According to Ayurveda, the five elements combine in pairs to form three dynamic forces (or interactions, bodily humors, spirits that possess) called doshas. Every living things, including humans are governed and characterized by the doshas. The doshas determines one’s body type, personality and constitutions. People with different dosha types are susceptible to different diseases.
Functions of Three Doshas
Kapha is responsible for strength and immunity. Placed in chest region. The organs that belong to Kapha are the chest, lungs, and spinal fluid.
People with kapha as their dosha type have the properties of earth and water. They are calm, have a solid body frame, and are susceptible to diabetes, obesity, sinus congestion, and gallbladder problems.
Pitta is responsible for digestion and metabolism. Placed in upper abdomen above umbilicus. The organs that belong to Pitta are the small intestines, stomach, and sweat glands.
People with pitta as their dosha type have the properties of fire and water: fiery and oily. They have a fiery personality, oily skin, and often have heart disease, stomach ulcers, inflammation, heartburn, and arthritis.
Vata is responsible for all movements in the body. Placed in lower abdomen below umbilicus. The organs that belong to Vata are the large intestine, pelvis, and thighs.
People with vata as their dosha type have the properties of wind – fast and dry. They are quick-thinking, anxiety, thin, dry skin, and constipation (dry in large intestine).
Ayurvedic Seasons
In Ayurveda, body and season are two factors that affect one’s health condition. Every person and every time of day has a dosha that predominates, every season is also dominated by one of the three doshas. Seasons in Ayurveda are divided as:
Kapha – Cold and wet season dominated by earth and water doshas.
Pitta – Hot and wet season dominated by fire and water doshas.
Vata – Dry and cold season dominated by wind (air and space doshas).
We can compare this Ayurvedic season system to the four season system (spring, summer, fall and winter):
Kapha – Late Winter/Early Spring.
Pitta – Late Spring/Summer.
Vata – Fall/Early Winter.
In different seasons, people are susceptible to different diseases. So according to Ayurvedic theory, the two factors: body type and season must be taken into the consideration when looking for a treatment. A doctor must always think about the two factors of body and environment: What is the patient’s dosha type, and what is the current season dosha. The goal of the treatment is to maintain dosha balance, and to restore balance in the body if necessary.
