Dosha

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This article is about the notion of a bodily humor in Ayurveda. For the type of food, see dosa.

The three doshas and the five great elements they are composed from

A dosha (doa), according to Ayurveda, is one of three bodily humors that make up one's constitution. These
teachings are also known as the Tridosha theory.
The central concept of Ayurvedic medicine is the theory that health exists when there is a balance between three
fundamental bodily humours or doshas called Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Vta or Vata (wind) is the impulse principle necessary to mobilize the function of the nervous system. It
affects the windy humour, flatulence, gout, rheumatism, etc. [1][2]

Pitta is the bilious humour, or that secreted between the stomach and bowels and flowing through the liver
and permeating spleen, heart, eyes, and skin; its chief quality is heat.[3] It is the energy principle which uses bile
to direct digestion and hence metabolism.

Kapha is the body fluid principle which relates to mucus, lubrication, and the carrier of nutrients.

All Ayurvedic physicians believe that these ancient ideas, based in the knowledge discovered by the Rishis and
Munis, exist in harmony with physical reality. These Ayurvedic concepts allow physicians to examine the
homeostasis of the whole system. People may be of a predominant dosha prakruti (constitution), but all doshas
have the basic elements within them.
5 types of vata dosha

5 types of pitta dosha

5 types of kapha dosha

1. Prana Vata - Governs inhalation,

perception through the senses
and governs the mind. Located
in the brain, head, throat, heart
and respiratory organs.

1. Pachaka Pitta - Governs

digestion of food which is
broken down into nutrients and
waste. Located in the lower
stomach and small intestine.

1. Kledaka Kapha - Governs

moistening and liquefying of
the food in the initial stages of
digestion. Located in the upper
part of the stomach.

2. Udana Vata - Governs speech,

self expression, effort,
enthusiasm, strength and
vitality. Located in the naval,
lungs and throat.

2. Ranjaka Pitta - Governs

formation of red blood cells.
Gives colour to blood and
stools. Located in the liver,
gallbladder and spleen.

2. Avalambhaka Kapha - Governs

lubrication of the heart and
lungs. Provides strength to the
back, chest and heart. Located
in the chest, heart and lungs.

3. Samana Vata - Governs

peristaltic movement of the
digestive system. Located in the
stomach and small intestines.
4. Apana Vata - Governs all
downward impulses (urination,
elimination, menstruation,
sexual discharges etc.) Located
between the naval and the anus.
5. Vyana Vata - Governs
circulation, heart rhythm,
locomotion. Centred in the heart
and permeates through the
whole body.

3. Alochaka Pitta - Governs visual

perception. Located in the eyes.
4. Sadhaka Pitta - Governs
emotions such as contentment,
memory, intelligence and
digestion of thoughts. Located
in the heart.
5. Bharajaka Pitta - Governs lustre
and complexion, temperature
and pigmentation of the skin.
Located in the skin.

3. Tarpaka Kapha - Governs

calmness, happiness and
stability. Nourishment of sense
and motor organs. Located in
the head, sinuses and
cerebrospinal fluid.
4. Bodhaka Kapha - Governs
perception of taste, lubricating
and moistening of food. Located
in the tongue, mouth and throat
5. Shleshaka Kapha - Governs
lubrication of all joints. Located
in the joints.