The fundamental energy

Ayurveda describes three fundamental energies that regulate all natural process, on both macrocosmic and microcosmic levels. The energies which act in the galaxy and star system are also operating in Nature around us, and in our body. There three universal energies are known as tridosha(three dosha).

Ayurveda promotes harmony between the individual and Nature by living a life of balance according to Nature's law. The Universe, human body are all born in a Prakritti(Nature) state, which means that we are born with levels of three doshas that are right for us.

The literal meaning of dosha is imbalance. When the dosha of Nature is in imbalance natural disasters like earthquake, landslide, global warming is triggered. In the same way, when our doshas become imbalanced through bad habits, food, or overwork, then we become susceptible to illness.

Vata, Pitta and Kapha

The three doshas are known by their Sanskrit names of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Everyone’s constitution is governed by all three doshas in varying degrees, but most of us are also governed by one or possible two dominant doshas.

Vata Type Body structure:
They are often thin with dry skin, long, angular faces, small eyes, irregular teeth and narrow lips. This dosha is connected to the elements of ether and air.

Pitta Type Body structure:
Pittas are often fair and freckled, with heart-shaped faces, neat noses and pale eyes. Their teeth may be yellowish, pitta types are connected to the elements of fire and water.

Kapha Type Body structure:
Kaphas may be oily-skinned with thick wavy hair, blue or brown eyes and are solid built. This dosha is connected to the elements of water and earth.

Mind's Constitution

The three doshas not only cover the three main constitutional types of the body, but the mind also has its own dosha constitution. According to the constituion of the mind doshas, the mind can be in a Sattvic state, Rajasic or Tamasic state or a combination of these three.

Sattvic is the highest and purest state of mind, when the mind rests in equilibrium. It is attained when the mind is in harmony. Being fully sattvic is very rare, but Ayurveda aims to take everyone closer to this state of being. Practicing meditation and living in a wise and ethical way can help us further. Eating well, sleeping well, being positive, confident, respectful, and being a good, kind person with an acute sense of well-being marks out the person with a Sattvic mind.

On the other side of the scale is the Tamasic mind, which is considered to be lazy and ignorant. Tamasic people can be negative, demanding, egoistical and selfish and they lack energy. They have a poor diet and little sense of well-being. In other words, there mind constitution is out of balance.

The Rajasic mind is passionate and often angry. Rajasic people can be subject to mood swing. They may over indulge in everything including sex, food, exercise, alcohol, works and leisure pursuits.

Reaching the state of Sattvic Mind: The ideal ratio of dosha

Ayurveda considers the state of 1(kapha):4(vata):2(pitta), the ideal ratio for our body and mind. Ayurveda aims to purify the mind, body, and spirit on every level to reach towards the Sattvic mind. When there is too much Rajasic and Tamasic in the mind, disturbance results and the Sattvic becomes impossible to attain. We try to purify our body, mind and spirit, through detoxification therapies, regular diet and lifestyle, through yoga, meditation and other practices. Following the Ayurvedic principles can help to lead one further towards a sattvic, enlightment state of mind.

For reference:

Signs of imbalance Vata
rough skin, dry tongue, gray complexion, constipation, hacking cough, dry eyes, lips, respiratory disorder, depression, interrupted sleep, anxiety, high blood pressure, cramps, etc.

Cause: fast living, stress(action/thinking), inability to relax, tabacoo, alcohol, overworking physically and emotionally, inadequate diet/lifestyle, exposed to cold and windy weather

Signs of balanced Vata
focused, positive, act quickly. adopt easily to new situations, alert, creative, sleep well, strong immune system.

Signs of imbalanced Pitta
sweat, bad breath, sleep problems, poor digestion, weak liver, weak hormone balance, heart burns, excessive hunger, yellowish complexion, irritable bowels, diarrhea

Cause: prolonged stress, short sleep, missing meals, not expressing emotions, excessive heat/sun light, salty/greasy/spicy food, watching TV, using PC, eating while walking

Signs of balanced Pitta
high energy, feeling of contentment and peace, good harmony of balance, good appetite, graceful muscles, soft skin, balanced hormone, good liver, good brain funcion

Signs of imbalanced Kapha
pale skin, sensitive to cold, poor digestion, weight gain, over-sleep, poor metabolism, allergy, depression, jealousy, lazy, thick tongue, respiratory problems, pain in joints, slow mental response, bronchial/nasal problems

Cause:lack of stimulation, cold and damp weather, over eating sugar, salty/oily food, insufficient exercise

Signs of balanced Kapha
delightful, can be good friends/parents, compassionate, courageous, emotionally balanced, can be rational, physically strong with good joints, good digestion, high sexual power, good resistance to disease, full of love and forgiveness, loyal