Vata is a force conceptually made up of elements ether and air. The
proportions of ether and air determine how active Vata is. The amount of ether (space)
affects the ability of the air to gain momentum. If unrestricted, as in ocean, air can
gain momentum and become forceful such as a hurricane.
Vata means "wind, to move, flow, direct the processes
of, or command." Vata enables the other two doshas to be expressive. The actions of
Vata are drying, cooling, light, agitating, and moving.
Vata governs breathing, blinking of the eyelids, movements
in the muscles and tissues, pulsations in the heart, all expansion and contraction, the
movements of cytoplasm and the cell membranes, and the movement of the single impulses in
nerve cells. Vata also governs such feelings and emotions as freshness, nervousness, fear,
anxiety, pain, tremors, and spasms. The primary seat or location of the Vata in the body is
the colon. It also resides in the hips, thighs, ears, bones, large intestine, pelvic
cavity, and skin. It is related to the touch sensation. If the body develops an excess of
vata, it will accumulate in these areas.
The effect of Vata on our body or microcosm is described in
the table below.
See Also: Characteristics of Vata Types
Signs
of Vata Dosha Imbalance
General Tips on Health and Wellness For Vata Types
A Food Plan to Balance Vata Dosha
Pitta is a force created by the dynamic interplay of water and fire.
These forces represent transformation. They cannot change into each other, but they
modulate or control each other and are vitally required for the life processes to occur.
(For example, too much fire and too little water will result in the boiling away of the
water. Too much water will result in the fire being put out.)
Pitta governs digestion, absorption, assimilation,
nutrition, metabolism, body temperature, skin coloration, the luster of the
eyes, intelligence, and understanding. Psychologically, pitta arouses anger, hate, and jealousy.
The small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, fat, eyes, and skin are the seats of
Pitta.
The effect of Pitta on our body or microcosm is shown in
the table below.
See Also: Characteristics of Pitta Types
Signs of Pitta Dosha Imbalance
General Tips on Health and Wellness For Pitta Types
A Food Plan to Balance Pitta Dosha
Kapha is the conceptual equilibrium of water and earth. Kapha is
structure and lubrication. One can visualize the Kapha force as the stirring force to keep
the water and earth from separating. For example, if we take a pot, fill it to
the half with
water and then add sand to it, the sand will gradually sink to the bottom of the pot. (It
separates from the water). The only way to keep the sand in equilibrium with the water
is by stirring the mixture continuously. The Kapha force can be visualized as this
stirring force in our body.
Kapha cements the elements in the body, providing the
material for physical structure. This dosha maintains body resistance. Water is the main
constituent of kapha, and this bodily water is responsible physiologically for biological
strength and natural tissue resistance in the body. Kapha lubricates the joints; provides
moisture to the skin; helps to heal wounds; fills the spaces in the body; gives biological
strength, vigor and stability; supports memory retention; gives energy to the heart and
lungs, and maintains immunity. Kapha is present in the chest, throat, head, sinuses, nose,
mouth, stomach, joints, cytoplasm, plasma, and in the liquid secretions of the body such as mucus.
Psychologically, kapha is responsible for the emotions of attachment, greed, and long-standing
envy. It is also expressed in tendencies toward calmness, forgiveness, and love. The chest
is the seat of kapha.
The effect of Kapha on our body or microcosm is shown in
the table below.
See Also: Characteristics
of Kapha Types
Signs
of Kapha Dosha Imbalance
General Tips on Health and Wellness For Kapha Types
A Food Plan to Balance Kapha Dosha
Effect of Constitution
Type On Body or Microcosm