According to Ayurveda, the three doshas are Vata (Wind), Pitta(Fire), and Kapha (Earth), and each governs activity in a specific region of the human body.

VATA DOSHA

It is located in the lower abdomen, below the umbilicus. Vata is responsible for all body movements.

Vata is responsible for enthusiasm, breathing(inspiration and expiration), and all movements and actions (talking, walking and body movements, activities of the sense organs). Vata circulates in the body and assists with the transportation of the Dhatus that support it, such as rasa (fluids), blood (rakta), etc. Vata is responsible for the normal vibrations of all natural urges, such as feces and urine excretion, hunger, thirst flatus, yawns, sleep, sneezes, and belching.

PITTA DOSHA

Pitta is located mainly on the upper abdomen and lower thorax, just above the umbilicus. It is responsible both for digestion and metabolism.

Pitta is responsible for vision (as opposed to perception due to vata), thirst, hunger, taste perception, and digestion. It also produces heat, and softness, suppleness, intelligence, and brightness.

KAPHA DOSHA

The main seat of the Kapha is the chest (thorax). Kapha is responsible to strength, stability, and tolerance.

Kapha is a sign of strength and potency, as well as a lack of greed, forbearance, and smoothness in the joints.

Our Doctors have written a detailed introduction to Ayurvedic Principles and the Body on our website.