Tridosha

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The tridosha theory is one of the essential theories of yoga therapy, as it defines the concept of the body.

This theory is based on the pancha kosha and shadvimshati tattva theories. The principles of physiology and pathology in ayurveda are based upon the theory of tridosha.

According to this theory, vata, pitta and kapha are the three doshas (subtle energies) that if balanced, help to protect the body and maintain a state of wellbeing.

Inversely, if the tridoshas are unbalanced, we suffer from a number of diseases.

Acharya Vagbhat discusses the importance of tridoshas,

"Viragadanaviksepaih samo suryalinasthatha |
Dharayanti jagaddheham kapha pittanilasthatha" ||

Meaning: The moon, sun and wind are maintaining the balance of the world through energy generation, energy utilization and energy distribution. The same is true of kapha, pitta and vata in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the body.

Vata plays a major role, as it can move on its own, and also helps in the movement of kapha and pitta, both of which cannot move independently. Pitta helps in metabolism including digestion, and kapha helps in the maintenance and integrity of body tissues.

The doshas are materials present in the body at all times; they have their own definite quantity (pramana), quality (guna), and functions (karma).

The tridoshas are concerned with the body; hence, they are called saririka (bodily) doshas. In their normal state, the doshas maintain different functions of the body. However, they have a tendency to become abnormal due to an increase or decrease in their quantity, or due to one or more of their qualities and functions being modified. When the doshas become abnormal, they disturb their places of dwelling; due to this tendency, they are called doshas.

Doshas are present in every cell of the body, and attend to its different functions. They are found predominantly in certain places, vata in the area below the umbilicus (navel), pitta in between the heart and the umbilicus; and kapha in the area above the heart. The doshas increase or decrease in quantity depending upon many factors, both external and internal.

The Effect of Doshas in the Body:

An imbalance in vata leads to an irregular appetite. A disturbed pitta dosha gives one an excessive appetite, and an imbalance in kapha leads to a normal appetite. Sensitivity of the abdominal chambers is below average, above average and average for vata, pitta and kapha respectively. When the tridoshas are in equilibrium, the appetite is normal and sensitivity of the abdominal chambers is average.

Effects of Age and Time On Doshas