For
Ayurvedic experts the three energy forms of VATA, PITTA and KAPHA
are found not only in the human physiology but also as the subtle
driving forces in all of creation. The orderly interaction of the
subtle energies of the three doshas gives rise to all aspects of
the outer world. The Ayurvedic practitioner can recognise which
dosha is predominant by studying the bodily structure, emotional
condition, diet, seasons and time of day.
Everything
that has an effect on our physiology, whether it is food or experiences
through the other senses, influences the three doshas. If you see
the colour of red, this sensory image will increase Pitta. Eating
something sweet increases Kapha. Vata increases when not enough
rest is taken. The doshas are also affected by internal stimuli.
Nervousness increases Vata; aggressive thoughts raise the level
of Pitta; loving thoughts stimulate Kapha.
| Vata |
|
| Element |
Air
and Space
|
Location
in the body
|
Colon
/ Reproductive organs
|
Function
|
Movement
|
Times
of day
|
02:00
– 06:00
14:00 – 18:00 |
Season
|
Late
autumn / winter
|
Properties
|
Dry,
light, cold, subtle, moving, rough, clear, quick, flexible
|
Mental
characteristics
|
Restless
mind, poor memory, avoids confrontation, active, sensitive,
creative occupation, puts himself under pressure, easily tired
|
Function
in the body
|
Enthusiasm,
respiration, all types of movement, supports circulation,
elimination of bodily waste products |
| Pitta |
|
Element
|
Fire
and water
|
Location
in the body
|
Middle
of the body, heart, lower part of stomach, liver, gall bladder,
spleen, and small intestine
|
Function
|
Metabolism
|
Times
of day
|
10:00
– 14:00
22:00 – 02:00 |
Season
|
Summer,
early autumn
|
Characteristics
|
Hot,
sharp, fluid, slightly oily, sour
|
Mental
characteristics
|
Intelligent
and precise, but quickly irritable
|
Functions
in the body
|
Sight,
digestion, warmth, skin colour, hunger, thirst, appetite,
elasticity and flexibility of the body, intellectual ability
|
| Kapha |
|
| Element |
Water
and earth
|
Location
in the body
|
Head
and respiratory organs, upper body
|
Function
|
Structure
and substance
|
Times
of day
|
06:00
– 10:00
18:00 – 22:00 |
Season
|
Spring
|
Characteristics
|
Heavy,
cool, soft, viscous, sweet, firm, oily, slow |
Mental
characteristics
|
Heavy,
cool, soft, viscous, sweet, firm, oily, slow
|
Functions
in the body
|
Maintaining the suppleness of
the body and its organs, stability of the body, strength,
patience, power, forbearance, courage, generosity, protecting
the joints
|
|
|
