Quik understanding of the 3 doshas

Vata or Winter

Vata is a combination of air and space (ether). In winter the qualities of nature are light, dry, mobile, subtle, cold and rough. So as a result, Vata has similar qualities.

The functions of the body that involve movement and which are all-pervasive, are performed by Vata. The Vata functions are body movements, blood circulation, respiration, excretion, speech, sensation, touch and hearing. In emotions, it manifests as fear, anxiety, grief, enthusiasm and natural urges. In the physical it relates to the formation of the fetus, sexual urges, and retention. Vata is the lead dosha and influencing the other two doshas and when imbalanced causes 60% of diseases.

Pitta or Summer

It is derived from fire with a touch of water and is expressed in nature in the summer months.  Fire and water are hot, sour, pungent, direct and light, and responsible for transformation, digestion, hunger, thirst, vision, heat regulation, softness, luster, cheerfulness, intellect, and sexual vigor.

Qualities include leadership, analysis, ambition, impatience, irritability, frustration, intolerance and anger. Transformation is its main function. When you eat a pear it is Pitta in the stomach that digests the pear and transforms it into nutrients. The pear undergoes the process of digestion, absorption and assimilation, and then becomes a part of the cells. Ultimately, Pitta transforms food into pure consciousness.

Kapha or Spring

Water and earth give rise to Kapha, which, much like mud, is cold, immobile, heavy, sweet, dull, slow and solid. Kapha governs the solid structure of the body, holding it together, lubricating it, providing its firmness, heaviness, endurance and stamina. Feelings of loyalty, nurturing, devotion, lethargy and dullness are characteristics of Kapha.

The interaction of earth and water can cause children to come down with colds when they are out of balance. Remember this means lots of mucus and nose blowing. Mucus in any part of the body means the wet qualities of spring are present.

When in a state of balance and harmony, the five elements are life-supporting, both in nature and within our bodies, as there is really no difference between them. Their imbalance, however, causes destruction. For good health, it is essential to maintain balance of these three doshas.

With the three types of doshas or kid-types described, one rarely sees this in nature. Actually, each child is a unique combination of all three kid-types. 

So knowing your children’s kid-type will help you observe the behaviors they have when they are out of balance.  A child that is in balance does not usually have an equal amount of winter, summer and spring. Their body type is working in harmony with both their outer and inner environments.

When in a state of balance and harmony, the five elements are life-supporting, both in nature and within our bodies, as there is really no difference between them. Their imbalance, however, causes destruction. For good health, it is essential to maintain balance of these three doshas.

An excess of Vata, as in the form of fast wind, can uproot trees and destroy houses, and cause a number of specific disorders in the body such as constipation, distraction, dry skin and other discomforts.

In normal conditions, Pitta gives us warmth and cooks our meals, gives regular hunger, thirst and appropriate body heat. But out of balance it destroys life and property within minutes and becomes the cause of another set of ailments in the body.

The life-giving water of a flooding river will destroy crops, houses and lives and an earthquake can be devastating. Likewise, excess Kapha in the body leads to yet other disorders such as weight gain, water retention and sluggish digestion.

In nature, nothing is static. There is night, there is day and there are seasons. Our nature, behaviors and habits change according to the time of day, the season, the climate, our stage of life, age, etc. These changes influence our physical body, our emotions, and mental clarity. As mentioned earlier, to maintain good health, a balance must be maintained.  Ayurveda teaches us various ways to maintain balance.