Understand
What Are the Three Doshas in Ayurveda?
The three doshas are the bio-energies of Ayurveda, yoga's sister science: Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (earth and water). Everyone has
The three doshas are the bio-energies of Ayurveda, yoga's sister science: Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (earth and water). Everyone has a unique blend, and Ayurveda sees health as keeping them in balance through food, routine and lifestyle suited to your constitution.
Vata governs movement, Pitta governs transformation and metabolism, and Kapha governs structure and stability. Your natural mix is your constitution (prakriti).
When a dosha goes out of balance, Ayurveda recommends counter-qualities — for example cooling foods and habits for excess Pitta — to bring you back toward equilibrium.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I know my dosha?
- Ayurveda determines it from physical and mental traits, ideally with a practitioner; online quizzes give a rough guide only.
- Can you have more than one dosha?
- Yes — most people are a blend, often with one or two dominant doshas.