A balance among the tridosha is necessary for health. For example, the air
principle kindles the bodily fire, but water is necessary to control fire,
otherwise the bodily fire would burn the tissues. Vata moves Kapha and Pitta,
since Kapha and Pitta are immobile. Together, the tridosha governs all metabolic
activities; anabolism (Kapha), catabolism (Vata), and metabolism (Pitta).
When Vata is out of balance, the metabolism will be disturbed, resulting in
excess catabolism, which is the breakdown or deterioration process in the
body. When anabolism is greater than catabolism, there is an increased rate
of growth and repair of the organs and tissues. Excess Pitta disturbs metabolism,
excess Kapha increases the rate of anabolism and excess Vata creates emaciation
(catabolism).
In childhood, anabolism and the Kapha elements are predominant, since this
is the time of greatest physical growth. In adulthood, metabolism and the
element of Pitta are most apparent, because at this stage the body is matured
and stable. In old age, catabolism and Vata are most evident, as the body
begins to deteriorate.
Vata :
Physically such people are either very tall or very short, non- muscular,
with thin and bony limbs and have a quick gait with short fast steps. Skin
is generally thin, darkish and cool. The hair is thin, dark, coarse and
either kinky or curly. The face is usually long and angular, often with
an underdeveloped chin. The neck is thin and scrawny. Nose is small and
narrow. May be long, crooked or asymmetrical also. Eyes tend to be small,
narrow or sunken, dark brown or gray in color, with dull luster. The mouth
being small, with thin, narrow or tight lips. Teeth are irregular, protruding,
or broken, set in receding gums. And while the voice is weak, low or cracked,
speech is fast with interruptions.
Creativity ~ Enthusiasm ~ Freedom ~ Generosity ~ Joy ~ Vitality
Vata people have restless minds and weak memories. They avoid
confrontation. Have active and sensitive natures and express themselves
through sport and creative pursuits. Likely to be artistic and creative
with a good imagination, they will sometimes overindulge in pleasures. And
are sexually the most active. Fearful, worrisome and anxious they are into
questioning, theorising and over-analysis. Often dissatisfied with and unable
to sustain friendships, they spend money quickly, often on trifles. With
light, interrupted sleep of 5-7 hours a day.
Pitta :
A moderately well developed physique with mascular limbs and a purposeful,
stable gait of medium speed. With a loud, strong voice and precise, convincing
speech. The skin is fair, soft, lusterous, warm, and tends to burn easily
in the sun – has freckles, many moles, and a tendency to rashes. And
the bodies are hot and sweaty. Characterised by fine and soft, either fair
or reddish hair that tends to gray soon. Face is heart-shaped, often with
a pointed chin. While the neck is proportionate and of average size. A neat,
pointed, and average sized nose matches the average sized eyes that are
either light blue, light gray or hazel in color, with an intense luster
which get red in summer or after bathing. The mouth being medium, with average
lips and medium-sized, yellowish teeth.
Ambition ~ Concentration ~ Confidence ~ Courage ~ Enthusiasm for knowledge
~ Happiness ~ Intelligence
Pittas have an intellectual and precise disposition
due to a very alert, focussed mind. Sharp and knife-like in anger, they
are irritable, jealous and aggressive by nature. Discriminating and judgemental,
they are articulate, learned and proud. With a developed sense of responsibility,
they can take decisions and organise affairs well. Argumentative, but with
a sense of humour, their selectively excellent memory makes them fast learners.
Moderately passionate in their sexual pursuits, they spend moderately, usually
on luxuries.
Kapha :
A thick, broad, well-developed frame and large, long limbs go well with
a pleasant, deep and resonant voice with low, slow, rhythmic speech. The
skin is usually thick, oily, pale or white and cold. Plentiful, thick, wavy,
lusterous and generally brown hair is set on a large, rounded and full face.
The neck is solid, with a near tree-trunk quality. A large, rounded nose
and large, attractive, blue or light brown in color eyes are found in a
mouth that is large with big, full lips. Teeth too are big and white and
set in strong gums.
Caring ~ Centeredness ~ Compassion ~ Contentment ~ Faith ~ Fulfillment
~ Groundedness ~ Patience ~ Sense of being nourished ~ Stability ~ Support
~ Tenderness
Kapha predominated people are calm, steady, considerate -
stable, patient personalities they are slow to anger. Not easily provoked,
once angry they do not calm down easily. They are honourable, true to their
word and avoid lies. Loyal, forgiving and understanding, they can be lethargic,
even lazy, if not driven by others. Learning may be slow but memory will
be strong. Excellent in logical analysis, they take time before reaching
conclusions. Long hours of deep sleep and a strong, enduring sex drive come
naturally. While they do save money, it does get spent on food. And there
can at times be an element of dullness, given that a kapha
mind is usually too content to seek fresh mental stimulation.
Factors that increase vata
Explosure to cold , no routine in yur life, eating to much dry, frozen
or leftover food, or food with bitter, pungent or astringents taste.
Fasting, too much traveling, too much or inappropriate exercise, suppressing
natural urges, abdominal surgery.
Not oiling the skin.
Factors that increase pitta
Exposure to heat, eating too much red meat, salt, spicy or sour foods.
Indigestion and irregularity of meals. Exercising at midday, Drugs especially
antibiotics.
Too much intellectual work/thinking. Alcohol, Fatigue.Anger,Hate fear, emotion.
Factors that increase kapha
Exposure to cold , eating too much sweet ,meat ,fats, cheese, milk, ice
cream, yogurt, fried food, excessive use of salt. Excessive intake of water
, taking naps after meals. Doing nothing .Sedative and tranquilizers. Doubts,
greed, and possessiveness. Lack of comapation
