Tridosha theory of ayurveda in easy words | Vata pitta kapha
The success of any science depends on its fundamental principles. The ayurvedic term "Siddhanta" is used to denote basic principles. There are lots of theories mentioned in the holy Ayurveda, For example, Purushasya lokatulyatvam (Theory of microcosm and macrocosm), Sharirasya panchbhautikatvam (Theory of five primordial substances), Sharirasya dosh-dhatu-malamulatvam (Theory of biological energies-body tissues-wastes), etc. Out of which, "The Tridosha theory" comes under the last one.
In this article, we will discuss the theory of tridoshas in Ayurveda and its various relations. So, let's get started.
Tri+dosha: "Tri" means three(Vata, Pitta, Kapha), hence collectively called three doshas.
Siddhant: Fundamental principles
Definition of dosha
Dosha(Biological energies) are the structural and functional units of the human body responsible for the body's physical and physiological activities.
Sanskrit Verse:
"दूष्यान्ति इति दोषा:" । (A. H. Su. 1:6)
"Dushyanti iti dosha:" ।
According to the verse, the word "dosha" causes decay, destruction, and vitiates(others in aggravated condition). However, this is not the correct definition as we all know that when the doshas are in a balanced state, they carry out all the essential functions in our body and maintain health.
But when imbalanced(Due to improper eating or physical activities), they attack other body tissues that are weak and develop various diseases.
Sanskrit verse:
"दोष धातु मल मूलं हि शरीरम्"।। (Su. Su. 15:6)
"Dosha dhatu mal moolam hi shariram"
According to the verse, Dosha(Bio-energies), Dhatu (Seven different tissues of the body), Mal(Waste products) are essential to maintain the human body.
In Ayurveda, Acharya Sushruta described the theory of four humour, Including the tridosha, as mentioned earlier and the fourth humour, "Blood".
Functions of Tridosha
1. Vata: Vata is the supreme element among the above-mentioned tridosha. In modern science, it can be correlated with the Nervous system, which controls all the functions, movements in the body; hence the role of Vata is to carry out all bodily activities.
In the human body, Pitta, Kapha, and mala(Wastes) are handicapped for doing their activities independently. Each and every action needs the involvement of Vata.
2. Pitta: The food, Water, etc., that we consume in our daily life needs to be transformed into a functional form with the help of digestion and metabolism. These digestive and metabolic activities are done by the pitta.
It can be correlated with the various digestive juices.
3. Kapha: From birth till death, our body undergoes constant wear and tear. However, the body grows well and is maintained because the addition of tissues by proper nutrition is also taking place along with wear and tear.
Protection of all the organs, tissues, and cells by providing nutrition continuously, Maintaining the molecular unions, and providing stability are the functions of Kapha.
Why only three doshas?
A question arises " Why are there only three doshas, not four or five," this can be understood through several understandings.
1. The whole universe is balanced due to the three principal energies Wind, sun, moon. Similarly, our body's stability and balance depend upon the three main elements, Vata, pitta, Kapha.
2. All the functions carried out in our body can be divided into three main categories, Molecular union (For stability), Transformation(Process of digestion and metabolism), Movement (Intestinal movements, blood flow, etc.), and these are the main functions of Kapha, Pitta, and Vata respectively.
3. According to the theory of five primordial substances(Explained in the following headline), Each and Every element in this universe are made up of five main components, Ether, Air, Fire, Water, Earth, out of which only three elements have the ability to move, Air, Fire, and Water. Hence, the three energies formed due to the dominance of each element are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, respectively.
Panchmahabhuta and dosha
To understand the relation between doshas and the five mahabhutas, we need to understand another Siddhanta: Sharirasya panchbhautikatvam (Theory of five primordial substances)
According to the theory, all the elements from nature and the human body are made up of five basic elements: Ether(Akash), Air(Vayu), Fire (Agni), Water(Jal), Earth(prithivi).
Each dosha is made by the combination of two mahabhutas, which are:
| Dosh | Mahabhuta |
|---|---|
| Vata | Air |
| Pitta | Fire + Water |
| Kapha | Earth + Water |
Relation of doshas and dhatu(Seven tissues)
All three doshas are spread in our whole body. However, Each dhatu gives shelter(Ashraya) to one specific dosha(Ashrayi) known as Ashraya-Ashrayi bhava.
They both affect each other, i.e. if a dosha gets disturbed, it starts attacking its ashraya(dhatu).
For example: If Pitta dosh increases, rakta is also increased. If rasa dhatu is increased, Kapha is also increased.
Sites of dosha
Although they occupy our whole body, their main sites are as follows:
1. Kapha: Upper portion of the body, i.e. Chest, head.
2. Pitta: Middle portion of the body, i.e. Umbilical region.
3. Kapha: Lower portion of the body, i.e. pelvis and lower extremities.
Sanskrit verse:
"ते सर्वव्यापीन:" ।। (A. H. Su. 1:7)
Te Sarvyapin: ।।
Doshas are present in the whole body.
Relation of doshas and age
During the childhood period, Kapha dosha is predominant as its function is to stimulate growth and provide stability. Pitta dosha is dominant in the Middle age portion, and at last, Vata dosha is predominant in old age.
Their predominance according to day and night
1. Kapha: It is predominant during the start of the day and night(Morning & evening time), From 6 am to 10 am in the day and 6 pm to 10 pm at night.
2. Pitta: It is predominant in the middle of the day and night, From 10 am to 2 pm in the day, and 10 pm to 2 am at night.
3. Vata: It is predominant at the end of day and night, From 2 pm to 6 pm in the day, and 2 am to 6 am in the early morning.
Their predominance according to the digestive process
Immediately after consuming food, Kapha becomes predominant, so the body becomes heavy and lethargic.
After half an hour, as the process of digestion and secretion of enzymes starts, pitta dosh becomes predominant. That's why we feel increased thirst and a slight increase in body temperature.
Later on, After one and half hours, Movements again become easier, which is the phase of Vata predominance.
Relation of tridosha and six-tastes
The food we consume has mainly six types of tastes, i.e. Sweet (Madhur), sour (amla), salty (lavana), pungent (katu), bitter (tikta), astringent (kashaya).
The relation between tridosha and tastes is mainly helpful to understand the pathology of diseases and their treatment.
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