nature which govern all the activities of your mind and body; Vata is quick, cold and dry by nature. It governs motion, breathing, circulation, elimination and the flow of nerve impulses to and from the brain. Pitta is hot and precise by nature. It governs digestion and metabolism and the processing of food, air and water throughout the body. Kapha is solid and steady by nature. It governs structure and fluid balance and forms muscle, fat, bone and sinew.

We all have a certain amount of Vata, Pita and Kapha in our constitution and while all three of them are active, one or two usually dominate.

Vata	Pitta	Kapha
When in balance Vibrant, lively, enthusiastic, clear and alert mind, flexible, exhilarated, imaginative, sensitive, talkative, quick to respond	When in balance Warm, loving, contented, enjoys challenges, strong digestion, lustrous complexion, good concentration, articulate and precise speech, courageous, bold, sharp wit, intellectual	When in balance Affectionate, compassionate, forgiving emotionally steady, relaxed, slow, methodical, good memory, good stamina, stability, natural resistance to sickness
When out of balance Restless, unsettled, light interrupted sleep tendency to over-exert, fatigued, constipated, anxious, worried, underweight	When out of balance Demanding, perfectionist, tendency towards frustration, anger, tendency towards skin rashes, irritable and impatient, prematurely grey hair or early hair loss	When out of balance Complacent, dull, oily skin, allergies slow digestion, lethargic, possessive, over attached, tendency to oversleep, overweight
What aggravates Vata irregular routine, staying up late, irregular meals, cold, dry weather, excessive mental work, too much bitter, astringent or pungent food, travelling, injury	What aggravates Pitta excessive heat or exposure to the sun, alcohol, smoking, time pressure, deadlines, excessive activity, too much spicy, sour or salty food, skipping meals	What aggravates Kapha excessive rest and oversleeping, overeating, insufficient exercise, too little variety in life, heavy, unctuous foods, too much sweet, sour or salty food, cold, wet weather

Balance is the Key to Perfect Health

If a dosha has gone out of balance ("it is aggravated /increased"), it can be brought back into balance using measures that are the opposite of those influences that caused the disturbance. In order to help maintain the doshas in lasting balance, Maharishi Ayurveda recommends: a healthy individually adjusted diet, a regular daily routine, specific food supplements, aroma and music therapy, physical exercises and breathing exercises, and also the practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM), a simple and natural technique for the Development of Consciousness bringing the experience of deep rest and improving the awareness of what is required for stable inner balance.

Vata food supplements help to balance the tendency of Vata dosha to increase. They have a warm and soothing effect and are recommended if mental and physical activity is demanding, in the evening, while travelling and during cold, dry and windy weather.
Pitta food supplements help to balance the tendency of Pitta dosha to increase.
Kapha food supplements help to balance the tendency of Kapha dosha to increase. They have a heating and enlivening effect.