Ayurveda: The Three Doshas
This is a different kind of email. This is an email where I share exactly what I learn. And so, we jump straight into Ayurveda...
The word ‘Ayurveda’ itself translates to "science of life", and that is what it actually is. This post will give you an overview of the three doshas (bodily humours) or central energies in Ayurvedic philosophy.
The doshas circulate throughout the body (and the subtle body too). They govern the physical, mental and emotional characteristics of every individual. Every individual has a dominant dosha or at least a combination of two doshas. It is very rare (but still the case) that some individuals have a complete balance of the three doshas.
But you'll probably ask, what's my dosha? There are a number of online quizzes that you can take which will help you determine your unique constitution. I think it is best to seek the guidance of an Ayurvedic professional to gain an accurate idea of your constitution, but still, it is useful to begin with/
The three doshas are known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These doshas are a combined energy of the five elements: ether, air, fire, water and earth. Vata is constructed from ether and air, Pitta from fire and water, and Kapha is a combination of both water and earth. From the time of conception, from multiple factors (such as genetics, parent's health, environment, etc.), each of us develop our individual prakruti which is your unique genetic blueprint in how you experience your physical and mental body. Remember, we have all three doshas within us, but just in varying ratios. This can be seen in literally every area of your self, from how we digest food, to the colour of your eyes, and even your personality traits.
Some of us can be Vata-Pitta, or Pitta-Kapha, or even Vata-Pitta-Kapha in equal measure. When our natural balance is disrupted, a condition known as vikruti emerges, often due to various factors. Vikruti signifies the onset of disease, indicating an imbalance of doshas. Achieving optimal health and well-being entails recognizing your prakruti (natural constitution), assessing your vikruti (imbalance), and implementing informed, holistic approaches to restore dosha equilibrium. By addressing the root cause and rebalancing the doshas, long-term symptom alleviation is achieved, underscoring the fundamental Ayurvedic principle: understanding the origin is essential for treating any state of discomfort. Restoring dosha harmony eliminates illness, reinstating wellness.
Read the full blog on Keshav Ayurveda’s site here.