Understanding of Tridoshas Functions

The three elements - vata,pitta, kapha - govern all the biological, psychological and physiopathological functions of the body, mind and consciousness. They act a s basic constituents and protective barriers for the body in its normal physological condition, when out of balance, they contribute to disease processes.

In general, there are seven types of constitutions - vata, pitta, kapha, vata-pitta, pitta-kapha, vata-kapha and vata-pitta-kapha. Among these seven general types, there are innumerable subtle variations that depend upon the percentage of vata-pitta-kapha elements in the constitution.

Functions of Tri-dosha

Vata is a principle of movement. Therefore, vata may be translated as the bodily air principle. Bodily air, or vata may be characterized as the subtle energy that governs biological movement. This biological principle of movement enegenders all subtle changes in the metabolism. Vata is formed from the two elements Ether and Air.

Vata governs breathing, blinking of the eyelids, movements in the muscles and tissues, pulsations in the heart: all expansion and contraction, the movements of cytoplasm and the cell membranes, and the movement of the single impulses in nerve cells. Vata also governs such feelings and emotions as freshness, nervousness, fear, anxiety, pain, tremors and spasms. The large intestine, pelvic cavity, bones, skin, ears and thighs are the seats of vata. If the body develops an excess of vata, it will accumulate in these areas.

Pitta is translated as fire. The term 'fire' does not literally mean fire. The bodily heat-energy, the pitta-dosha manifests as metabolism, is not visible in this way. Pitta governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism, body temperature, skin coloration, the luster of the eyes and also intelligence and unserstanding. Psychologically, pitta arouses anger, hate and jealousy. The small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, fat, eyes and skin are the seats of pitta. Pitta is formed from the two elements Fire and Water.

The translation of kapha is biological water and his bodily principle is formed from the two elements. Earth and Water. Kapha cements the elements in the body, providing the material for physical structure. This dosha maintains body resistance. Water is the main constitutent of kapha, and this bodily water is responsible physiologically for biological strength and natural tissue resistance in the body. Kapha lubricates the joints, provides moisture to the skin, helps to heal wounds, fills the spaces in the body, gives biological strength, vigor and stability, supports memory retention, gives energy to the heart and lungs and maintains immunity. Kapha is present in the chest, throat, head, sinuses, nose, mouth, stomach, joints, cytoplasm, plasma and liquid secretions of the body such as mucus. Psychologically kapha is responsible for emotions of attachment,greed and long-standing envy, it is also expressed in tendencies toward calmness, forgiveness and love. The chest is the seat of kapha.

Therefore a balance among the tridosha is necessary for health.