Types & Function of Tridosha Describing Modern Medicine

Pancha Mahabuttas and the Tridosha theory

Two of the fundamental theories in Ayurveda are those of Pancha Mahabuttas and the Tridoshatheory.

As humans, we have five sense organs and can therefore perceive the world in five distinct ways via our ears, skin, eyes, tongue and nose. Each of these perceives a particular form of external energy and absorbs it into the human body. The five energies or elements as perceived by the five senses are known as the Pancha Mahabuttas or five elements:

• Akasha (ether)
• Vayu (air)
• Tejas (fire)
• Jala (water)
• Prithvi (earth)

All matter is considered to have been composed of these five elements but only living matter has the three doshas or tridosha - the three forces which govern all biological processes.

The term ‘dosha’ (medical humour) denotes ‘that which darkens or causes things to decay’ implying that when out of balance; the doshas trigger the disease process. The names of the three doshas are vata, pitta, and kapha.

The doshas are the three primary energetic principles which regulate all physiological and psychological process in the living organism. From the most rudimentary cellular process to the most complex aspects of biological functionality, the doshas regulate everything that occurs, changes and decays. A harmonious state between the doshas results in homeostasis which is the required foundation for good health and a disharmonious imbalance results in a variety of signs and symptoms. In all, the interplay among them determines the objective condition of the living being – including us.

Each dosha is a synergy of two Mahabutas (elements) and interestingly enough - each receives its specificity from these elements. The elements – ether and air combine to form vata. Fire and water form pitta while water and earth constitute kapha. Therefore vata has the mobile characteristic of air and ether; pitta acquires the energy of fire while kapha inherits the stability of the earth.

Elemental Composition of the three doshas:

Basics of Vata

Vata, composed of air, governs all movement in the mind and body and must be kept in good balance. Too much vata leads to worries, insomnia, cramps and constipation. It controls blood flow, elimination of wastes, breathing and the movement of thoughts across the mind. It is also responsible for the activation of the nervous system, hearing and speech; and expresses as enthusiasm and creativity. Vata also controls the other two principles, Pitta and Kapha, and is usually the first cause of disease. Another word for Vata is Vayu - it is the more traditional Sanskrit word for air.

During the fall season, vata dosha is most predominant. Made up of the ether and air elements, vata is the mobile force of the universe which inspires all activity and movement inside and outside of the body. Prana, the vital life force, is the pure essence of vata.  Vata governs physical movement, circulation, communication, mental activity, sensory perception, motor function, respiration, heart function and all nervous system impulses.  Enthusiasm, joy, clarity and creativity are a few of the psychological roles vata plays. 

The key qualities of vata and fall alike are dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, mobile and clear.   When these qualities are in a balanced state, the vata person experiences excellent health, stability, creativity and freedom.  Ruled by the subtle body, the vata person has the greatest potential for attaining a spiritual life and experiencing love and sensuality on a spiritual plane.  Full of imagination, these individuals tend to possess an alert, excited and impulsive disposition.  Vata is derived from the root word “to move”, and this is what vata individuals do very well!  They enjoy exercise, adventure, travel and continual stimulation.   They favor professions involving travel, change and flexibility.  They tend to make money quickly but spend it quickly.  Vata people are blessed with the gift of gab.  The vata type is naturally light and delicate with dry eyes and skin.  With irregular appetites and thirst, vatas often experience digestive and absorption problems.

During the fall season, due to the higher level of air and ether elements in the environment, vata people become more susceptible to air related ailments.  When the vata qualities accumulate within the body and mind due to wrong diet, lifestyle and season, vata accumulates and begins to manifest various imbalances.  Vata imbalances may manifest within the body as constipation, flatulence, dry skin, insomnia, arthritis or sciatica.  When out of balance emotionally, the light quality of vata provokes fear, anxiety, loneliness and insecurity.  Special care must be taken in order for them to remain grounded, warm and confident.  In general, to balance vata, we learn to apply its opposite qualities to any given imbalance.  For example, if a vata person is experiencing increased dry quality in their body, we will encourage them to utilize moistening, warming and nourishing foods, remedies and practices.

Harmonizing vata during the cool, dry fall season requires observing life from a grounded and compassionate approach.  Here are some practical suggestions for balancing the vata person during the seasonal changes that occur in fall and early winter:

• Upon awakening, do some gentle yoga asanas, including the Sun Salutation, Tree, Cat-Cow, Thunderbolt, Cobra, Rabbit and Yoga Mudra. The emphasis throughout your practice can be on softening your lower abdominal cavity, grounding your feet into the earth, building strength and stability and allowing yourself sufficient rest after your practice.

• Observe deep breathing throughout your yoga practice.  Continuous use of Ujjayi Pranayama as well as Full Yogic Breath will enhance focus and ground you into the poses.  Alternate Nostril breathing can also be practiced.

• Follow your breathing exercises with some peaceful meditation. A regular meditation practice assists in quieting, centering and grounding the active vata mind.  So-Hum meditation is favorable for the vata individual.

• Give yourself a slow and loving full body massage before taking a shower or bath.  As a base, use sesame oil, this is warming and deeply nourishing.  Essential oils of jatamamsi, ginger, lavender or rosewood can be added to further enhance healing benefits.

• Drink a warm tea of fresh ginger, cardamom and cinnamon to warm the body and enhance circulation and digestion.

• Wear clothing that is of soft in texture and warm in color.  Excellent choices would be cotton, linen and wool of red, orange and yellow shades.   Blues, greens and blacks can further increase the vata that is present.

• Eat foods that are warming, grounding, predominately cooked, sweet, salty and sour and in season.   Avocados, bananas, mangoes, peaches, lemons, asparagus, carrots, beets, pumpkins, quinoa, mung beans, almonds, sesame seeds and ghee are a few excellent food choices for a vata person.  Sipping warm water and herbal teas throughout the day enhances warmth and hydration.  Vatas love to graze throughout the day.  Due to their variable appetite, it is favorable for them to create a routine around eating.

• Enjoy regular, relaxing and peaceful walks in Nature to calm the mobile body and active mind so familiar to vatas.  Other great activities for vata people include gardening, creating art and music and journaling.  Be sure to follow all activities with a sufficient rest period. 

The Vata Individual

Qualities	Manifestation in the Body
Dry	Dry skin, hair, lips & tongue; dry colon, tendency toward constipation; hoarse voice.
Light	Light muscles, bones, thin body frame; light, scanty sleep; tendency to be underweight.
Cold	Cold hands & feet; poor circulation; hates clod and loves hot; stiffness of muscles.
Rough	Rough cracked skin, nails, hair, teeth, hands and feet; cracking joints.
Subtle	Subtle fear, anxiety & insecurity; fine goose pimples; minute muscle twitching, fine tremors; delicate body.
Mobile	Fast walking & talking; doing many things at once; restless eyes, eyebrows, hands & feet; unstable joints; many drams; loves travelling but dose not stay long at one place; swinging moods, shaky faith, scattered  mind.
Clear	Clairvoyant; understands immediately and forgets immediately; clear, empty mind; experiences void and loneliness.
Astringent	Dry choking sensation in the throat; hiccough, burping; loves oily foods & mushy soups; craves sweet, sour and salty tastes; tendency toward constipation.

Vata is divided into five types depending upon the site and specificity of its action.These are:

1]  Prana - the main location in the head and controls the five senses
2]  Udana - it is located in the chest region and controls speech and intellect
3]  Vyana – it is situated in heart and controls all the voluntary body movements
4]  Samana – it is located in the stomach and controls digestion
5]  Apana - it is located in the anal region and controls the expulsion of semen,       menstrual blood, excreta and foetus.

At metaphysical level, it promotes the mental balance and comprehension.

Prana Vata

Prana is located in the head & moves in the chest, throat, supports the mind, heart, sense organs & intelligence and attends to expectoration, sneezing, bleaching, inspiration & swallowing of food.

v  In modern view Prana Vata is Functions of Bran & Cranial Autonomic System.

                 

                   

Udana Vata

The chest is the seat of udana .it moves in the nose, umbilicus & throat. It’s functions are initiation of speech, effort, enthusiasm, strength (capacity of work), colour (complexion) & memory (awareness).

v  In modern view udana Vata is Functions of Bran, Pranada (10) nadi & recurrent laryngeal nerve.

              

                   

Vyana Vata

Vyana is located in the hear, moves all over the body in great speed, attends to function such as walking, bringing the body parts downwards, lifting the body parts upward, opening and closing of the eyes. Generally all the activities concerned with the body.

v  In modern view vyana vata is Functions of Cerebral spinal nervous system.

Samana Vata

Samana is located near the fire (digestive activity), moves in the koshta (elementary track & other abdomen viscera) with holds the food in the (elementary track for some time), cooks (helps cooking/ digestion) separates the eliminates (waste).

v  In modern view samana vata is Functions of Pranada (10) nadi.                       

Apana Vata

Apana is located in the large intestine, bladder genitals & thighs, attends to the functions such as elimination of semen menstrual fluid, faeces, urine & fetus.

v  In modern view Apana vata is Functions of Sacral Autonomic System & Para-Sympathetic System.

Basics of Pitta

Pitta is said to be composed of fire and water; it governs all heat, metabolism and transformation in the mind and body. It controls how we digest food, how we metabolize our sensory perceptions, and how we discriminate between right and wrong. Pitta must be kept in balance, too. Too much it can lead to anger, criticism, ulcers, rashes and thinning hair. A balanced Pitta mind makes one a good leader with a warm personality.

Pitta is made up of the two elements fire and water.

The most revered ayurvedic text, the Charaka Samhita, defines the characteristics of Pitta dosha: hot and a little unctuous (sahasnehamushnam); sharp, burning (tikshnam); liquid and acidic (dravamlam); always flowing in an unbounded manner (saram); pungent and sharp (katuhu). Pitta contains fire, but it also contains water. It is the source of the flame, but not the flame itself. Compare Pitta to gasoline--it is not hot to the touch, but it can be the source of flames.

People with more Pitta in their constitutions tend to be of medium proportions, with a frame that is neither petite nor heavy, warm skin that is very fair or ruddy and may be sensitive, and fine hair that tends towards premature graying or thinning. They are sharp and determined in thought, speech and action.

There is an element of purpose to their step, intensity to their voice. Ambition is usually their second name. They are moderate sleepers and gravitate towards

Cooler environments. Self-confidence and an entrepreneurial spirit are hallmarks of balanced Pitta.

If your prakriti or original constitution has more Pitta in it, you will exhibit many of the characteristics and qualities of Pitta when you are in balance than people who have more Vata or Kapha in their make-up. And that's natural. But if the qualities become extreme, or more pronounced than usual at a given time, then the Pitta in you has in all likelihood become aggravated or imbalanced, and needs to be brought back into balance. And if a predominantly Kapha or Vata person starts exhibiting many Pitta qualities that indicates a Pitta imbalance in that Kapha or Vata body type. In both cases, it is then time to follow a Pitta-balancing diet and lifestyle to help restore the level of Pitta in the physiology to its normal proportion.

Factors that can cause Pitta dosha to increase in the physiology include a diet that contains too many hot or spicy foods, fasting or skipping meals, over-exposure to the sun or to hot temperatures, and emotional trauma.

The Pitta Individual

Qualities	Manifestation in the Body
Hot	Good digestive fire; strong appetite; body temperature tends to be higher than average; hates heat; tendency toward grey hair with receding hairline or baldness; soft brown hair on the body & face.
Sharp	Sharp teeth, distinct eyes, pointed nose, tapering chin,     heart-shaped face; good absorption & digestion; sharp memory & understanding; irritable; probing mind.
Light	Light/medium body frame; does not tolerate bright light; fair shiny skin, bright eyes.
Oily	Soft oily skin, hair & feces; sensitive to deep-fried food (which may cause headache).
Liquid	Loose liquid stools; soft delicate muscles; excess urine, sweat & thirst.
Spreading	Rashes, hives, acne, inflammation all over the body or on certain areas; wants to spread his name & fame all over the country.
Sour	Sour acid stomach, acidic pH; sensitive teeth; excess salivation.
Bitter	Bitter taste in the mouth; nausea; vomiting; repulsion toward bitter taste; cynical.
Pungent	Heartburn, burning sensation in general; strong feelings of anger & hate.
Yellow	Yellow eyes, skin, urine & faces; jaundice; overproduction of bile; yellow colour aggravates.

Pitta is divided in five types: 

1]  Pachak  – it is located in the duodenum with the major function being the digestion of food
2]  Ranjak  – it is located in the stomach and forms blood or Rakta
3]  Sadhak  – it is located in the heart and controls the proficiencies of the mind such as intellect,
4]  Aalochak – it is situated in the eyes that provides vision
5]  Bhrajak  – it is located in the skin that imparts pigment to skin.

Metaphysically, it rules our ability to perceive ideas and impressions and supposedly stimulates the intellect.

Pachaka Pitta

That which is located in the interior of the Pakvasaya(large intestine) & amasaya(stomach & small intestine).

Though it is composed of (predominance qualities of) tejas bhuta.

It is devoid of liquidity (though it is a liquid it does not posses). Snigha (viscidity) sita (coolant) such other properties of its function of paka (digestion & transformation of foud materials)

It cooks the food, divides it into essence & waste separately, being localized there, it’s bestows grace (help) to the other pitta present in the dhutus by giving them strength (power of functioning) this is known as pachaka pitta.

v  In modern view Pachaka Pitta helps to Metabolism in all over the body.

v   Pachaka Pitta included in Acid & Alkaline.

Ranjaka pitta

Ranjaka pitta is located in the amasaya (stomach). It is imparts red colour to rasa (& converts it to rakta, the next dhatu)

v  In modern view Red colour of the Red blood cell create by Hemoglobin. But there are parts of pitta in Rakta.

Sadhaka Pitta

Sadhaka pitta is located in the heart .it is attends to (mental) Functions.

Such as knowledge intelligence, self consciousness etc, thereby helping the purpose (aims) of life.

v  In modern view sadhaka pitta is Functions of Thairoid gland.

Alochaka pitta 

Alochaka pitta is located in the eyes. It helps seeing the form (of all things).

v  In modern view Alochaka pitta is Functions of Visual purple .Vitamin a helps to Create Visual purple.

Bhrajaka Pitta

Bhrajaka pitta is located in the skin. It helps exhibition of colour & complexion.

It keeps the skin warm & is responsible for its normal complexion. It also helps in the digestion of medicaments applied externally to the skin.

v  In modern view Bhrajaka pitta is Histamine. Constriction & Dilation of blood vessels is function of Histamine. It helps to absorb lotion into skin.

v  Colour of the skin creates by Melanin.  

   

Basics of Kapha

Kapha is the watery humour. It cements the elements in the body, providing the material for physical structure and maintains the body resistance by lubricating the joints; providing moisture to the skin, helping to heal the wounds, filling the spaces in the body; giving the biological strength, vigor and stability, supporting memory retention and giving the energy to the heart and lungs. In all it maintains immunity.

Kapha is also responsible for emotions of attachment, greed and long-standing envy; it is also expressed in tendencies toward calmness, forgiveness and love. Too much Kapha leads to lethargy and weight gain, as well as congestion and allergies.

Kapha is made up of the two elements water and earth.

The most revered ayurvedic text, the Charaka Samhita, defines the characteristics of Kapha dosha: heavy--both water and earth are heavy elements (guru); cold (sheetoha); soft (mridu); unctuous, offering lubrication (snigdha); sweet (madhura); stability, offering immunity (sthira); and slippery (tikshila).

People with more Kapha in their constitutions tend to be of larger proportions, with a robust frame and padded joints, thick smooth skin that may tend towards oiliness, and rich, wavy hair. They are stable and calm in thought, speech and action, and are easy-going and supportive in relationships. There is an element of steadiness to their step, a quality of serenity in their smile. Loyalty is usually their second name. They are long, heavy sleepers and uncomfortable in damp, clammy environments. Calm and sweetness of disposition are hallmarks of balanced Kapha.


If your prakriti or original constitution has more Kapha in it, you will exhibit many of the characteristics and qualities of Kapha when you are in balance than people who have more Pitta or Vatain their make-up. And that's natural. But if the qualities become extreme, or more pronounced than usual at a given time, then the Kapha in you has in all likelihood become aggravated or imbalanced, and needs to be brought back into balance. And if a predominantly Vata or Pitta person starts exhibiting many Kapha qualities, which indicates a Kapha imbalance in that Vata or Pitta body type. In both cases, it is then time to follow a Kapha-balancing diet and lifestyle to help restore the level of Kapha in the physiology to its normal proportion.

Factors that can cause Kapha dosha to increase in the physiology include a diet that contains too many deep-fried, sweet or heavy foods, over-consumption of ice-cold foods or beverages, exposure to cold and damp, daytime sleep, and lack of exercise.

                              

The Kapha Individual

Qualities	Manifestations in the Body
Heavy	Heave bones & muscles; large body frame; tends to be overweight; grounded; deep heavy voice.
Slow	Walks & talks slowly; steady appetite & thirst with slow metabolism & digestion.
Cold	Cold clammy skin; repeated colds, congestion & cough; desire for sweets & cold drinks.
Oily	Oily skin, hair & feces; lubricated, unctuous joints & other organs.
Liquid	Congestive disorders; edema; excessive salivation; mucus.
Hard	Firmness & solidity of muscles; compact, condensed tissues.
Smooth	Smooth skin; gentle, calm nature; smoothness of organs; smooth, gentle mind.
Dense	Dense pads of look; love, care, compassion, kindness & forgiveness.
Soft	Soft pleasing look; love, care, compassion, kindness & forgiveness.
Static	Loves sitting, sleeping and doing nothing.
Viscous	Viscous, sticky, cohesive quality causes compactness, firmness of joints, muscles, tissues and organs; loves to hug; is deeply attached in love & relationships.
Cloudy	Mind is cloudy and foggy the morning; often desires coffee as a stimulant to start the day.
Slimy	Excess salivation; slow digestion; attachment.
Sweet	Anabolic action of sweet taste stimulates sperm formation increasing quantity of semen; craving for sweets.
Salty	Helps digestion & growth; gives energy; maintains osmotic condition; craving for salt; water retention.

Kapha is divided in five types: 

1]  Avalambak – it is located in the chest and serves as lubricant for throat and heart
2]  Kledak - it is located in the stomach and assimilates food
3]  Tarpak – it is located in the head and controls intelligence
4]  Shleshak – it is present in all the joints and serves as lubricator
5]  Bodhak  - it is located in the tongue and perceives taste.

At a metaphysical level, it governs emotions including love, compassion, forgiveness, loyalty and patience.

Avalambaka Kapha

That at which is located in the chest & trika (the meeting place of shoulder, neck & back) by it own power & the power of the essence of food (rasa) present in the heart.

It supports (the body) by functions of ap bhuta (such as cohesion, softness, moistness, liquidity etc.) & bestows strength to the seats of the other kapha hence called avalambaka salesman.

The pleural & pericardial fluids, the mucus secretions in the respiratory tact the interstitial fluid in the lungs, heart & mediastinum.

Kledaka Kapha

This is present in the stomach & is represented mainly by the mucus secretions in the gastrointestinal tract.

It moistens the food & spits the bolus of food into smaller parts.

v  In modern view kledaka kapha helps to digestion some of foods those foods are PTYALINE, AMYLASE, INVERTASE, MALTASE, and LACTASE.Tarpaka Kapha

That located in the head is known as Tarpaka, since it nourishes the sense organs.

v  In modern view Tarpaka kapha is C.S.F (cerebro spinal fluid). 

Sleshaka Kapha

That located in the joins (of bones) is known as Sleshaka because it lubricates the joints.

It provides nutrition to the ends of bones & prevents friction during joint movement.

Bodhaka Kapha

That located in the tongue is known as bodhaka for it helps taste perception is represented mainly by saliva.

It dose so by moistening the food & bringing the dissolved food particles in close contact with the taste buds.

In all, the three doshas govern all the strategic activities of our lives:

• Catatabolism (vata)
• Metabolism (pitta)
• Anabolism (kapha)

With excess vata dosha, we have a breakdown of the body’s natural defenses. Improper increase in kapha dosha results in abnormal growth, weight gain and unnatural ability to repair tissues and organs while excess pitta dosha may result in abnormal heat production and disturbing metabolism.

The doshas pervade the entire being encompassing the body, emotions and mind and determine according to their relative proportions, the constitutional type of the individual. Interestingly enough, individuals from each ‘type’ differ from one another in their capacity for immunity from disease, their emotional responses to a given environment, and even their mental characteristics.