The 5 elements and Doshas

Ayurveda believes the unique proportion of 5 elements (Panchamahabhutas,) earth ,water, fire, air and either are responsible for make all the living and non-living beans in the world.. In human world this specific proportions identifies as DOSHAS or constitutions in individuals ( Prakurthi), Prakruti is determine at conception , for instance the persons’ unique constitution is determined by their parents genetics ,emotions, time and the place of the conception. When these unique aggregations of elements are kept in balance, its provide health and happiness. This balance can be created by following an appropriate diet and lifestyle compatible with doshas or our body types. The diseases are a results of out of proportions in this unique elements call -Vikurthi most probably consumed by wrong diet; wrong lifestyle habits; the environment in which the person lives. The Three main Doshas are Vata Dosha is a combination of the elements ‘Ether’ and ‘Air.’ Pitta Dosha is a combination of the elements ‘Fire’ and ‘Water.’ Kapha Dosha is the combination of the elements ‘Water’ and ‘Earth.’

VATA: The power and life of a human being, as the carrier of the body, is air. Therefore,
Vata can certainly be called the main energy of the human body. It has the main qualities of being dry, rough, light and mobile. A place without air cannot be found anywhere in the universe or in the body. However, there are places in the world where air is the main influence, and similarly, places in the body where air is the main influence have been mentioned. When Vata constitution is in balance, it is responsible for all movements in the body eg breathing, blinking, movement of limbs and muscles, and control of the nervous system. But when out of balance, it produces eg fear, anxiety, abnormal movements, constipation, bloating etc. The main site of Vata dosha is the large bowel.

PITTA: Pitta is equivalent to thermal energy. Just as the thermal energy that affects the world influences its functioning, the Pitta that affects the body influences itsfunctioning. Because Pitta is the body’s energy equivalent to the heat energy of the world and is the main component of Tejo (Fire) Mahabhuta, it is also referred to as Agni. Furthermore, it has been said that Pitta and Agni are one. It has hot, sharp, combustive and viscous qualities as main. Just as there is no place in the body without Air, there is no place without pitta in the body, but there are places in the world where heat predominates, and in the body, there are places where Pitta Predominant.This constitution is responsible for the metabolic systems of the body and maintaining the body temperature. It also promotes understanding and intelligence. But when out of balance, it produces anger, hatred, jealousy, bleeding disorders and inflammatory conditions e.g gastritis. The main site of Pitta dosha is the stomach KAPHA: This is mainly representing energy associated with structure and lubrication. According to the main qualities of the water and earth elements, which build this dosha, it shows the same qualities as those elements of heavy, slow, steady, solid, cold, soft, and oily are the main qualities of Kapha. This constitution supplies the structure and stability of the body and holds cells together. Kapha also lubricates the joints, moisturises the skin and maintains the body’s immune system. Kapha energy is loving, kind, calm and forgiving. But when not balanced, Kapha can lead to attachment, greed, possessiveness, congestive disorders, oedema, and respiratory disorders. The main site of Kapha is the chest. The Kapha qualities/attributes are cold, oily, heavy, smooth, soft, static, and dull.