What is Tridosha? 

In Sanskrit, Tridosha is the three fundamental energies that govern the functioning of our bodies concerning one’s physical, emotional and psychological capacity. They bring in health when they are balanced and are working in tandem but also develop diseases when they are out of balance. These energies are known as Vata, pitta, and Kapha.

What are the three doshas?

Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, the tridoshas are categorized based on the panchamahabhutas (5 essential elements); Akasha (Space), Vayu (Air), Jala (Water), Agni (Fire), Prithvi (Earth). When the panchamahabhutas come together in one body, they form three vital energies.

• I.Vata is the power that holds together the Akasha and Vayu mahabhutas (Space + Air element).
• II.Pitta is the power that holds together the Agni and Jala mahabhutas (Fire + Water element).
• III.Kapha is the power that holds together the Prithvi and Jala mahabhutas (Earth + Water element).

Now, what does this mean?

Starting with Vata (Space + Air element), let us understand what it means. Vata is the energy that governs the elements of movement. All the physical activities that a human body carries out are a representation of the principle of mobility. For example, the blinking of our eyes or the beating of our heart. Over-exertion of any of these activities would lead to an imbalance in the Vata which is considered to be a lively and energetic element. To maintain your Vata in balance, one must rest and rejuvenate themselves adequately, from time to time. A few imbalances caused in the Vata lead to dry skin, hair loss, and various other respiratory issues. These imbalances are usually caused due to staying up late in the night, inadequate sleeping patterns, irregular daily routines, excessive exercise, or even adverse negative emotions such as fear or grief. To attain balance in your Vata, consume warm and a wholesome plate of home food and ensure that you do not intake anything stale. Breathing exercises, pranayama, or meditation also help.

The second form of energy in our body, also known as Pitta (Fire + Water element) is the energy of transformation. Relational to the digestive process in one’s body, this element breaks down the food particles for the chemical transformation that it conducts. Formed by the two elements which are opposites- fire and water, imbalances in pitta is a response to impaired digestion. As a result, they could be acidity, indigestion, inflammation or ulcers, and even anger or fever. The imbalances are a cause of hot and spicy food intake, consumption of harmful substances such as alcohol or drugs, over-exertion, and fasting amongst others. To attain balance in this element, consume inherently cold foods. Also, reduce the intake of salty or oily foods which cause “heat” in the body. Additionally, surrounding oneself with elements that bring calmness such as soothing scents or music will also help in attaining a balance in the pitta element.

Lastly, the third form of energy Kapha (Earth + Water element), the energy of structure and lubrication is a form combination of the earth and water elements. The earth element represents the core structure of the body whereas the water acts as a lubricant to all the tissues in one’s body. This energy is responsible for the anabolism in one’s body which is the process of building and growing the body and in it the creation and repair of new and old cells. An imbalance in this energy could be a cause of excessive sleep, lack of exercise or mental stimulation, and over-eating. These manifest into obesity, lethargy, low energy levels, and even depression. To attain a balance in this energy, one must bring himself to become active. Exercising regularly, consuming foods that are low in fat, minimizing heavy food goes a long way toward attaining balance.

How do you determine which Dosha are you?

It is funny how online, you will find many tests and quizzes telling you which dosha do you belong to. Identification of your dosha goes a long way. Every human body is made up of the three main doshas combined, however, each body is unique and is made up of various combinations which are genetically inherited- be it personality or physical traits. As a result, based on your mental state, physical structure, and emotional capacities, these doshas change from time to time. As life progresses, so do these elements. Categorically, they are divided as Vata, pitta, Kapha, pitta-Kapha, Vata-Kapha, Vata-pitta, tri-dosha. Every individual can be subjugated under these types. The dominant traits remain the same, but the sub-type defers. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha from the genesis of one are being in this world.

Complimented with Vastu, they yearn to bring balance into one’s life by harmonizing elements in your residential or commercial place. And isn’t that what everything should come to? Finding a balance amidst all the chaos that we surround ourselves with. It may not curb it but you will come close to organizing it. Vastu aims to bring you just that with its applications- a pathway to guiding you towards a better lifestyle through scientific applications which will help you find the balance that you need.