According to Ayurveda, “Types of Doshas” define each individual’s unique body constitution that is known to shape our health, personality, and well-being. The three types of doshas shape (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) our unique behavior, thought patterns, and physiological functions.

Usually the imbalance in these three doshas lead to physiological and psychological ailments that need balancing for the body and mind to stay in harmony. Hence, understanding your doshas is the key to unlocking the healthier version of you, which is possible through AYURVEDA!

Insights on Types of Doshas

Understanding Vata Dosha

One of the three energies that governs not only our physiology but also our psychology is Vata. Are you one of the body types that struggles to gain weight or feel too cold and anxious? If yes, you can be dominated by the Vata dosha. Let’s dissect this one of the types of doshas in depth to understand it completely.

Vata is the air and space element in the body according to Ayurveda, governing breathing, nerve impulses, circulation, creativity, and elimination. In simple words, Vata is light (Laghu), dry (Raghu), cold (Sheeta), clear (Vishada), rough, and mobile qualities (Chala) that influence our body’s functions. 

Mostly active during old age, the monsoon and early winter seasons, Vata predominates and determines the behaviour of the body. 

Types of Vata (Pancha Vata Subdoshas)

•  Prana Vata – Located in the head, brain, and chest, this Vata governs breathing, swallowing, sensory perception, and consciousness. Since, this subdosha is responsible for mental clarity and decision making, the imbalance in this dosha leads to anxiety, insomnia, breathlessness, confusion, and neurological disorders. 

• Udana Vata – Responsible for self-expression, energy, and willpower, Udana Vata is located in the chest, throat, and diaphragm. Its imbalance leads to weak voice, chronic cough, fatigue, loss of motivation, and thyroid issues. It can be balanced by the consumption of honey, turmeric, and practicing mantra chanting and breathing exercises. 

• Samana Vata – This subdosha works in coordination with Agni (digestive fire) to ensure proper metabolism and is located in the stomach and intestines. It regulates digestion, movement of food, and absorption of nutrients. Also, the imbalance of Samana Vata leads to bloating, irregular appetite, and acid reflux. Warm meals, herbal teas, and abhyangam massage helps in balancing it. 

• Vyana Vata – Controls heartbeat, reflexes, and muscle contraction and is located in heart, blood vessels, and muscles. The imbalance of Vyana Vata leads to cold extremities, palpitations, excessive sweating, poor blood circulation, and joint pain. 

• Apana Vata – This subdosha plays a vital role in fertility, reproductive health, and detoxification and its imbalance leads to constipation, irregular menstruation, PCOS, urinary disorders, and lower back pain. For balancing, a health seeker should consume a fiber-rich diet, Triphala, maintain proper hydration, and practice yoga.  

Causes of Vata Imbalance (Vata Vriddhi)

Out of the three types of doshas, Vata aggravation happens due to the following reasons – 

• Irregularity in the lifestyle like excess travel, skipping meals, waking up late at night leads to Vata imbalance. 
• Excessive fasting and high consumption of cold, dry, and light foods like processed foods, and raw vegetables. 
• Overthinking, fear, stress, and worry leads to excessive mental activity and problems related to Vata imbalance.
• Intense exercise, movement, or yoga.

Symptoms of Vata Imbalance 

In health seekers where Vata is aggravated, they experience – 

• Anxiety, restlessness, mood swings, forgetfulness are some of the mental disturbances. 
• Digestive issues like gas, bloating, constipation, irregular digestions, and more. 
• Physical symptoms like dry skin, joint pain, cracking bones, excessive weight loss, etc. 
• Insomnia, light sleep, and waking up late at night.
• Weak immunity includes frequent colds, dry throat, and dehydration. 

How to Balance Vata Dosha?

Vata dosha is one of the three types of doshas that should be balanced to lead an ailment-free life. Some of the life-alterations are – 

• Consuming a Vata-pacifying diet that includes warm, moist, grounding foods like Ghee, warm milk, soups, stews, and root vegetables. Also, have sweet, sour, and salty foods to nourish and lubricate. Include ginger, licorice, cinnamon, and fennel herbal drinks to your daily schedule. 

• Adapt Vata lifestyle practices like fixed waking up and sleeping times to maintain a proper Dinacharya. Health seekers should use Sesame oil for self-massage (Abhyangam). Additionally, individuals should practise gentle yoga and meditation. (slow and grounding postures) The Dinacharya should include taking warm baths and steam therapy to relax the muscles. 

• Health seekers should include herbal remedies for Vata pacification. Herbs like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Triphala, and Dashmool help in balancing the Vata imbalance. 

Understanding Kapha

One of the three types of doshas that governs stability, strength, and nourishment in our body is Kapha Dosha. Do you gain weight easily, feel sluggish, or struggle with congestion? If yes, you may have a dominant Kapha Dosha. Let’s understand deeply about this dosha to know its nature, effects, and balance.

Kapha represents the earth and water elements in the body, providing structure, lubrication, and endurance. It governs growth, immunity, joint lubrication, and emotional calmness. In simple words, Kapha is heavy (Guru), slow (Manda), cool (Sheeta), oily (Snigdha), smooth (Sulakshana), stable (Sthira), and dense (Sandra) qualities that influence both body and mind.

Kapha predominates in childhood, winter, and early spring, making individuals more prone to sluggish digestion, respiratory congestion, and water retention.

Types of Doshas: Kapha Subdoshas

1. Avalambaka Kapha

• Located in the lungs, heart, and chest, it provides moisture and support to respiratory and circulatory functions. Also, Kapha imbalance leads to chronic cough, asthma, congestion, mucus accumulation, and heart problems.
• Warm soups, honey, ginger tea, and pranayama help balance it.

2. Kledaka Kapha

• Resides in the stomach and digestive tract, protecting the stomach lining and aiding digestion. Slow digestion, excessive salivation, nausea, and indigestion are some of the predominant signs of its imbalance.
• Bitter, pungent, and astringent foods, along with warm herbal teas, can pacify it.

3. Bodhaka Kapha

• Responsible for taste perception and moisture in the mouth, Bodhaka Kapha is found in the tongue and throat. A health seeker experiences loss of taste, excessive saliva, bad breath, and throat infections due to its imbalance.
• Gargling with warm turmeric water and using spices like clove and cinnamon help balance it.

4. Tarpaka Kapha

• Its imbalance leads to brain fog, dullness, depression, and sinus congestion. Speaking about solutions, Nasya therapy (nasal oil application), Brahmi, and meditation are beneficial.

5. Shleshaka Kapha

• Regular exercise, dry brushing, and warming herbs like turmeric support balance as its imbalance causes stiffness, heaviness, joint pain, and swelling. 

Causes of Kapha Imbalance (Kapha Vriddhi)

Like other types of doshas, Kapha aggravation occurs due to:

• Sedentary lifestyle – Excess sleep, lack of movement, and emotional lethargy.
• Heavy, oily, cold, and sweet foods – Health seekers who consume excessive dairy, fried foods, sugary, and processed meals are prone to Kapha imabalance.
• Cold weather – Kapha accumulates in winter and early spring.
• Emotional suppression – Holding onto emotions, attachment, and overindulgence in comfort.

Symptoms of Kapha Imbalance

When Kapha is excessive, health seekers experience:

• Physical sluggishness that includes weight gain, water retention, and excessive sleep.
• Congestion, mucus buildup, sinusitis, and allergies are some respiratory problems seen in a health seeker. 
• Digestive concerns – Slow metabolism, heaviness after meals, and nausea.
• Emotional dullness – Depression, lack of motivation, and resistance to change.

How to Balance Kapha?

To maintain a healthy balance of Kapha, one should:

Follow a Kapha-pacifying diet – Eat light, warm, dry, and spicy foods like soups, lentils, leafy greens, and warm herbal drinks (ginger, black pepper, cinnamon). Also, avoid excess dairy and sweets.

Stay active & energized – Regular exercise, dry brushing (Garshana), and sun exposure help reduce Kapha buildup. Additionally, breathing exercises like Kapalabhati are highly effective.

Regulate daily routine (Dinacharya) – Wake up early, avoid daytime naps, and engage in stimulating activities. Also, oil massage with mustard or dry herbs is beneficial.

Use herbal remedies – Trikatu (Ginger, Black Pepper, Pippali), Punarnava, and Triphala help regulate Kapha. Consuming these herbs helps in pacifying Kapha dosha. Additionally, hot water therapy improves metabolism.

By making these lifestyle adjustments, Kapha individuals can avoid stagnation and promote lightness, warmth, and vitality in their lives. 

Pitta Dosha: The Fire Within

One of the three types of doshas that governs metabolism, digestion, and transformation in our body is Pitta Dosha. If you often feel overheated, experience acidity, or get irritated easily, your Pitta might be high. Let’s explore this dosha to understand its nature, effects, and how to maintain balance.

What is Pitta?

Pitta is the combination of fire and water elements, controlling digestion, body temperature, and intelligence. It is responsible for metabolism, vision, skin health, and emotional balance. Pitta has the following qualities:

• Hot (Ushna) – Generates heat in the body
• Sharp (Tikshna) – Quick digestion and intelligence
• Oily (Snigdha) – Keeps skin and digestion smooth
• Light (Laghu) – Easy absorption of nutrients
• Intense (Sara) – Strong emotions and energy
• Liquid (Drava) – Governs body fluids like blood and bile

Pitta predominates in adulthood, summer, and midday, making individuals more prone to acidity, heat-related issues, and emotional intensity.

Types of Doshas: Pitta Subdoshas

Just like other types of doshas, Pitta is further divided into five subdoshas, each playing a vital role in health.

• Pachaka Pitta (Digestive Fire)
  • Located in the stomach and intestines, regulating digestion and metabolism.
  • Imbalance causes acidity, ulcers, and bloating.
  • Cooling foods like fennel, coriander, and coconut water help balance it.

• Ranjaka Pitta (Blood & Liver Health)
  • Found in the liver, spleen, and blood, responsible for detoxification and skin health.
  • Imbalance leads to jaundice, anemia, and skin rashes.
  • Bitter herbs like neem and aloe vera support it.

• Sadhaka Pitta (Mind & Emotions)
  • Resides in the brain and heart, influencing clarity, emotions, and memory.
  • Imbalance results in stress, anger, and mood swings.
  • Meditation, Brahmi, and Ashwagandha bring calmness.

• Alochaka Pitta (Vision & Perception)
  • Governs eyesight and perception, located in the eyes.
  • Imbalance causes eye strain, dryness, and sensitivity.
  • Triphala, ghee, and rose water improve eye health.

• Bhrajaka Pitta (Skin & Glow)
  • Controls skin complexion, temperature, and radiance.
  • Imbalance leads to acne, inflammation, and rashes.
  • Applying sandalwood, rose, and aloe vera cools the skin.

Causes of Pitta Imbalance (Pitta Vriddhi)

Like other types of doshas, Pitta can go out of balance due to:

• Spicy, oily, and fried foods – Increase heat and acidity in a health seeker
• Overexposure to the sun – Aggravates internal fire
• Emotional stress – Anger, frustration, and competition raise Pitta
• Irregular meals – Skipping meals worsens Pitta imbalance. Hence never skip a meal, especially breakfast. 

Signs of Excess Pitta

• Digestive issues – Acidity, heartburn, and loose stools
• Skin problems – Acne, rashes, and redness
• Emotional irritability – Anger, impatience, and overthinking
• Excess body heat – Sweating, overheating, and inflammation

How to Balance Pitta?

• Follow a cooling diet – Eat fresh, cooling, and hydrating foods like cucumbers, coconut, sweet fruits, and ghee. Avoid excess spices and oily foods.
• Maintain a soothing routine – Avoid direct sun exposure, practice calming activities, and follow a structured lifestyle.
• Practice cooling exercises – Gentle yoga, meditation, and cooling pranayama (Sheetali, Sheetkari) help reduce heat.
• Use herbal remedies – Herbs like Brahmi, Guduchi, Amalaki, and rose calm Pitta naturally.
• Hydrate properly – Drink plenty of water and herbal infusions to keep body heat in check.

By making these lifestyle adjustments, Pitta individuals can enjoy radiance, vitality, and mental clarity while avoiding excessive heat and irritability.

Balance the Doshas in the Lap of Nature

Balancing the three doshas Vata, Pitta, and Kapha is essential for good health. At Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam, we help restore this balance through classical Ayurvedic treatments that detoxify, heal, and rejuvenate the body. 

Our expert and senior Ayurvedic doctors, therapists, and paramedical staff follow authentic classical Panchakarma therapies to treat ailments and promote overall well-being.

VVAC offers a peaceful healing experience with:

• A serene hilltop location surrounded by nature
• Experienced Ayurvedic doctors and personalized care
• Organic and sattvic meals for nourishment
• Daily yoga and meditation sessions
• A calm and refreshing environment for deep healing

Come to VVAC and experience true Ayurvedic wellness. Call today at 7901778899 and book a slot today to take a considerable step towards holistic wellness.