It is a combination of air and space. Vata is light, cool, dry and can move like
wind.
The five subtype of Vata:
- Prana Vata is the central co-coordinator of all the vata and functions
in the head-neck-chest region. Thinking, creativity, learning new information and
inhalation are examples of Prana Vata governed activities.
- Udana Vata functions in the throat and chest region. Sneezing,
singing and exhalation are examples of Udana Vata regulated activities.
- Vyana Vata radiates from the heart to all over the body through
the circulatory system and the skin. The beating of the heart, sweating and the
sense of touch are examples of Vyana Vata activity.
- Samana Vata works in the stomach area, governing the flow of food
through the digestive tract.
- Apana Vata works in the colon and pelvic area and governs such
functions as menstruation and the expulsion of urine, semen and stool.
Pitta Dosha - Transformation and Metabolism:
Pittha dosha is a combination of fire and water. It has hot, sharp, oily, light
and mobile qualities.
The five subdoshas of Pitta:
- Alochaka Pitta functions in the eye region and governs vision.
- Bhrajaka Pitta is located in the skin and regulates the biochemical
processes that occur in the skin. Complexion and skin glow are regulated by Bhrajaka
Pitta.
- Sadhaka Pitta resides in the heart and the brain. Emotional balance,
contentment, intelligence and memory are examples of functions governed by Sadhaka
Pitta.
- Pachaka Pitta is located in the duodenum and small intestine. Transformation
of food into nutrients and wastes through the process of digestion is governed by
Pachaka Pitta.
- Ranjaka Pitta resides in the liver and the spleen and is responsible
for blood composition, liver functions and the distribution of nutrients to cells
and tissues through the blood.
Kapha Dosha - Structure and Fluidity:
Kapha dosha is a fusion of water and earth. It is cool, heavy, moist, dull and dense.
Kapha is the heaviest of the three doshas. It provides the structures and the lubrication
that the body needs. These qualities help to counterbalance Vata's movement and
Pitta's metabolism.
Types of kapha:
Kapha is classified according to the site of its function; the types are known as
kledaka, bhodhaka, tarpaka, avalambaka and shleshaka kapha.
- Kledaka kapha functions in the chest and gastric area. It lubricates
ingested food, forming it into soft, moisturized balls for ease of passage through
the esophagus, stomach and lower digestive tracts. It helps gastric juices to mix
with and soften food, so it becomes easier to digest. If sweet, starchy, heavy and
liquid foods are eaten often, more kapha is produced and the body becomes heavy
and bulky.
- Bodhaka kapha is found in the region of the tongue, palate and
throat and keeps the oral cavity lubricated. As food is chewed, bhodhaka kapha moisturizes
and softens the food, making it easier to swallow. It also moisturizes the mouth
to facilitate talking as well as eating.
- Avalambaka kapha is found in the chest, where respiration and circulation
take place. Because these activities are constant, the tissues in this region undergo
considerable friction, wear and tear, and catabolic destruction. Thus, avalambaka
kapha strengthens and lubricates the heart and lung tissues to combat these effects.
In the respiratory tract, avalambaka kapha prevents damage to soft tissues and mucous
linings caused by inhaled air and other particles.
- Tarpaka kapha is present in the area of the head and the spinal
cord. Tarpaka kapha lubricates nerve tissue and enables it to carry impulses from
the brain organs. It supplies nutrition to the brain, prevents wear and tear and
drying of brain tissue, and acts as a shock absorber in head trauma.
- Shleshaka kapha is found in all joints, providing lubrication to
soften friction caused by movement. It exists in the form of synovial fluid within
the joint space. If it diminishes, the bones become brittle, and movements will
be difficult and painful.
The equilibrium of these doshas provide complete health and imbalance of these doshas
lead to various disorders. Thus Ayurveda always focus on Balancing vata, pitta and
kapha for proper healthy life.
Figuring out your dosha is a helpful way to maintain balance in your life. It’s
like holding up a mirror to your body as well as mind and seeing what needs to be
adjusted and healed. Once you know what your innate tendencies are, you can make
more nourishing choices.