What is dosha

Their fast mind gives them an edge in creative problem solving. The Pitta brain-type reacts strongly to all challenges leading to purposeful and resolute actions. They never give up and are very dynamic and goal oriented. The Kapha brain-type is slow and steady leading to methodical thinking and action. They prefer routine and needs stimulation to get going. A model of dosha brain-types could provide a physiological foundation to understand individual differences.

This model could help individualize treatment modalities to address different mental and physical dysfunctions. It also could explain differences in behavior seen in clinical as well as in normal populations.

Typologies have been delineated for body structure ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph ,[ 1 ] mental functioning multiple intelligences ,[ 2 , 3 ] emotional response levels of emotional reactivity or sensation- seeking , social relationships level of need for attachment , and behavioral tendencies level of stress reactivity.

Ayurveda, the traditional medical system of India, has delineated three categories of fundamental regulatory principles of the body, mind, and behavior. These three categories, called doshas, are named Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Vata also regulates the activities of Kapha and Pitta. The category of Kapha dosha includes processes responsible for anabolism, growth and maintenance of structure, storage and stability. The category of Pitta dosha includes processes responsible for metabolism, thermo-regulation, energy homeostasis, pigmentation, vision, and attentional processes. Notice that the descriptions listed are primarily based on external observation of physiological characteristics and behavior [ Table 1 ].

A body of research has grown, which explores patterns of blood chemistry, genetic expression, physiological states, and chronic diseases associated with each dosha type. Hemoglobin and red blood count were higher in Pitta compared to other types. Serum prolactin was higher in Vata types.

Genetic expression also distinguishes dosha types. Genes in the immune response pathways were up-regulated in Pitta types, genes related to cell cycles were up-regulated in Vata types, and genes in the immune signaling pathways were up-regulated in Kapha types.

CYP2C19 genotypes, a family of genes that help in detoxification and metabolism of certain drugs were down-regulated in Kapha types and up-regulated in Pitta types. Physiological patterns also distinguish dosha type. Pittas showed the opposite biochemical patterns.

Vatas showed normal biochemical patterns. A study of basic cardiovascular responses reported that heart rate variability and arterial blood pressure during specific postural changes, exercise, and cold pressor test did not vary with constitutional type.

An open question in this discussion is how these genetic, metabolic, and physiological factors express themselves in terms of more expressed lifestyle and behavioral characteristics. Obviously, many genetic and metabolic factors are influenced by the nervous system, which not only controls metabolic and growth factors through the endocrine system but have an impact on the functioning of the immune, digestive, cardiovascular, and virtually every other system in the body. Further, it controls all our mental, emotional, and behavioral systems including attention, learning, memory, and sleep.

Brain functioning underlies and affects mental and behavior functioning. Thus, the dosha types which are based on observable mental and physical behavior and characteristics, should also be based on different patterns of brain and nervous system functioning. Thus, defining fundamental brain types may give a means to understand individual differences. For instance, Vata dosha, which is highly variable in behavior and in response to the environment, would be associated with a greater range of functioning of the brain and nervous system.

Pitta dosha, which is characterized by dynamism, would be associated with fast, passionate responses of the brain and nervous system to challenges in the environment.

Kapha dosha, which is characterized by steadiness, would be associated with stabile activity patterns of the brain and nervous system. These three different types of brain functioning can be seen as different patterns of functioning of six major systems of the nervous system. Table 2 presents an overview of this model.

The first system is the frontal executive system of the brain, which includes the anterior cingulate gyrus attention switching and error detection , ventral medial emotional input , and the dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex decision making. The Vata Brain-Type exhibits a high range of prefrontal functioning leading to the possibility of being easily overstimulated.

They perform activity quickly. Learn quickly and forget quickly. They like to multi-task. The second system is the reticular activating system RAS of the brain, which is responsible for arousal level. It determines if we are highly alert, relaxed, or asleep. The Vata brain-type exhibits a high range of arousal levels leading to a sense of over-reacting to the world.

They have trouble sleeping soundly. The Pitta brain-type becomes easily aroused and maintains high level of focused arousal to get a task accomplished. The Kapha brain-type is not easily perturbed. They are calm and easy going and seldom get excited. The third system is the autonomic nervous system that includes the sympathetic fight-or-flight and parasympathetic tend-and-befriend systems.

Ninety percent of our responses to the environment are governed by the autonomic nervous system. This system automatically maintains an optimal level of arousal to deal with any situation from watching a sunset to running after a taxi. The fight-and-flight response is easily turned on in Vata brain-types and is variable in its level of response. The Vata brain-type is very sensitivity to pain and cold temperatures. Their limbs are generally cold and have poor circulation since high sympathetic activation reduces periphery blood flow.

The fight-and-flight response turns on to a high level in Pitta brain-type and then return to resting levels again. Autonomic response is tied to purposeful goal oriented behavior it turns on to reach the goal and then turns off.

The fight-or-flight response is not easily evoked in the Kapha brain-type. The parasympathetic response is generally high, and the person is very steady. They are sensitive to cold and dampness. The fourth system is the enteric nervous system, which is responsible for digestion. The enteric nervous system interacts with the microbiome of the gut to modulate immune functioning and activity of the parasympathetic nervous system.

The Vata brain-type exhibits a high range of digestive power leading to an irregular appetite, irregular bowel movements, and frequent gas. They are more affected by eating late at night or over eating.

That would react more to new foods. The Pitta brain-type has a strong digestion. They are always hunger and can eat at any time and, seemingly, any food. They have loss and frequent bowel movements. Pitta types are dominated by the fire element, which makes them innately strong, intense, and irritable. They tend to have a medium build and endurance with powerful musculature.

They often have freckled skin that easily reddens in the sun, during exercise, massage, and when blushing. They are strong willed and good at doing what they think is right. They approach work and play with the same intensity and competitiveness. They are natural leaders and quick learners whose ability to easily comprehend and master new skills and concepts can make them judgmental or impatient toward people they feel are slower or less focused than themselves. They have strong digestion and intense appetites, both for food and challenges.

It is common for them to suffer from health conditions such as inflammation, rashes, acne, and loose stool. Vata types tend to be thin and lanky. They are very mentally and physically active and enjoy creative endeavors, meeting new people, and traveling to new places. When they are balanced, vatas are flexible, have lively imaginations, and are original thinkers.

They tend to run cold and dry and enjoy warm, humid weather. Kapha dosha : Controls strength and stability, muscle growth, weight and the immune system. Share this:. Related Terms. Related Articles. The 3 Doshas of Ayurveda. How to Eat for Your Dosha Type. Experience the 5 Koshas Through Yoga Nidra.

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