TRIDOSHAs: The Bioregulating Principle

 The three types of Doshas in which entire Ayurveda is based on are the root cause of our body and all are Panchamahabhautik in nature. Vata, Pitta and Kapha are generally considered as Tridoshas. They easily undergo qualitative and quantitative changes, loose their normal function and spoil the system. So they are called Doshas. They also produce wastes (Malas) and even some gets excreted. So they can be called Malas. So Vata, Pitta and Kaphas can be designed as Doshas, Dhatu and Mala according to body condition.

Only the living beings posses Tridosha. Tridosha control all the physiological functions taking place in a cell or body. They are found in each and every cell and regulates as well as conduct different processes in the body. So they are called bioregulating principles.

 

Doshas can be classified into following types:

Shaarir Doshas (Tridoshas): Vata, Pitta, Kapha

Manasa Doshas: Raja and Tama (Satwa is Guna NOT Dosha)

1. Vata

1. Derived from Sanskrit root (Vah) which move to move or excite.
2. Generates motion and vitality in the body.
3. Originator of all movements in the body. It governs all nervous functions, controls the mind, the sense and the motor organs.
4. Initiator and promoter of all biological reaction inside the human body. Eg. Stimulation of the digestive juices and the enzymes that breakdown to digest food.
5. Each sensation experienced by the senses is converted by Vata into psychosomatic reactions
6. Evacuates excretory matter.
7. Most important of three since it sets other two inactive doshas into motion
8. Responsible for movements of body, activities, activities of mind, circulation of blood, excretion, respiration, healthier formation of fetus, sexual act, speech, hearing, sensation, feelings (fear, anxiety etc) and different natural urges.

2. Pitta

1. Derived from Sanskrit root (Tapa) which means heat and energy, so that which generates energy in the body is called Pitta.
2. Responsible for all kinds of transformations, digestions, combustions, oxidation, regulation of body temperature, vision, hunger, thirst, color of blood and skin, sexual vigour, intellect and enthusiasm.
3. Main carriers are hormones, enzymes, co-enzymes, vitamins etc.
4. When Pitta is not in balance, the digestion is adversely affected. Energy levels go down and Kapha begins to accumulate

3. Kapha

1. Derived from Sanskrit root (Slish) which means to embrace.
2. Its synonym is Sleshma which means cementing or cooling.
3. It is responsible for the formation and preservation of body by cooling all nutritive digested food materials and by separating a waste materials while and making body tissues.
4. It gives the body firmness, stability, flexibility and strength and resistance to fight against disease.
5. It comprises the solid structures of the body from the smallest cells to largest bon and joints of the body.
6. Controls the inner heat created by Pitta.
7. Makes the organs of the body moist and unctous (oily, smooth and shiny) and lubricates the joints.
8. Increase libido, strength enthusiasm, heals, wounds, strengthens immunity, provides energy and regulates patience, knowledge, wisdom, mental balance etc.
9. Primary reason for sleep and lethargy inertia.
10. When there is an increase in heat due to Pitta or dryness due to Vayu, Kapha by increasing the quantity of oily and smooth fluids, protects the tissues from water and tear.