what are the doshas

Vata is considered to be dry, light, mobile and cold. It provides motivation and energy for all the physiological functions of the body.  On the positive side, it promotes, energy, movement, vitality growth and change. On the negative, excess vata accelerates degeneration, disease and the aging process. 

Like the wind, vata types move quickly. They have light bodies and emotions. They are happy and carefree, with a light appetite, digestion and elimination. They are so excited by life that they crave adventure and forget the little things, like regular meals and sleep. They chill easily and always carry extra layers. Their inquisitiveness and love of adventure promotes constant change in career, homes, relationships, interests, and travel. This continuous movement is stimulating and energizing. In excess however, it can be disturbing and destabilizing.

Psychologically, vata supports sensitivity, creativity, adaptability, and wide comprehension.  In excess, it leads to agitation, fear, anxiety, and emotional swings. Vata is the main factor behind physical and physiological disease, and vata'squalities increase with age.

Pitta is hot, oily/moist, light, and sharp. It is the biological humor of fire and manifests primarily through the digestive system. Too much pitta causes the mind and body to overheat and burn up. It is the process of digestion, metabolism, light, warmth and luster in the body. In excess pitta is heat, inflammation, toxicity, fear and bleeding.

Like fire, pitta types usually have a higher body temperature, good digestive fire and a strong appetite. They are focused, competitive, charismatic and they make things happen. They have a tendency to overwork, so learning to relax and just take it easyis encouraged, otherwise they can develop intense tendencies that cause them to burn out later in life.

Psychologically, pitta grants courage, strong will, good intelligence, perception and leadership skills. In excess pitta creates anger, envy, jealousy, aggression, and criticism.  

Kapha  is the biological humor of water, and is the main factor of positive health and longevity.   Kapha promotes proper development of all bodily tissues and fluids, providing the body with stability, lubrication, fertility and endurance.   As with all good things, excess creates problems.  These include: dampness, coldness, heaviness, slowness and denseness in the body, resulting in an accumulation of water, mucous and fat. This inhibits movement, proper circulation and blocks perception. 

When Kapha is balanced, it is protective, soothing and nurturing. Too much, and it becomes heaviness, congestion and blockage, inhibiting positive change and development.

Kapha types are relational and loving. They are devoted parents, partners, and patient friends. Because of their generally steady emotions, they are likely to remain calm in a crisis, it takes quite a bit to get them angry. They tend to have long term relationships with their work, family, and friends. These long term tendencies can make parts of their lives sticky, promoting desire, greed, attachment and clinging to the past.

Kapha provides us with endurance, strength and support.