Ayurveda uses the knowledge of the five elements: space, air, fire, water, and earth.
Each element has its own characteristic qualities. For example, air is light, fire is hot, and earth is heavy.
In Ayurveda, the five elements and their various qualities are used to describe three constitutional types (doshas) that regulate all processes and functions in the body, as well as in the world around us. These three constitutions are called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
| Dosha | Element | Associated Sense |
|---|---|---|
| VATA | Space | Hearing |
| Air | Touch | |
| PITTA | Fire | Sight |
| KAPHA | Water | Taste |
| Earth | Smell |
Life is an interaction, a flow of energy in different forms. Human beings are a miniature reflection of the universe.
The Doshas are the three fundamental energies believed to govern physical and mental processes in the body: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
VATA
Vata is primarily located below the navel, in the waist, bones, skeleton, feet, nervous system, kidneys, bladder, rectum, and colon.
Functions of Vata
- Communication
- Circulation
- Movement
- Enthusiasm and inspiration
- Creativity and imagination
- Transportation
- Elimination
- Vitality
Vata is necessary for all movement. It allows you to walk, swallow, blink, speak, hear, and feel. Vata transports nutrients into the body and eliminates waste from the body.
Vata itself is invisible and is recognized through the effects of its power, much like the wind in nature.
PITTA
Pitta is primarily located in the lower stomach, small intestine, duodenum, pancreas, spleen, liver, gallbladder, blood, lymphatic system, and eyes.
Functions of Pitta
- Digestion
- Metabolism
- Appetite
- Maintaining body temperature
- Transformation
- Intellect
- Vision
- Inner vision (intuition)
- Skin health
- Desires and passions
- Drive and courage
Pitta and its fire element provide energy and help maintain the body’s proper temperature. Pitta also gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes and processes the information we receive through vision.
Pitta is active and dynamic, like the sun in nature.
KAPHA
Kapha is primarily located in the upper stomach, chest, lungs, glands, fat tissue, joints, and tendons.
Functions of Kapha
- Structure and cohesion
- Body form
- Stability
- Weight and substance
- Lubrication
- Immunity
- Healing
- Wound healing
- Compassion
- Forgiveness
- Understanding
- Love
Kapha holds everything together and provides structure and stability to the lighter and more formless elements. Water is the active element and earth is the passive element. This means Kapha gives us our sense of taste and smell, provides strength, and lubricates the joints and mucous membranes to prevent dryness.
In nature, a stream provides the necessary moisture, while the earth surrounding it prevents flooding.
Vata, Pitta, and Kapha function as a team and always work together, although one may be more active than the others at different times.
Read more about your body type in Who are you?, the next post.
