People are a composite of these five elements, which combine in various ways to
govern mind, body, and spirit. Ayurveda sees the body functioning through the
interaction of three systems: doshas(vital energies), dhatus(tissues), andmalas(waste
products). The vital energy controls the creation of all the various tissues of the body
and effects the removal of unnecessary waste products from the body.
Doshas
Doshas are both structures and energy; they are the mediators between body tissues,
wastes, and the environment. They are responsible for all physiological and psycho-
logical processes. The Sanskrit names for the three doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
As the driver or mover of the entire body, the Vata dosha is the most important. It is
composed of the elements of air and space and is involved with all elimination,
physical and mental movement, and nervous function. If Vata becomes imbalanced,
it can cause the other two doshasto become imbalanced. The Pitta dosha is com-
posed of the elements fire and water, governs enzymes and hormones, and is respon-
sible for digestion, body temperature, hunger, thirst, sight, complexion, courage, and
mental activity. The Kapha dosha, composed of the elements of earth and water, is
the heaviest of the three doshas. It provides the structure, strength, and stability that
the body needs. It is also responsible for lubrication, sexual power, and fertility.
Figure 4.1 illustrates the connections between the elements and the doshas.
CHAPTER 4 AYURVEDIC MEDICINE 53
VATA
Functions: nervous system, circulation, elimination, emotions, creativity
PITTA
Functions: digestion, body temperature,
hunger, thirst, confidence, cheerfulness
KAPHA
Functions: lubrication, structure,
strength, stamina, compassion
SPACE
Clear/subtle
FIRE
hot/light
SPACE
Clear/mobile/rough
EARTH
dense/heavy/hard
WATER
liquid/soft
FIGURE 4.1
A Framework for
Nature: The
Elements and
the Doshas.
