One of the fundamental principles in Ayurveda is the concept of ‘Tridosha.’ The term ‘Tridosha,’ as commonly understood, refers to vata, pitta, and kapha, the three essential components of our body. ‘Tri’ signifies three, and ‘Doshas’ are not perceived as defects or imbalances in our body but rather as the fundamental elements of our living being. These doshas, when in their natural state or physiological equilibrium, provide benefits to our body and essentially perform all the necessary functions. However, when in their vitiated condition or pathological state, they disrupt other organs and tissues, leading to various types of diseases. As understood, the ‘Tridosha’ are the primary factors in maintaining optimal health. Consequently, it is crucial that we acquire knowledge about them.
It is important to note that these doshas cannot be observed directly with the naked eye. However, to truly comprehend them, one must thoroughly understand their normal properties and functions of all three doshas. This knowledge is essential for maintaining their physiological equilibrium.

The first of the doshas is ‘vata,’ which originates from the word ‘wind’ and can be understood as the windy humor. It is considered to be the most influential and powerful of the three. It comprises two elements, ‘akasha’ (space or ether) and ‘vayu’ (air or wind).

According to classical references, its properties are –

• Ruksha (dry),
• Laghu (light),
• Sheeta (cold),
• Khara (rough),
• Sukshma (minute), and
• Chal (moving).

Understanding its functions –

• it provides enthusiasm for working,
• it maintains normal breathing,
• it aids in physical and mental movements such as speaking, getting up, sitting, walking, etc.,
• it maintains normal secretion of gastric juices and bowel movements, and
• it facilitates the proper elimination of feces and urine.

It has five further types:

• 1. Praana Vayu – the one that helps fill the stomach with food and lungs with air;
• 2. Vyaana Vayu – the one that helps with body movements like getting up, sitting, etc.;
• 3. Udaana Vayu – the one that performs the conveyance of sensory afferent stimuli to various sense organs;
• 4. Samana Vayu – the one that carries out the separation of the essential part and waste part of the food; and
• 5. Apaana Vayu – the one that helps in releasing urine, stool, semen, menstruation, etc.

The next dosha is ‘pitta’, dervied from the word ‘fire’ can be understood as a bilious matter. It is comprised of one element, which is agni (fire). The fire refers to the inner fire, which helps in the digestion of food and the release of gastric juices.

Its properties are –

• Sasneha (little oilyness) ,
• Teekshna (sharp or fiery),
• Ushna (hot),
• Laghu (light),
• Visra (smell of raw meat),
• Sara (fluid) and
• Drava (flowing like fluid).

Functions –

• It carries out digestion
• It also provides heat, vision, hunger, thirst, and taste
• It enahnces mental functionalities including grace, wisdom, fortitude, bravery, and intelligence.

Pitta is also of 5 types –

• 1. Pachaka Pitta – the one which facilitates in disgetion of food and provides heat and strength to the body;
• 2. Ranjaka Pitta – the one contributing in the formation of blood, imparting to its color;
• 3. Sadhaka Pitta – the one situated in the heart, which motivates to accomplish the desire;
• 4. Alochaka Pitta – it is situated in the eyes helping in vision; and
• 5. Bhrajaka Pitta – the onw which provides lusture to the skin.

The last of the three doshas is ‘kapha’, derived from ‘slisha alingne’ meaning something that sticks things together. It can be understood as a phlegmy substance for a broader understanding. It composes two elements ‘prithvi’ (earth) and ‘jala’ (water).

Its classcial properties are described as –

• Guru (heavy),
• Sheeta (cold),
• Mridu (soft),
• Snigdha (oily),
• Madhura (sweet),
• Pichila (sticky) and
• Sthira (steady).

The major functions of ‘kapha’ can be understood as –

• making the body smooth,
• strengthening the joints,
• helping in stability, virlity, and heaviness of the body,
• mentally it is the cause of forgiveness, patience, and not being greedy.

‘Kapha’ is also of 5 types –

• 1. Kledaka Kapha – the one which is situated in the stomach and helps in the breaking down of food substances and blous formation;
• 2. Avlambaka Kapha – the one providing protected space to heart;
• 3. Bodhaka Kapha – the one which is situated in toungue and helps in identifying the taste;
• 4. Tarpaka Kapha – which nourishes the brain; and
• 5. Shleshaka Kahpha – the one which strengthens the joints.

Understanding the doshas through their properties and function, one can grasp their core concept which further lays down the foundation of health. Upon this comprehension, one must take a step further to understand how to balance them in your body and how they play their roles in the shaping our optimum health and in etiology of different diseases. For the same, read more of our blogs, keep following us and stay updated!’Pitta’ Dosha