Vata
Ether (Akasha) – Air (Vayu)
The term Vata comes from the Sanskrit word “vaayu” which means “what makes things happen.” It is often translated as WIND.
Composed of the 2 lightest and most subtle elements, it is considered the dosha having the most influence because it is the force behind the other 2 doshas that are unable to move without it.
He is responsible for all somatic activities and sensations.
It governs all nerve functions. It is the intelligence that perceives through the organs of the senses (temperature, sweetness, etc.) and that converts these perceptions into psychological data and then directs the appropriate response through the organs of action.
It is responsible for all movements of the mind and body, the organization of the body cells, the movement of air in our lungs, the movement of blood in the blood system, the thoughts of the mind.
It is responsible for the balance between thoughts and emotions and gives rise to creativity, activity and clear understanding.
Because VATA regulates the nervous processes involved in movement, thoughts, emotions, nutrition, drinking, elimination and our overall functioning, its disorder can often have very serious consequences.
He is responsible for the origin, maintenance and destruction of Life.
Pitta
Fire (Tejas) – Water (Apa)
The term Pitta comes from the Sanskrit word “tapa” which means “heat or heat.” It is often translated as FIRE.
He presides over all the chemical and metabolic transformations of the body as well as all the processes responsible for the production of heat. It mainly governs enzymes and hormones.
It governs our ability to digest both physical and psychological food (thoughts) as well as our ability to perceive the true nature of things. By increasing the metabolism of the brain it improves mental activities.
It is also responsible for skin pigmentation, hunger, thirst, sight, courage. It stimulates the intellect and creates enthusiasm and determination. It is also responsible for emotions such as joy, fear, courage or anger.
It increases catabolism (the reverse of anabolism) throughout the body as well as body temperature.
By increasing digestion and cellular activity it maintains health.
Kapha
Water (Apa) – Earth (Prithvi)
The term Kapha comes from the two letters “ka” and “pha” which mean “water” and “growing”. The word “shleshma” is a synonym for kapha and derives from the Sanskrit word “shlish” which means “what holds things together, embrace”. It is often translated as WATER or mud.
It is the force that provides structure to everything from the atom to the skeleton.
It gives strength, stability and endurance, physical and psychological, and it is responsible for human feelings such as love, compassion, forgiveness, loyalty or patience.
It is also responsible for the immune system and disease resistance.
Its energy is at the origin of the body’s ability to self-heal and repair processes.
He is responsible for the growth and development of the body.
It also acts as a regulator to control the two Vata and Pitta energies in order to avoid excessive activity on their part.
It brings stability between body, mind and soul as well as resistance. It is the energy that governs the formation of cells and tissues of the body that are constantly destroyed and renewed (anabolism).
The quality of the Brain’s Kapha molecules, which is the seat of the Spirit (Manas), gives rise to a Sattvic or Tamasic personality.
