Dosha

Dosha or Doscha ( doṣa ) is a central term in Ayurveda , which comes from Sanskrit and literally means "error", but can be translated as "that which can cause problems". The three doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha - are mistakenly called life energies. The doshas give people their individual constitution, and they regulate their physical and mental function. Each person is then born with his own constitution ( Prakriti ), i.e. a mixture of the three doshas that is unique to him. This is determined by the constitution of the parents as well as the time of conception and other factors.

The constitution (Prakriti) established at birth represents the individual norm of a balanced state for the respective person. One of the three doshas can definitely predominate, for example with a Vata constitution (see below). Only when the balance of the doshas is imbalanced in relation to the constitution , which can happen through bad habits, wrong nutrition, overwork, etc., does an unnatural, potentially disease-causing condition (Vikriti) arise and one becomes vulnerable.

In Ayurveda, the aim is to maintain the state of Prakriti. In the event of illness, Ayurveda treats the illness with regard to the constitution or an imbalanced Dosha, in such a way that the state of individual equilibrium is restored.

The three doshas

Vata

Vata (pronounced Wata ) comes from Sanskrit and means 'air, wind'. It is responsible for all movements in the body, both physical and mental.
Vata stands for the principle of lightness and change. As a cosmic connection it stands for the wind and the basic principle is change. The elements are ether and air and the influences are activity and movement. Vata is cold, flexible, dry, and penetrating.

The Vata type

very big or very small
slim, thin, delicate
elongated face, small eyes
irregular teeth and thinner lips
light weight and light build
dry skin, dry hair, curly hair
Veins clearly visible
prone to dry skin
freezes easily, especially on the hands and feet
enthusiastic, mentally very agile
does things quickly
has an aversion to cold and windy weather
irregular feeling of hunger and digestion, tendency to constipation
quick comprehension and good short-term memory
Tendency to worry and distress, and light and interrupted sleep
speaks quickly and often changes the subject
can't keep things in and hold out so well
promises a lot, but then can't keep
has many ideas but only finishes a few

Pitta

Pitta means "bile" and consists of the element fire. It is responsible for all biochemical activities, including the generation of heat. Pitta is related to the sun and the basic principle is transformation. It affects the metabolism. Pitta is hot and dry.

The Pitta type

medium build
approaches things at medium speed
works very systematically and organized
Aversion to heat
severe hunger and good digestion, can skip meals
medium comprehension and memory
good speaker
systematically reproduces what has been learned
enterprising and brave character
Tendency to be impatient and angry
precise and exact, tendency to perfection
easily excitable
prefers cold dishes and cool drinks
Tendency to freckles and birthmarks
loves staying in nature, sea, mountains
has to do sports to feel good
high hairline, tends to have a receding hairline and baldness early on

Kapha

Kapha (pronounced 'Ka-pha') consists of the elements water and earth, the basic principle is inertia. It stands for stability, that which is nourishing, caring, maternal and on a physical level it is responsible for everything solid such as bones, teeth and nails. Kapha is cool.

The Kapha type

stable and heavy build, tendency to be overweight
great strength and endurance
approaches things methodically and slowly
Tendency to have smooth and oily skin
low feeling of hunger and slow digestion
calm and steady personality
slow comprehension but good long-term memory
deep and long sleep
strong, rather dark hair
hard to upset
stands by his word, stay tuned
tends to be melancholy
takes things hard
tends to moan and does not enjoy moving around

Determination of the individual doshas

Anamnesis in Ayurveda includes determining the current state of the doshas, as many treatments depend on it. The Ayurveda doctor has many options available for this purpose, B. the pulse diagnosis or various information about physique, habits and preferences. A questionnaire is also generally used. There are several such questionnaires on the Internet with automatic evaluation and dosha determination. Such self-tests can reveal trends, but cannot replace professional diagnosis.