To learn Ayurveda, understanding Tridosha is the first important step as Tridosha or Three humors forms the most basic fundamental Principle in which the entire Ayurveda is postulated.
The word meaning – ‘TRIDOSHA’ comprises of two words ‘Tri’ meaning ‘three’ and ‘Dosha’ refers to ‘that which causes imbalance’.
They are capable of causing imbalance only when they move out of a given proportion which is unique to every individual as per the natural constitution or Prakriti. When they are in normal proportion or in a balanced state they maintain homeostasis or normal functioning of the body. Therefore Tridosha form the key functional components of the body.
Therefore it is the Tridoshas which are primarily responsible for both health and disease.
The Tridosha are also made up of Panchamahabhutas as we already seen that everything in the universe is made up of five great elements.
Combination of two Mahabhutas form the Tridoshas or three humors.
Enumeration of Tridosha :
The Tridoshas are
VATA – AIR (Vayu) + ETHER (Akasha)
PITTA – FIRE (Agni)+ WATER (Jala)
KAPHA – EARTH (Prithvi) + WATER (Jala)
Importance of Tridosha (Dosha Mahatwa) :
The tridoshas get associated with us right from the period of conception in the mother’s womb at the time of fertilisation. The embryo get its share from sperm of father and ovum of mother.
These doshas at the time of conception are primarily responsible for the ‘Natural constitution or Prakriti’ of the individual which lasts till last breath.
Location of Tridosha (Dosha Mukhya sthana) :
The Tridoshas are present all over the body but their dominance is seen in specific parts of the body.
On a gross level the location of Tridoshas –
VATA – Parts below the umbilicus
PITTA – Parts between the Chest and the umbilicus
KAPHA – Parts above the umbilicus
General understanding of Tridosha – Nature, functions and imbalance :
1.Vata – Principle of Movement
Elements: Air and Ether
Qualities: Dry, light, cool, irregular, and mobile.
Functions: Governs movement, communication, and the nervous system. It influences respiration, circulation, and elimination.
Imbalances: Can lead to anxiety, dryness, constipation, and other disorders related to movement or nervous functions.
2. Pitta – Principle of Transformation
Elements: Fire and Water
Qualities: Hot, sharp, light, oily, and fluid.
Functions: Responsible for digestion, metabolism, and transformation processes in the body. It governs appetite, body temperature, and skin health.
Imbalances: Can cause inflammation, acidity, irritability, and conditions like ulcers or skin rashes.
3. Kapha – Principle of Nourishment
Elements: Earth and Water
Qualities: Heavy, slow, steady, solid, and cold.
Functions: Provides structure, stability, and lubrication. It governs immunity, bodily fluids, and tissue growth.
Imbalances: Can result in weight gain, lethargy, allergies, and respiratory issues.
Dosha dominanace (Dosha Pradhanyata) :
FACTORS
VATA
PITTA
KAPHA
Age
Old age
Young age
Infant / childhood
Diurnal changes
2am – 6am 2pm – 6pm
10am – 2pm 10pm – 2am
6am – 10am 6pm – 10pm
Digestion phase
4 to 6 hrs
2 to 4 hrs
0 to 2 hrs
Agni (Appetite)
Irregular (Vishama Agni)
Increased/excess (Teekshna Agni)
Low (Manda Agni)
Nature of GIT (Koshta)
Dry
soft
normal
Natural constitution (Prakruti)
Inferior / low strength
Medium
Superior / good strength
Seasonal changes (Rtu)
Rainy
Autumn
Spring
Summarization
Vata , Pitta and Kapha are Tridosha or three humors and they form the functional components of the body.
Tridoshas are made up of combinations of panchamahabhutas.
Vata, Pitta, Kapha are primarily located below, middle and above the umbilicus respectively.
In Ayurveda, the interplay of the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha significantly influences various physiological and psychological factors, including age, diurnal rhythms, seasonal variations, and appetite and digestion. Each dosha predominates during specific times, shaping health and well-being.
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