In Ayurvedic philosophy, the five elements combine in parts to form three dynamic forces (interactions) called doshas. Dosha means ‘that which changes’ because doshas are constantly moving in dynamic balance, one with the others. Doshas are primary life forces or biological humors. They are only found in life forms (similar to the concepts of organic chemistry), and their dynamism is what makes life happen.
The five elements combine to create the three doshas (forces).
Vata (va-ta) is a force conceptually made up of the elements ether and air. The proportions of ether and air determine how active Vata is. The amount of ether (space) affects the ability of air to gain momentum, as expressed in Vata. In the body, Vata is movement (a dynamic of the combination between ether and air), and manifests itself in living things as the movement of nerve impulses, air, blood, food, waste and thoughts.
Vata has six characteristics, which are : cold, light, irregular, mobile, dry, and rough. These qualities characterize their effect on the body. Too much Vata force can cause nerve irritation, high blood pressure, gas and confusion. Too little Vata cause nerve loss, congestion, constipation and thoughtlessness.
Pitta (pit-ta) is a force conceptually created by the dynamic interplay of water and fire. These two seemingly opposed forces represent transformation. They cannot change into each other, but they modulate each other and are vitally necessary to each other in the life processes.
In our bodies Pitta is manifested by the quality of transformation. Pitta is the enzymes which digest our food and the hormones which regulate our metabolism. In our mind, the Pitta force is the transformation of chemical/electrical impulses into understood thoughts. Too much Pitta can cause ulcers, hormonal imbalance, irritated skin (acne), and consuming emotions (anger). Too little Pitta cause indigestion, inability to understand and sluggish metabolism.
The Pitta force is described according to eight characteristics which affect the body: hot, light, fluid, subtle, sharp, malodorous, soft and clear.
Kapha (ka-fa) is the conceptual equilibrium of water and earth. Kapha is structure and lubrication—it draws on the conceptual characteristics of the elements of earth and water . At one level, Kapha is the cells which make up our organs and the fluids which nourish and protect them.
In the Ayurvedic organization of cause and effect, too much Kapha force causes mucous buildup in the sinus and nasal passages, the lungs and colon. In the mind it creates rigidity, a fixation of thought, inflexibility. Not enough Kapha force causes the body to experience a dry respiratory tract, burning stomach (due to lack of mucous, which gives protection from excess stomach acids), and inability to concentrate. Kapha force is expressed according to the following qualities: oily, cold, heavy, stable, dense and smooth.
Changing Forces
These three dynamic forces are constantly changing and balancing each other in all living things. They make life happen. In a plant, Vata is concentrated in the flowers and leaves (which reach farthest out into space and air), Kapha is concentrated in the roots (where water is stored in the embrace of earth), and Pitta is found in the plants’ essential oils, resins and sap (especially in spices which stimulate digestion.) Different plants have different concentrations of V-P-K (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). We can use different foods, plants, and specific plant parts to alter our body’s proportion of V-P-K. Eating root vegetables, milk products, or sedating herbs like valerian, increases our Kapha. Drinking herbal flowers like jasmine, or eating dry grains, increases our Vata forces. Eating hot, spicy foods like cayenne, or concentrated protein like bee pollen, increases our Pitta tendencies.
Climatic Influences
The climates we live in and the change of seasons also add or subtracts from our V-P-K balance. Hot summers or hot climates increase our Pitta. Dry climates or cold autumn winds increases Vata. Wet winters and damp climates add to Kapha.
Life Stages
The stage of life we are in also affects V-P-K balance. The increase in the substance of the body which occurs during childhood growth means that Kapha forces are dominant during this cycle of life. The hormone changes which transform us into adults indicate that our early and middle years are under Pitta influence. As we age, we can shrink and dry out, indicating and increase of Vata forces.
Ayurvedic Cycles of the Day as told by Jean—Pierre LeBlanc (of Aroma Joy, B.C., Canada)
Kapha 1 Cycle 6:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
All movements slow down. If you sleep past 6:00 a.m. it’s harder to get up and you feel groggy. Food eaten now will not digest as well and should be light.
Pitta 1 Cycle 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Your metabolism gears up to its highest at 12:00 noon. This is the best time to eat your largest or most concentrated meal and take vitamins for greatest absorption.
Vata 1 Cycle 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
A time of increased movement and activity. Your evening meals should be lighter than lunch. Mental activity and conversation should be lively.
Kapha II Cycle 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
The energy slows down for bed and rest. Sleep will come easily and quickly. If you don’t go to sleep by 10:00 p.m. you toss and turn, especially if you eat late.
Pitta II Cycle 10:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.
Time of active, colourful dreams and deep sleep. If you happen to stay up, your metabolism may get geared up for a late night snack and activities, which you will regret the next day.
Vata II Cycle 2:00 a.m.-6:00 a.m.
Corresponds to the ascending universal currents which are used by meditators to achieve high spiritual states. If you wake up at 4:00 or 5:00 a.m. and do spiritual exercise it will stay with you all day long as focused energy. If you sleep past 6:00 a.m., you fall into lethargic Kapha time.
