The Three Doshas

The Three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) have five elements that relate to our physicality, so things like our personality, body type, emotional and mental health, and they come from Ayurvedic principles.

Ayurveda being the oldest holistic healing system and an ancient medical practice created by the Sages of India to provide an understanding of the Ayurvedic principles. They believed that everyone has all three of the doshas within them, but that generally there is a more dominant dosha within us all.

“Ayur” means “life” and “Veda” means “science or knowledge,” which forms the described meaning of Ayurvda which is “science of life.”

Vata

Vatas elements are ether and air and it is all about movement.

Vata controls all movement within the body, so things like our circulation, the ability to walk, run and breath! It also activates our nervous system.

People who are more Vata dominant tend to have a thin body type and are quick and flexible. They tend to be people who love experiencing exciting new things and enjoy being creative. This doesn’t mean they’re always high energy though, it generally comes in short bursts and is followed by bouts of tiredness.

Some other things that might indicate a Vata type are dry skin, hair, and nails, they can be very light sleepers and can have sensitive digestive systems.

When this dosha becomes imbalanced, can mean things like weight loss, worry, anxiousness, constipation, feeling weak and restlessness.

What should Vata types eat and drink?

It is said that Vata types should eat small regular meals and keep it simple with variety.
It is also recommended that they give time to eating and chewing to make food easier to digest. They should also drink lots of warm drinks as regularly as possible. Food should also be warm more often than not, and where possible they should avoid raw vegetables, this will help subdue Vata. The Vata type should avoid any stimulating energy type drinks that are high in caffeine.

Pitta

Pittas elements are water and fire and are all about digestion.

Pitta controls transformation within us and looks after our metabolism, digestion, and energy. Pitta dominant people can have fiery elements to their personality, they are naturally warm people, and get really good sleep. They are smart and able to focus well. They can be outspoken people with lots of energy.

When this dosha becomes imbalanced, you may experience things like skin rashes, become irritable easily, heartburn or feel hot all of the time.

What should Pitta types eat and drink?

Pitta dominant people generally have really good digestive systems and can have virtually any food. However, they should still try and eat food that calms the fire element that is associated with Pitta, so things that are bitter, sharp and sweet flavours, generally have a cooling impact. It's important for them to have a regular food intake otherwise the cooling of the fire can be lost and the fire element comes through more.

Kapha

Kaphas elements are water and earth and are all about structure.

Kapha is the foundation that forms our body’s necessary elements, such as muscle and fat, it provides structure and also protection. People who are Kapha dominant are typically calm, mindful and affectionate.

They tend to be people with large eyes, glowy skin and luscious hair. They have brilliant stamina and a strong body. They are people who thrive with a routine and like to live life to the fullest. They are usually people who have normal digestion and sleep well. They are also loyal, supportive and patient individuals. 

When this dosha becomes imbalanced, it can cause an increase in weight, they can become depressed, it can also bring on things like diabetes and asthma

What should Pitta types eat and drink?

People who are Kapha dominant need foods that will stimulate their metabolism, so they need to eat mainly warm, cooked meals and foods that are easy to digest. They tend to be people who don’t have any appetite in the morning and so this generally means they skip breakfast. To combat this a warm lemon and honey water can stimulate digestion first thing. As a rule, they shouldn’t eat more than three meals a day, and the main meal should be eaten at midday because that’s when the highest quantity of digestive enzymes are made.

They should eat less than they think they need to satisfy their hunger or appetite - so no snacking. They also don’t need to drink too much water, anything they do drink should be warm.

Want to know more?

If you’d like to learn more about the topic covered in this blog a module on this is within our 300hr Yoga Teacher Training and if you're not yet qualified we also have our 200hr Yoga Teacher Training to get you started, or if you'd like to complete both we have our 500hr Yoga Teacher Training

If you have any questions you can email info@yogacourse.com.