chatty, quick thinking and fast
moving. However, too much
vata reflects qualities such as
insomnia and inability to focus. emotionally stable, calm
temperament and patient.
However, too much kapha
reflects sluggishness.
Pitta types tend to have
qualities reflective of fire and
water. These include a fiery
personality, have fire burning
within, intelligent, and goal
oriented. They are great leaders
and public speakers. However,
too much pitta reflects
qualities such as obsessed
behaviour. How doshas become
imbalanced?
Kapha types tends to reflect
qualities reflective of water
and earth. These include a
solid bodily frame, strong,
The things you can do yourself
to maintain doshas in good
balance are to eat a dosha
balancing diet, eat in a
peaceful environment and
adopt a lifestyle in accordance
with Dincharya.
Dual nature of doshas
According to Ayurveda the
three doshas are considered as
the primary doshas. However,
there are seven doshas
Kapha:
• Overeating
• Spending too much time in a
cool, damp climate
• Not enough physical activity
Vata:
• Eating while anxious or
depressed
• Following an irregular daily
routine
• Going to bed late at night
Dosha & Qualities Elements
Day / Night Time Season Life Stage
Vata Air (vayu) and
space (Ether) 2am - 6am
2pm - 6pm Autumn
moon/rain Old Age
Pitta Fire and
Water 10am - 2pm
10pm - 2am Spring /
Summer
sun/heat Teenage &
Adult
Kapha Water and
Earth 6am - 10am
6pm - 10pm Winter
wind Childhood
Transformation
Energy
Lubrication
Energy
prevalent in the constitution.
They occur in varying degrees
and proportions due to the dual
nature of doshas like Vata-
Pitta prime, Pitta-Kapha prime,
Vata-Kapha prime, and the all-
inclusive Vata-Pitta-Kapha.
These combinations of doshas
change with external factors,
but there is a general tendency
towards one dosha. Keeping
the biological energies in a
calm state therefore promotes
good health.
Finally.....
The Ayurvedic science of
doshas has been practised
for over 6,000 years. In
modern times people forget
the essential elements of
nature; vata, pitta and kapha.
It is in everyone’s interest to
understand this Ayurvedic
concept for good health and
wellbeing!
Article compiled by:
Dinesh Mistry, Khushalbhai Kumar & Manjulaben B Nayee (Preston)
37
Various vegetables and grains
exhibit essence of doshas. In
Indian cooking spices can be
used to balance dosha or to
reduce the effect of dosha on
our body.
• Eating while angry
• Over working
• Overly competitive
Typical examples of lifestyles
that cause imbalance to the
doshas are:
Movement
Energy
How to maintain doshas in
balance?
Pitta: