Doshas – Energies of Nature

Observe Nature. The Sun, the Moon and the Wind are the three natural energies in the universe. The Sun represents the source of heat, the moon the source of water and the Wind the source of air. All three are present at all times in different proportions.

For example, in the afternoon, though there is some breeze and humidity, heat is predominant. In the evening around sunset, it gets more breezy and cold than hot. The seasonal variations also depend on the predominance of one these energies. In late winter and spring it snows or rains a lot. In summer, temperatures rise and it becomes very hot and when fall arrives the weather becomes very windy.

​What are the three Doshas?

Because we are a part of Mother Nature, our bodies contain the same three energies called Doshas

• Water energy is Kapha Dosha
• Heat is Pitta Dosha
• and Wind is Vata Dosha

Kapha, Pitta and Vata govern all systems and functions in the body. While modern medicine is focused on the structure of the body, Ayurveda emphasizes functions of the body through the Doshas. Kapha energy is responsible for building new tissues, nourishing the cells and lubricating all systems. Pitta governs metabolic reactions, digestion, conversion and maintaining body temperature. Vata is in charge of all actions, movements, nerve impulses and transportation.

When these Doshas are in balance, we experience health, and when they are out of balance, they cause disease. Our goal in Ayurveda is to restore the original balance of the Doshas for individual wellness.