Doshas: The Vital Energies of Ayurveda and the Path to Self-Knowledge. Part I.

 The Inner Journey Reaches the Doshas.

Ayurveda, a word that means "science of life" in Sanskrit, is an ancient philosophy that teaches us to live in harmony with our nature and the universe.

In the first article of this series, we explored what Ayurveda is, its origins, its purpose, and how this ancient wisdom can be adapted to modern life. We discussed integral health — body, mind, and spirit — and how Ayurveda invites us to live with awareness and balance.

In the second article, we delved deeper into the Pancha Mahabhutas, the five great elements — ether, air, fire, water, and earth — that constitute all that exists. We understood how these elements are present in the human body and how they form the basis of the constitution of the doshas. We also reflected on the spiritual dimension of this vision, learning to recognize the elements within and around us.

In this third article, we will continue our inner journey, delving into the universe of the doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These three vital forces are dynamic expressions of the elements and regulate all physiological, mental, and emotional processes of human beings. Understanding the doshas is essential for those who wish to apply the principles of Ayurveda in their daily lives, whether to improve health, cultivate emotional balance or develop self-knowledge.

Throughout this text, we will discover what the doshas are, how they are formed, their physical, emotional, and mental characteristics, and the importance of observation.

This article is designed for those beginning their journey in Ayurveda and wishing to understand, in a clear and accessible way, how this ancient wisdom can transform our lives. Throughout the following pages, you will find not only theoretical knowledge but also practical and inspiring reflections that will help you begin your own journey of balance and well-being.

🧬 What Doshas Are and How They Form.

Continuing our Ayurvedic journey, after understanding the five elements that constitute the universe and the human body, it's time to understand how these elements combine to form doshas, the vital energies that regulate all functions of the body and mind.

There are three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each represents a specific combination of two of the five elements and manifests as a vital force that acts on all aspects of our existence, from the functioning of our organs to the way we think, feel, and react.

🌌 The Nature of Doshas.

In the classical tradition of Ayurveda, doshas are defined as bioenergies that govern the body and mind. The word dosha derives from the Sanskrit dush, which means "that which can cause imbalance." Although essential for the healthy functioning of the body, doshas have a natural tendency to become unbalanced, making it necessary to understand them and maintain harmony.

Each dosha has its own characteristics:

• Vata is formed by the elements ether and air. It is associated with movement, lightness, communication, and creativity. It regulates functions such as breathing, circulation, nerve impulses, and elimination.

• Pitta is the result of the combination of fire and water. It represents heat, transformation, and digestion. It governs metabolism, body temperature, vision, and mental clarity.

• Kapha arises from the union of water and earth. It symbolizes stability, nourishment, and cohesion. It is responsible for body structure, joint lubrication, and immunity.

These three doshas are present in all human beings, but in different proportions. This unique proportion is called Prakruti, the original and individual constitution of each person, determined at the moment of conception.

🧬 How Doshas Are Formed.

Doshas are formed at the moment of conception and are influenced by several factors:

• Parental constitution: The genetic and energetic heritage of the parents contributes to the formation of their children's doshas.

• Mother's emotional state during pregnancy: Intense emotions, tranquility, or stress directly affect the fetus's energy balance.

• Diet during pregnancy: Hot, cold, dry, or moist foods influence the predominance of the elements.

• Physical and energetic environment: The climate, the season, the geographic location, and even the vibrational state of the home have an impact on the formation of doshas.

The result is a unique and unrepeatable combination of Vata, Pitta and Kapha that defines our physical, mental, and emotional structure. This constitution remains relatively stable throughout life, although it can be temporarily altered by external factors, which leads us to the concept of Vikruti.

🔄 Doshas in Motion.

Although Prakruti is stable, the doshas are in constant flux and subject to imbalances. These imbalances, called Vikruti, can occur due to:

• Poor diet

• Irregular routines

• Seasons

• Intense emotions

• Modern lifestyle

For example, a person with Vata dominance may, during periods of stress, accumulate even more Vata, manifesting symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, or dryness. The same is true for Pitta and Kapha, each with its own patterns of imbalance.

Understanding the doshas is, therefore, essential for maintaining health and well-being. They are the pillars of Ayurvedic diagnosis and treatment. Knowing their nature allows us to adjust our diet, routine, and self-care practices to restore natural balance.

🧠Physical, Emotional, and Mental Characteristics of Each Dosha.

In the Ayurvedic tradition, understanding the doshas is not just a theoretical matter; it is a practice of deep and continuous observation. Each dosha manifests itself differently in the body, mind, and emotions. Understanding these manifestations allows us to identify natural tendencies, prevent imbalances, and cultivate well-being.

We will explore in detail the physical, emotional, and mental characteristics of Vata, Pitta and Kapha, with practical examples and guidance to help you recognize each profile.

🌬️ Vata Dosha — The Principle of Movement.

Predominant Elements: Ether and Air

Main Functions: Movement, respiration, circulation, communication, elimination

🧍‍♀️ Physical Characteristics

Generally thin or slender body structure

Prominent bones, visible joints

Skin is dry, thin and cool to the touch

Tendency to feel cold easily

Irregular appetite and unstable digestion

🧠 Mental Characteristics

Quick, creative and imaginative mind

Easily starting projects, but difficult to complete

Short memory, learns quickly, but forgets easily

Enjoys variety, novelty and constant stimulation

💓 Emotional Characteristics

Sensitive, empathetic and intuitive

Prone to anxiety, fear and insecurity

May feel easily overwhelmed or scattered

Fluctuating emotions and emotional instability

🧘 Tendencies toward imbalance

When Vata worsens, symptoms such as:

Anxiety, insomnia and nervousness

Constipation, dry skin and mucous membranes

Joint pain, chronic fatigue

Difficulty concentrating and feeling foggy

🔥 Pitta Dosha — The Principle of Transformation.

Predominant Elements: Fire and Water

Main Functions: Digestion, metabolism, vision, intelligence, temperature regulation

🧍‍♂️ Physical Characteristics

Medium and well-proportioned body structure

Warm, sensitive and red-prone skin

Piercing, often light-colored eyes

Strong appetite and efficient digestion

Tendency to feel hot easily

Profuse sweating and intense body odor

🧠 Mental Characteristics

Logical, analytical and focused mind

Great ability to concentrate and reason

Enjoys challenges, competition and leadership

Planner, organized and determined

💓 Emotional Characteristics

Intense, passionate and demanding

Prone to irritability, impatience and frustration

Can be critical, perfectionist and controlling

Strong emotions and a tendency to react intensely

🧘 Tendencies toward imbalance

When Pitta becomes aggravated, symptoms such as:

Inflammation, heartburn, ulcers and rashes appear (skin reactions)

Irritability, anger and impatience

Excessive judgment and intolerance

Feeling of physical and emotional overheating

🌊 Kapha Dosha — The Principle of Cohesion.

Predominant Elements: Water and Earth

Main Functions: Structure, lubrication, immunity, emotional stability

🧍‍♀️ Physical Characteristics

Robust and strong body structure

Soft, moist and cool skin

Tendency to weight gain and slow metabolism

Slow movements and stable posture

Deep and prolonged sleep

Moderate appetite, but tendency to comfort eat

🧠 Mental Characteristics

Calm, stable and thoughtful mind

Excellent memory and retention capacity

Enjoys routines, security and predictability

Resistant to change and novelty

💓 Emotional Characteristics

Affectionate, loyal, compassionate and patient

Prone to lethargy, melancholy and attachment

May develop emotional resistance and difficulty letting go

Deep but often repressed emotions

🧘 Tendencies toward imbalance

When Kapha becomes aggravated, symptoms such as:

Congestion, fluid retention and weight gain

Physical and mental sluggishness, excessive sleepiness

Mild depression, emotional attachment, resistance to change

Feelings of stagnation and lack of motivation

🔍 The Importance of Observation.

These descriptions are not meant to label, but rather to understand.

Most people have a combination of two predominant doshas (dual constitution), and rarely are all three in perfect balance. Continuous observation of the body, mind, and emotions is essential to recognize patterns and adjust lifestyle accordingly.

Understanding the doshas is only the first step on this journey of self-discovery through Ayurveda. Knowing that Vata, Pitta and Kapha inhabit us in unique proportions awakens the awareness that each person has a unique nature that deserves to be respected and balanced. But the true power lies in observation — recognizing in everyday life the signs that reveal how these doshas manifest in our body, mind, and emotions. It is this attentive observation that opens the way for choices more aligned with who we truly are.

In the next article, I will delve deeper into this topic: how to identify your dominant dosha and, based on this clarity, cultivate a more harmonious and conscious lifestyle.

👽 WRITTEN BY: Cristalina Gomes 🛸 AUTHOR'S LINKS: SPACESHIPS | UNIVERSE