About the Doshas
(and how they matter to you)
Balance between all three doshas is needed for health.
(Hint for the holidays: Groovy Yogi designed the three dosha charms to
be worn alone or together. Altogether, they represent the balance you
seek. Alone, you can wear your dominant dosha or the one you need the
most.)
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As yogis and yoginis, we are seekers of knowledge. Each of us has a different path, but we are all seeking wisdom that can teach us about ourselves (and others).
Many of us have heard of Ayurveda and the Three Doshas, but the words have no meaning. So let's put some meaning behind thoose words this holiday season.
Ayurveda views each person as unique, with individual mind-body constitution and set of life circumstances. Ayurvedic philosophy holds that each person contains the qualities of all three doshas but in varying degrees.
So what is this marker of well-being - the dosha? A dosha is a dynamic force reflecting an earth element, personal characteristics, and parts of the physical anatomy. If a person has too high a concentration of a given dosha, they may manifest a physical health issue ( e.g., weight gain) as well as extreme personality traits (e.g., depression).
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Kapha Dosha:
Kapha is the equilibrium of water and earth. Imagine Kapha as the stirring force that keeps the water and earth from separating, proving both structure and lubrication.
A Kapha person is often easy-going, affectionate and loving. This person is capable of great compassion and forgiveness because he or she tends to be less judgmental. A Kapha has the most total energy of all doshas, but it is a steady and enduring energy. This person has a deliberate thought process, tends to be slower to learn but has a wonderful long-term memory.
Kapha is reflected in the skin, joints, memory and immune system. Issues with Kapha will often present in the chest, throat, sinuses, head, nose, mouth, stomach and joints. Psychologically, Kapha is responsible for emotions of attachment, greed and envy.
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Vata Dosha:
Vata is made up of ether and air, literally meaning, "wind, to move, flow, direct the processes of or command."
A Vata person is creative, mentally quick and highly imaginative. While he or she is quick to grasp knowledge, it is often for short-term only (if you have ever described yourself as "in one ear and out the other," you may be Vata). Vatas are excitable, lively and fun, with changeable moods and a tendency at act impulsively. The Vata person tends to have high energy in short bursts. They are full of joy when in balance.
Vata is evident in breathing, movement of muscles and tissues, heart rate and nerve cell impulses. The primary seat of Vata is in the colon; also manifesting in the hips, thighs, ears, bones, pelvic cavity and skin. Psychologically, Vata expresses its overabundance in fear, anxiety, tremors and spasms.
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Pitta Dosha:
Pitta represents the dynamic interplay of water and fire, modulating and controlling each other in a transformative way.
A Pitta person often has a sharp, orderly and focused mind and an assertive, self-confident and entrepreneurial personality. Pittas are competitive, enjoy challenges, and often have good management ability. Pittas are generally hearty individuals with strong appetites. Pittas are our natural leaders.
Pitta governs digestion, metabolism, nutrition, absorption and body temperature. Physical seats are the small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, fat, eyes and skin. Psychologically, Pitta arouses anger and jealousy.
Happy Holidays from Groovy Yogi!
