What is Dosha?
Ayurvedic philosophy is grounded in the belief that the 5 elements (Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth) manifest in everything in varying proportions. These 5 elements are expressed as 3 Doshas which are a combination of 2 elements (Vata= Ether & Air, Pitta= Fire & Water, Kapha= Earth & Water), Each person has a unique combination of Doshas from birth, Each Dosha has specific characteristics that manifest physically and mentally in our bodies. Doshas are also present in foods, medicines, the seasons and the environment, Ayurveda strives to balance these Doshas in our bodies using a combination of diet, medicines & lifestyle choices.
Vata characteristics: artistic, cold, dry, irregular, changeable, creative, thin, rough, brittle, light, movement, ungrounded, undecided, sensitive, forgetful, awareness, quick, perception, co-ordination light, subtle, anxious, insomnia, constipation, stiffness
Pita characteristics: competitive, hot, sharp, intense, regular, drive, passion, routine, anger, hungry, impatient, early, greying, smelly, muscular, jealous, dynamic, heat, energy, ruddy, intelligent, moist, oily, body, odour, sweaty, greedy, diarrhoea, heart, burn, heart problems, inflammation, stress, burn out
Kapha characteristics: heavy, slow, sluggish, dense, wet, secure, lubricated, enduring, steady, round, stability, endurance (physical, mental and emotional), softness, compactness, stamina, strength, flexibility, cold, smooth, oily, respiratory problems, allergies, weight gain, lazy
