Basics and philosophical background
With the kind permission of Ayurveda specialist and author Birgit Heyn
(published in DIE ZEIT 2001)
Vata, Pitta and Kapha – the Ayurvedic constitutions
The Tri Doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha consist of the 5 elements: Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. These elements regulate all physical and mental processes in humans. They describe natural processes that occur in humans as well as in nature.
Vata stands for movement, Pitta for transformation and Kapha for form-shaping. The Tri Doshas stimulate all biological processes – from simple cell activity to the networked organisation of the entire body. They can only ever be perceived together and never occur individually. A harmoniously balanced relationship between these three forces is a characteristic of well-being and health. Each person’s constitution is characterised by the individual mixture of these three forces.
Vata consists mainly of the elements air and space and initiates all movement processes, for example the transport of food, breathing or the heartbeat. Vata brings us many ideas and thoughts or allows us to be generous. It is perceptible in its characteristics (gunas) light, dry, cold, penetrating, rough and mobile.
Pitta consists mainly of fire. Pitta is responsible for all transformation processes in the body and mind. It regulates the digestion of food and body temperature and colours the blood red. Pitta transforms the sensory impressions that Vata has absorbed into cognition and is therefore responsible for the intellect. Pitta gives us courage and enthusiasm. It provides direction to the movement of Vata. Its properties are hot, oily, pungent, odorous and colouring.
Kapha is primarily made up of the elements earth and water and structures and moulds matter. It shapes the body, giving it stability, firmness and flexibility. Kapha keeps Vata and Pitta within their natural limits. Kapha covers our mucous membranes and the heart as a protective layer. As a synovial fluid, it protects our bone joints. Kapha gives us a stable immune system, contentment, confidence and tenderness. Its properties are heavy, cold, wet, solid, soft and stable.
A warm, oily Ayurveda massage calms the Vata, regulates the Pitta and strengthens the Kapha. The art of Ayurveda is to find the right mixture of oils and herbal medicines for each person to even out the current imbalance of the tri doshas.