Doshas Englisch

Dosha - what´s it actually?
April 15, 2020

The doshas are the central basis of the Ayurveda. They are called Vata, Pitta and Kapha. We encounter these terms more and more also in these days in our western world. It is the aim of the Ayurveda to keep them in balance which forms the basis of a strong immunesystem and thus of our health.

Each of these doshas is based on two elements. We find them in both, our external as well as in our internal nature. These elements form certain properties, are responsible for them in our body and are able to cause various functions within the body. That is why they are also referred to as functional principles or body functions.

The following table provides an overview of the relationships in detail.

Dosha Principle Elements Properties Body Functions

VATA kinetic principle/ air, dry, cold, mobile, movement, transport,

movement principle space clear (not slimy), breathing, speaking, restlessness

light, rough, subtle enthusiasm, activity,

elimination processes

PITTA thermic principle/ fire, hot, sharp, acidic, somehow oily, energy, heat production

heat/energy water penetrating, liquid digestion, eyesight, skin, aggression,

principle anger

KAPHA synthetic principle/ earth, cold, oily, slimy, anabolism, tissue grease,
mass principle water heavy, stable, lubricate joints, physical strength,

sweet, soft resisting power, inactivity

According to Ayurveda, each of us carries these doshas within, albeit in different forms and strengths, in a very individual relationship to each other. If they are in a balanced and in normal state, as originally at conception/birth (Prakriti) according to Ayurvedic understanding, they cause positive changes in us. People feel vital, fit and simply comfortable. However, if the doshas are disturbed, in imbalance (Vikriti), they cause ailments, malaise, discomfort, pain, illness, chronic illness. The longer an imbalance, a deviation from the original normal state exists, the more noticeable it becomes.

Depending on age and situation, time of year and day, people, often characterized by eating habits and lifestyle, deviate from their prakriti and become imbalanced. With appropriate adjustments in diet and lifestyle, according to traditionally tried and tested Ayurvedic aspects, people can be brought back to their prakriti, their originally balanced, natural nature. It is the basis to get back to your original vitality and well-being as a child, for your own potential development, for a happy and satisfied life.

Can you find the elements in the photos? Do you discover the properties of these elements?

Do you also come across them in your own inner nature, in the principles, functions and properties of your own body?

In my further blog posts, I will go into more detail about each individual Dosha, each of the individual functional principles in our nature, internal and external. Following this, I will continue to describe the further process steps in building up our immune strength based on Ayurvedic knowledge, which can contribute to our physical and mental health as a result.