Balance

Ayurveda and the three Doshas

This post was updated 02/02/2021

Ayurveda believes that all things are made up of the 5 elements- ether (space), air, fire, water and earth. And this includes us. Everyone is different, we all have different degrees of each of the elements and that is what makes us unique. And this uniqueness is called our Dosha.

There is no one size fits all approach to Ayurveda because we are all so different. And that’s what I love about it.

Doshas and the elements

How we behave, what we eat and how we live our lives are all influenced by these elements.

The elements that are most dominant will have the greatest influence of our physical and mental wellbeing and understanding how these elements affect us is the key to good health in Ayurveda.

There are 3 body types (Doshas) in Ayurveda – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Which body type we are is determined by what elements are most dominant within us.

When we know and understand our Dosha (body type) we are able to make healthy choices and start to make positive changes in our lives based on what is right for our unique body type.

Although we are made up of all 5 elements most people have one dominant dosha. Your dominant dosha is the one that has the most influence and needs the most attention.

Balance and Good Health

Good health and well-being in Ayurveda comes down to balance – Balance of the Doshas. When each of the elements is in balance life is good. you look good, feel good and your body is functioning well.

When you overdo things, either through your lifestyle choices or your diet, you can become depleted or overstimulated. You might feel lethargic and unmotivated or stressed and unable to sleep.

If you want to know more you can read this related article – What is Ayurveda?

Below is an outline of the three.

Vata

the dosha of ether and air.

If your dominant dosha is Vata you love to move, love change and can find it difficult to settle down and focus.

Air loves to move!

You are great at starting projects, jump at new and interesting situations but find it very difficult to see things through to the end. When balanced they are enthusiastic, joyful and lots of fun to be around.

Although you love to move if you don’t balance your love of movement and change with groundedness and stability you will become unbalanced.

Typical characteristics of an unbalanced Vata include:

dry skin, hair and nails
digestive disorders
bloating
restlessness
restless sleep or insomnia
fear and anxiety

Even if you are not a ‘Vata person’ our world is very unbalancing for everyone and many people would have a Vata imbalance.

Pitta

the dosha of fire and water

People with a Pitta dosha are strong, determined and passionate. This passion and drive make them great leaders and fierce competitors. They’re the people you need when things need to get done.

When unbalanced and especially when they have an excess of fire and are becoming overheated they can be cynical and sarcastic and burn those around them.

Typical characteristics of an unbalanced Pitta include:

skin rashes, pimples, skin irritations
aggression, jealously and anger
inflammation
heartburn
high blood pressure

Kapha

The Dosha of earth and water

Kapha people are grounded, calm and stable. With their combination of Earth and Water, they are known to be “Mother Earth” types, full of compassion, forgiveness and nurturing. Although less likely to jump to action than the other two doshas they will see things through to the end due to their steadfastness.

Too much earth and water create mud and stuckness. Kaphas have to be careful not to get bogged down and stuck. Balance is brought about through the right diet and lifestyle techniques that create lightness.

Typical characteristics of an unbalanced Kapha include:

Attachment, greed and possessiveness
excess weight
laziness
unmotivated
resistance to change
heaviness

My Ayurvedic Lifestyle Coaching is now integrated into my Spiritual Coaching Program. This way I can use Energy healing techniques to remove blockages that may be holding you back from changing your life and living in accordance with your Dosha. Please let me know when you book that you would like to incorporate Ayurveda into your plan.