Dosha

The doshas are the three fundamental functional principles that govern all physiological and psychological processes. They are vata (movement), pitta (transformation), and kapha (structure).

The word dosha literally means “fault” or “that which can go out of balance” - reflecting that these principles, while essential for life, are inherently prone to imbalance.

Every person has all three doshas, but in unique proportions that form their constitution (prakriti). Health is the state where the doshas are balanced according to one’s individual nature. Disease arises when doshas increase or decrease beyond their natural proportion.

The doshas arise from combinations of the five elements: vata from air and space, pitta from fire and water, kapha from water and earth. Understanding the doshas allows for personalized approaches to diet, lifestyle, and treatment.