What are “Doshas”?
Doshas are ‘fundamental energies’ that exist within each of us and act to govern our habitual and emotional tendencies, affinities, body structure, functions and even susceptibility to certain ailments or disease.
It feels like media has really brought the concept of Doshas to center stage, but somewhat incorrectly. There is more to it than "What's my dosha?". The things is, we are not doshas, but rather the dynamic interplay of Prakruti and Vikruti - your unique balance (Prakruti), and your deviation from that balance (Vikruti).
Dosha can be translated to "biological humor" or constituents that make up the world. In Greece, Hippocrates defined 4 humors: blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm. Ayurveda has 3 doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha is made up of a combination of Gunas (qualities), which can work to enhance each other, contrast or balance each other, and behave together.
Prakruti is your original blueprint. It represents your ratio of the three doshas at the moment you were created. It’s a combination of your parents genetics, their emotional and physical states states during conception, pregnancy and birth, the jyotish(vedic astrology) of the time you were born, the seasons and the environment you were born into. Your Prakruti is uniquely yours & defines your baseline state of wellbeing.
Vikruti is your current deviation from this blueprint. As life unfolds, lifestyle, diet, seasons, & stress come into play, influencing your equilibrium. Vikruti is the shift in your body & mind that occurs in response.
Our wellbeing is a continual dance between our inherent nature and the dynamic forces that cause deviation from this. Understanding Prakruti & Vikruti helps us navigate imbalances & gives us tangible steps to take to come back into optimum alignment.
So, your are not “a dosha”… You are Prakruti, and the choice you make each day should work to bring you vikruti back in alignment with your Prakruti.
The Doshas exist in all of us & around each of us. They are dynamic & changing.
-
Qualities
Light, dry, cold, rough, mobile, clear, subtle, variable
In Balance | Super Powers
Vata in balance makes for creative, enthusiastic, quick witted and adaptable people. They are physically flexible and have sustained energy without restlessness.
Out of Balance | Early Signs
Out of Balance vata can be seen in anxiety, nervousness and overactive minds. Physically you may see irregular digestion, gas/bloating, dry skin and hair. Imbalanced vata will lead to fatigue and depletion.
-
Qualities
Hot, Light, Sharp, Mobile, Liquid, Oily, Spreading/Penetrating
In Balance | Super Powers
When Pitta Dosha is in balance you will see a sharp intellect, goos concentration, problem solving and leadership qualities. Balanced pitta allowed for courage, determination, as well as a warm and content demeanour.
Out of Balance | Early Signs
When Pitta is out of balance, you may experience irritability, anger, impatience and criticism. Physically, you may see inflammation, acidity, rashes on the skin or diarrhoea.
-
Qualities
Heavy, Cold, Oily, Slimy, Stable, Gross/Dense, Soft
In Balance | Super Powers
Kapha in balance make nuturing, compassionate and emotionally stable people. They are physically strong with good endurance, have smooth skin and smooth movements in the muscles and joints.
Out of Balance | Early Signs
When Kapha is out of balance, individuals will experience lethargy, apathy and lack of motivation. Physically they may gain weight, retain water and have a sluggish metabolism. They may also experience congestion and excess mucus.
To uncover your unique Prakruti and Vikruti, book in for a Consultation with your Registered Ayurvedic Practitioner.
Nicki is a Hiking Guide, Ayurvedic Pracitioner and Yoga teacher living in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia.
Her programs prioritise playfulness, community, authenticity, and a deep curiosity for self-discovery, connection with others, and exploration the awe-inspiring landscapes surrounding Whistler to craft transformative nature-immersed experiences.
