Ayurveda Dosha Types

Vata, pitta and kapha are collectively known as the doshas in Ayurveda. This is one of the most fundamental concepts in the tradition of Ayurvedic treatment. But, have you ever thought, what they are exactly? In short, these doshas are the energetic forces of nature. There are 3 main ayurveda dosha types that can be balanced to maintain the best health possible.

These are the functional principles which help us to understand ourselves better and also the world around us. This article will help you in finding out the doshas which make up your constitution. It will also help in understanding the states of imbalance and other aspects.

Vata, Pitta and Kapha- each one of them is essential to a healthy body. So no one dosha is better than or superior to any of the other. Each of these doshas has a very specific set of roles to play in the human body. So, when these doshas are out of balance, it can be havoc on someone’s health.

Before getting into the specifics of these three doshas, let’s understand their elemental composition and their role in the human body.

In Ayurveda, ether, fire, air, water and earth are the basic building blocks of the material world.

Vata is usually characterized by the mobile nature of Wind energy. Pitta resembles the transformative nature of the fire energy. Kapha reflects the water energy.

All of the doshas contain all five elements. But each of these is predominantly composed of two elements. The mix is as follows: Vata(Air + Ether), Pitta(Fire + Water) and Kapha(Water + Earth).

Ayurveda Doshas explained

These three doshas are usually found in everyone and every other thing. It usually is present in different proportions. These doshas combine to create different climates, different species, different foods and even different individuals of the same species. The ratio of vata, pitta and kapha provides us with a blueprint for a perfect health. This is true for each of us.

This is referred to as our constitution. This garners a significant influence on our mental, physical and emotional character traits. This is also responsible for our unique strengths and vulnerabilities. Everybody should have a knowledge of their Ayurvedic constitution. If you don’t know yours, please consider visiting an Ayurvedic practitioner.

This assessment of both your constitution and the current state of balance will help in future. This will help in getting personalized food and exercise recommendations designed to support you in maintaining optimal health. Ayurhealing, the best Ayurveda hospital in Bangalore helps you in getting familiar with the Doshas.

Check out Dr. Mini Nair speaks about How to know your Dosha in Ayurveda?

Qualitative Nature of the Doshas

Mentioned are the 3 Ayurveda dosha types. Each dosha has a collection of qualities. They are as follows:

Dosha Qualities

Vata- Dry, Cold, Light, Subtle, Rough, Clear
Pitta- Hot, Spreading Sharp, Liquid, Light, Oily
Kapha- Heavy, Oily, Slow, Smooth, Cool, Soft, Gross, Dense, Stable, Sticky

These qualities help in balancing the doshas very intuitively. Because, in Ayurveda, like increases like and the opposites balance each other. If anyone of the doshas is aggravated, then we can promote a return to balance by decreasing the influence of that particular dosha’s qualities. At the same time, favoring their opposites. If we know which of the specific qualities are aggravated, then we can focus on pacifying those particular qualities. This can be done by favoring foods, herbs and some experiences which will amplify the opposing energies.

Functionality of Doshas

The three doshas have a unique personality and we will show you the vata, pitta and kapha characteristics. They are determined by their particular combination of elements and qualities. Each dosha naturally governs a few physiological functions:

Vata governs Communication and Movement
Pitta oversees Transformation and Digestion
Kapha oversees Structure, Cohesiveness and Lubrication

While the doshas are present everywhere in nature, they are supportive in understanding the living organisms, particularly ourselves.

Ayurvedic Body Types

As you have found the main Ayurveda dosha types. You can now find how these doshas affect the body.

1. Vata Dosha:

It embodies the energy of movement. Vata is often associated with wind and the air element. It is linked to flexibility and creativity. Vata governs all the movement including the breath, the heart pulsation, muscle contractions, the tissue movements, the cellular mobility. It also governs the communication between the mind and the nervous system.

2. Pitta Dosha:

It represents the transformation energy and is closely aligned with the fire element. In living organisms, pitta is largely liquid form. Pitta is neither mobile nor stable. It spreads like the warmth of a fire and thus permeates its surroundings. It also resembles like the water which flows in the direction of terrain. Pitta is closely related to understanding, intelligence and the digestion of foods. It is also associated with emotions, thoughts and experiences. It also governs nutrition and the metabolism of the human body, the temperature and also the light of understanding.

3. Kapha Dosha:

Kapha lends the structure, the solidity, and the cohesiveness to all things. It is associated primarily with the water and earth elements. It also embodies the watery energies of compassion and love. Kapha hydrates all the cells and systems. It lubricates the joints, also moisturizes the skin. It maintains the immunity level and thus protects the tissues.

Understanding the Doshas in our Life

Remember that we all have innate strengths and gifts in us. Some persistent challenging areas as well. These doshas are a wonderful tool for understanding them both. It is also helpful for correcting and recognizing any of the imbalances in our systems. These doshas shed light on such personal nuances. They guide us in improving our self-awareness and can also help us in understanding the support systems. To understand precisely where it matters the most. So, having a good relationship with each of these 3 doshas will have a transformative impact on our overall health, mindset and well-being. Ayurhealing, Ayurveda treatment in Bangalore focusses to help you understand yourself and your body better.

Imbalances in Doshas

Imbalances in the doshas are caused by unsupportive Ayurveda dosha diet and/or lifestyle choices. Other reasons include stress and emotional trauma. Such disturbances tend to upset or shake the natural state of the internal equilibrium present in one’s constitution. If the doshas become aggravated, it disrupts the body in their own way. Thus, vata, pitta and kapha all are each associated with a particular set of health problems. They bring their own challenges and tendencies towards the disease.

We are all susceptible to an excess of any of the three doshas. We also are predisposed to imbalances in these predominant doshas. So, vata-pitta predominant individuals will usually have vata and pitta imbalances rather than kapha imbalances. This awareness about how the doshas affect our daily life can be very helpful. If you would like to assess your own constitution, your present state of balance, then you can consult Dr.MiniNair, the best ayurvedic doctor in Bangalore. At Ayurhealing Ayurveda And Siddha Hospital in Bangalore, you will get personalized recommendations.

For more details for remedies for dosha and how to balance all 3 doshas contact Ayurhealing, Ayurvedic hospital in Bangalore.

What is PCOD?

PCOD is the abbreviation of polycystic ovarian disease. Polycystic ovarian disease or syndrome (PCOS) is a relatively common hormonal disorder. This disease causes several different changes and symptoms in women of reproductive age. One common symptom among all women with PCOD is an irregularity in their menstrual cycle. Another symptom is the presence of excess male hormones called androgens. This condition was named because of the presence of enlarged ovaries with multiple small cysts. Thus named polycystic ovarian disease. Although most of the women with PCOD have polycystic ovaries, some might not have. PCOD has also been called the Stein-Leventhal syndrome. It’s better to consult with experts on this disease. Ayurhealing, an Ayurveda hospital in Bangalore, is known for its expertise in curing many health problems.

Causes of PCOD

Though the exact cause of the polycystic ovarian syndrome is not clear, several abnormalities have been found and documented in women. There is some evidence for a genetic or inherited cause for PCOD. But still, no specific genetic mutation or transformation has been identified to be the cause of the disease. It has also been shown that the ovaries with PCOD produce excessive amounts of male hormones. This leads to disruptions in the women’s menstrual cycle and results in impaired fertility and related problems.

PCOD is also found to be associated with the insulin resistance problem. This refers to an impaired ability to utilize the secreted insulin. This abnormality is also found to be the cause of PCOD.

The presence of small cysts in the ovaries does not indicate the presence of PCOD. And this symptom is not specific to PCOD. Women who do not have PCOD may also have ovarian cysts. Ayurhealing has the best ayurvedic doctor in Bangalore is giving effective treatment for PCOD.

Check out the video – Dr. Mini Nair talks about the Role of Ayurveda in treating PCOD.

Symptoms of PCOD

PCOD leads to disruptions and fluctuations in the menstrual cycle. This typically begins around the onset of puberty. These Menstrual cycles may be normal at the beginning and later become irregular. In some cases, the onset of the menses may be delayed. These menstrual irregularities found in PCOD are also accompanied by a lack of ovulation. And, because of this, the affected women may experience infertility at a later age. Thus, the desire for pregnancy is a factor that prompts many women with PCOD to look for medical attention.

Thus, an increase in the production of androgens by the ovaries in PCOD leads to excess hair growth in the areas, suggesting a male pattern. This is also known as hirsutism. One can find thick and pigmented hair growth on the upper lip, around the nipples, chin, and also on the lower abdomen area. Excess androgens might also lead to male pattern balding and acne in women.

Because of the reduction or absence of ovulation, women with PCOD also have reduced levels of progesterone. This hormone is normally produced after ovulation in the second half of the menstrual cycle. This results in the growth stimulation of the endometrium.

The endometrium is the lining tissue present in the uterus. Thus, this leads to dysfunctional uterine bleeding along with breakthrough bleeding. Thus, an increased stimulation of the endometrium along with the absence of progesterone production is a higher risk factor. This might lead to the development of endometrial hyperplasia and also uterine cancer.

Other symptoms like weight gain, insulin resistance, and obesity are also common in PCOD. About one-half of women with PCOD are obese. This is partly because of the Insulin resistance, which is accompanied by elevated blood levels.

Women with PCOD are also found to have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Many studies have also shown abnormal blood lipid levels. Elevated levels of C-reactive protein are also a predictor of coronary artery disease. Thus, the combination of elevated CRP levels, elevated cholesterol levels suggests an increased risk of heart disease in women with PCOD. But, this result is yet to be scientifically established. Ayurveda treatment in Bangalore for PCOD is common amongst many patients.

PCOD treatment in Ayurveda

Ayurveda is effective for PCOD treatment. Ayurvedic treatment of PCOD involves the usage of herbs, which boost fertility and maintain a balance of female hormones. The treatment requires the patient to go through different therapies along with a balanced diet. Doing all of these plays a vital role in overcoming PCOD-related problems.

According to Ayurveda, both men and women have semen, which keeps the reproductive health in balance and check. This consists of androgen and estrogen hormones. So, any imbalance in the levels of both hormones causes infertility. Ayurvedic treatments also require following certain parameters for effective treatment.

Ayurveda treatment for PCOD

Some herbs work wonders against PCOD and other digestive disorders, insulin sensitivity, etc. These herbal medications also perform the same function as that of allopathic treatment. The PCOD treatment diet plan involves the following herbs and diet plans. It is recommended to cut down the intake of milk or milk products, except for buttermilk.

1. Shatavari

Shatavari contains folic acid, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, and minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and calcium. The presence of these chemicals in this herb makes it a perfect antioxidant. This also protects the reproductive system in females. This herb also helps in improving insulin sensitivity. It has a lot of anti-diabetic properties. It also aids in improving fertility.

2. Shilajit

Shilajit is famous for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a great immunity booster. It rejuvenates the reproductive system in women with PCOD. While suffering from PCOD, women experience heavy bleeding, which results in iron deficiency. Shilajit is well known for its iron-increasing properties.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric is known for its variety of uses. Not only for cooking, but it is also used for beauty products and medicinal purposes. It is a great relief to women. It also helps in improving insulin resistance and detoxifying the female reproductive system.

4. Vibhitaki

This herbal plant has a lot of health benefits for PCOS patients. It improves sugar metabolism. It is filled with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also known for curing digestive complications for women. It is one of the panchakarma treatments for PCOD.

List of Ayurvedic Remedies for PCOD

PCOD ayurvedic treatment in Bangalore involves one or many of the following treatments.

1. Basti

It requires an enema of the medicated oil, which is introduced into the uterus. It also helps in the release of vitiated vatta, which gives rise to health problems.

2. Virechan (Herbal cleansing)

This therapy is beneficial for expelling toxins from the body. It also involves the use of drugs that induce bowel movement. This expels dosha out of the rectum.

3. Vaman (Herbal vomiting)

This therapy is used for getting rid of Kapha from the body. This drug induces vomiting. It is one of the painless procedures that relieves toxins. It also helps to balance the hormones.

Month: December 2018

How to know your Dosha in Ayurveda- Dr. Mini Nair