Tridosha

According to Ayurveda, human body stands firmly on three major roots; viz. Dosha, Dhatu, Mala. There are three dosha called Tridosha.

                                                  TRIDOSHA

                      Tridosha (three Dosha) are principal components of body.

They are Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Meaning of the word ‘ Dosha ‘ :

                 one which in state of imbalance creates abnormalities i.e. ‘Vikriti ‘

They are also called ‘ Dhatu ‘ – which means

                 which in state of balance maintains equilibrium in body i.e.

 ‘ Prakriti ‘ .              

Inborn Prakriti of human :

       At the time of conception, predominance of one or two or all Tridosha  present in sperm and ovum are responsible for determining the Prakriti  of foetus. One shows the characters of his inborn Prakriti , not just physically but psychologically too. The balance of Tridosha at the time of conception reflects as a superior one for a healthy long life.

Characteristics and functions of Prakrit Dosha (normal Dosha) :

Vata -  is dry, light-weighted, fine, mobile. Only Vata can reach   

             anywhere in body. It can make other components move.                           

Pitta - is mild smooth, strong, hot, light-weighted, distensible, liquid.

              It is responsible for warmth in body.

Kapha - is smoother ,cool ,heavy ,slow ,sticky ,thick. It gives firmness,

              smoothness and tolerance.

Area of dominance :

Though Vata ,Pitta and Kapha occupy whole body,

major area of dominance of Vata is below umbilicus ,

that of Pitta is in between umbilicus and heart

and of Kapha is above heart. This explains their mode of action acccording to their characters in their area i.e. walking ,expelling out unwanted products through anus ,urehra etc. due to Vata whereas  digestion by Pitta , intellect by Kapha.

Period of dominance :

                    In the length of lifetime, childhood is under influence of Kapha, middle young age under Pitta and Vata in older. This denotes the reason of normal and abnormal happenings in particular age , e.g. soft skin, tender and smooth body parts, cool attitude in childhood, aggressive nature in young  middle age, variant and inconsistent characters in elderly age.

Similarly, at the end, middle and beginning of day and night Vata, Pitta, Kapha are predominant.

Most powerful Dosha :

                 Vata is considered a potential property which commands and controls all the activities by other components at the micro and macro levels.  It is very quick and independent, but holds power to make other Dosha dhatu and mala abnormal . Therefore, diseases due to Vata are more than that of others. That’s why it is strongest of all.

Practical approach :

Dosha play a vital role in any given condition of body. All the body activities are under the influence of tridosha. So, while treating the diseased, rules of treatment are positioned appropriately according to dosha. e.g. do’s and don’t’s, medicines, time of ingestion of medicines changes according to upsurge of dosha.