Your Mind-Body Constitution (Dosha)
According to the science of Ayurveda, the universe is made by the energies of the following five elements or Mahabhutas: Ether, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. These key elements have the following qualities:
Ether is the space in which everything is contained - the gaps between the cells in our bodies or the gaps between the atoms in any object.
Air is motion or the animating force of life - mobile and dynamic.
Fire is the power to generate heat and light and it transforms and illuminates.
Water is the liquid state that characterizes flow and liquidity.
Earth represents matter, a solid state and stability.
These essential elements work as building blocks in all the creations of the universe and they govern several forces in nature. They regulate many processes in our body and mind and they are also linked to what we perceive through our five senses as it is shown below.
Space/Ether. Forces governing Potential. Sense: Hearing.
Air. Forces governing Movement. Sense: Touch.
Fire. Forces governing Transformation. Sense: Seeing.
Water. Forces governing Cohesiveness. Sense: Taste.
Earth. Forces governing Protection. Sense: Smell.
Ayurveda teaches us that the five elements arrange themselves into three essential laws of life: movement, metabolism, and structure, and these are the Doshas - defined in Sanskrit as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The three types of energy, constitutions or Doshas are present in every one of us as a mixture of the five elements.
In the human systems, Vata is the energy of movement, Pitta is responsible for the digestion of food, and experiences, and Kapha is the energy responsible for protection, and structure.
MOVEMENT – VATA is composed of Ether and Air, and it is responsible for the principle of movement and transportation across the body and mind. The Vata properties are dry, irregular, and mobile like the qualities of the wind. Individuals with strong Vata constitution are thin, light, creative, and alert. They tend to have a variable digestion and appetite, they walk fast, sleep less than other Dosha types, and they are susceptible to anxiety, and get fatigued more easily.
METABOLISM – PITTA is made up of Fire and Water, and it is responsible digestion. The fire energy transforms our food and experiences so that we can assimilate nutrients and insights. Individuals with strong Pitta qualities tend to be intelligent, with discerning minds that investigate root causes of things. They tend to have good digestion and strong appetite; their sleep is of medium duration, and they are ambitious and have tendencies to emotional anger.
STRUCTURE – KAPHA is a combination of the elements Earth and Water, and it relates to physical structure, and lubrication across the body and mind. It forms the body’s structures and frames, such as bones, muscles, tendons, and its water lubricates joints, moisturizes the skin, and supports wound healing. Individuals with strong Kapha constitution, tend to have prominent bones, good muscle development, and endurance. They move slowly and they are peaceful, forgiving, and tolerant.
Do you want to know your Dosha? Make a step to learn more.
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