Tridosha

The most fundamental and characteristic principle of Ayurveda is called “Tridosha” or the Three Humors.
All matter is thought to he composed of five basic elements ( panchamahabhutas ) which exhibit the properties of earth (prithvi), water (jala), fire (tejas), wind (vayu) and space (akasha).

The structural aspect of our body is made up of five elements, but the functional aspect of the body is governed by three biological humors. Doshas are to be seen as all pervasive, subtle entities, Vata regulates movement and is represented by the nervous system. Pitta is the principle of bio transformation and is the cause of all metabolic processes in the body. Kapha is the principle of cohesion and functions through the body fluids. In every person these three doshas differ in permutations and combinations and thereby determine the physiologic constitution (Prakriti) of an individual. Vata, pitta and kapha are distinctly present in every individual and express in each human being differently according to predominance of their different qualities.

VATA – The Air or Nerve System Humor

Vata dosha predominates, movement and change are characteristic of your nature. You tend to always be on the go, with an energetic and creative mind. As long as Vata is in balance, you will be lively and enthusiastic, with a lean body.
vata is dry, light, cold, mobile, active, clear, astringent, and it is dispersing. Vata season is autumn, time of day is afternoon and early morning.

VATA -Types and their Functions: 

Vatadosha is further divided into 5 types according to it’s seat and the different functions it carries
• Prana Vata : Governs the senses, creative thinking, reasoning, enthusiasm,
• Udana Vata : Governs quality of voice, memory, movements of thought
• Samana Vata : Governs movement of food through digestive tract
• Apana Vata : Elimination of wastes, sexual function, menstrual cycle
• Vyana Vata : Governs blood flow, heart rhythm, perspiration, sense of touch

PITTA – The Fire Humor

Basically, pitta is the transformative force that breaks down everything and turns it into fuel to sustain life. Pitta governs the summertime, when everything is bright and active.

Pitta has hot, sharp, light, liquid, sour, oily and spreading qualities. Pitta has a strong smell, like a fleshy smell, and has a sour or bitter taste.

Pitta -Types and their Functions

• Alochaka Pitta : Controls functioning of the eyes
• Bhrajaka Pitta : Responsible for healthy glow of the skin
• Sadhaka Pitta : Controls desire, drive, decisiveness, spirituality
• Pachaka Pitta : Responsible for digestion, assimilation, metabolism for healthy nutrients and tissues
• Ranjaka Pitta : Responsible for healthy, toxin-free blood

Kapha

Kapha is essentially composed out of earth and water components. It is heavy, slow, cool, sleek, smooth, delicate, thick, stable, gross, and cloudy. Kapha provides structure and robustness to all things; it gives the cohesiveness needed to maintain a particular form. Kapha additionally hydrates all cells and frameworks, lubricates the joints, saturates the skin, maintains immunity and safeguards the tissues. Kapha is often associated with water energy, and with love and compassion.

The kapha body is physically solid, compact and wide with extensive thighs, hips, bums, and chest and has a tendency to be perpetually overweight. Kapha types ordinarily have large, appealing eyes that are blue or dark in color. Their skin is fair, cool and always glowing. Kapha hair is thick, extravagant, and abundant, typically blond or dark, and wavy. Kapha individuals tend to over-produce mucus and other milky secretions, and their voices are delicate, regularly obstructed by excess mucus. Kapha types are extremely elegant, have a natural, erotic sensuality about them, and are generally very fertile.

Heavy, slow, cool, oily, liquid, dense, thick, static and cloudy qualities. These are the important qualities of kapha, and kapha is sweet and salty.

Kapha – Types and their Functions : 

• Tarpaka Kapha : Responsible for moisture for nose, mouth, eyes and brain 
• Bhodaka Kapha : Governs Sense of taste, which is essential for good digestion 
• Kledaka Kapha : Controls moisture of the stomach and intestinal mucosal lining 
• Avalambaka Kapha : Protects the heart, strong muscles, healthy lungs 
• Sleshaka Kapha : Lubricates the joints,Keeps skin soft and supple.