Three Birds of Tridosha

Dosha is the term Ayurveda uses to explain three primary energies that underlie biological function in the body. Each life form is composed of a different proportion of these doshas, which is what makes our needs for optimum health so unique. Each dosha in turn, is a combination of 2 of the 5 elements.

To get a very general understanding of which dosha may be predominant in you you can check out Deepak Chopra's Dosha Quiz.

Taking a peek into the natural world we can find the qualities of earth, water, fire, air and ether in abundance. Meditating on these qualities brings refinement in our understanding of Tridosha theory.



Vata [Air + Ether]
This is the principle of movement within nature. Vata dosha governs the movement of nutrients into and waste out of the body and provides the space for Pitta and Kapha doshas to work in. It also governs movements of the mind and impulses of the nervous system. The qualities of air and ether are inherent in Vata dosha: rough, dry, irregular, cool, subtle, light,and mobile. In nature we can find qualities of this dosha in the rough bark of a birch tree and in its tiny shimmering leaves. We can see the flitting movements of the hummingbird and its delicate features and natural affinity with air and movement... In the human body Vata manifests as leanness of frame, internal and external dryness, irregular features, small eyes, and a lightly-developed musculature. In the mental/emotional realm Vata appears positively as intelligence, shrewdness, and a healthy ability to change when the wind blows. Negatively vata shows up as anxiety, worry, fear, and a tendency to live too much in the mind and not enough in the body and heart. Dry skin, constipation, feelings of being overwhelmed, an overactive or spacey mind, and an inability to sit still are all sure signs of an imbalance of Vata dosha.



Pitta [Fire + Water]
This is the principle of transformation or thermogenesis. Pitta dosha transforms and converts the food we eat, it is responsible for digestion both gross and subtle and the processing of physical, mental, and emotional input. Pitta is hot, sharp, oily, penetrating and light (and is generally acidic and enzymatic). In nature Pitta can be seen in the pointed spines of a pine tree or in its towering pinnacle; it is responsible for the sharp vision of the hawk and the fiery essence of this natural hunter. In the human body Pitta reveals itself in a well-balanced musculature, strong digestion, penetrating and light-colored eyes, freckles, warm and lustrous skin. Well balanced, it is the fiery power of digestion and the mental ability to discriminate and illumine (fire element). People with a predominance of Pitta dosha tend to be very ambitious, clear thinking, efficient, and pointed in their actions and words. An excess or imbalance of Pitta dosha manifests as anger, frustration, abusiveness, loose bowels, impatience and all types of inflamation.



Kapha [Earth + Water]
This is the principle of cohesion within nature. Earth and Water are the most dense of the five elements. When combined we can see the natural logic of Kapha as responsible for the structure and lubrication of the body. Kapha is heavy, slow, cool, oily, liquid, dense, thick, static and cloudy. It manifests as protective tissues and fluids in the body (from sinovial fluids to fatty tissues, saliva and the mucous membranes that protect the stomach etc...) In nature Kapha qualities can be seen in the smoothness and thickness of Magnolia leaves and in the grace and largesse of a Swan on water. Kapha bodies are round, thick-skinned and full with large eyes and lips and short joints and general stockiness. When in balance Kapha is patient, loving, supportive, strong, and stabilizing. Out of balance Kapha is stagnant, depressed, unmotivated, dull, and lethargic with slow digestion, weight gain, and toxicity.

Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are present and work together in each individual life-form. Their proper functioning creates harmony while their imbalance leads to disease. Refinement and nourishment of these energies leads to transcendence. Getting to understand the primary energies at work within our bodies helps us to understand what environments, foods, and impressions lead to our disharmony (unhappiness) and which will bring us true freedom, fulfillment and joy.

*Note: It is common for people with a little bit of understanding of the doshas to call themselves "X DOSHA". This often leads to a lot of confusion and misapplication of the Ayurvedic principles. Most people are a combination of predominating principles/ doshas. You can also feel predominantly one dosha by nature (prakriti) but have an imbalance that is of that or a different dosha (vikriti). Play with it, meditate on it, study it and see what aspects of Ayurvedic living are truly supportive of your wellbeing!