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Three Biological Humors (The Tridoshas-Vata ,Pitta and Kapha )and

Their Role in Human System

Conference Paper · January 2010

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 1

THE TRIDOSHAS-BIOLOGICAL HUMORS

(VATA ,PITTA AND KAPHA )
AND THEIR ROLE IN HUMAN SYSTEM
N.SRIKANTH
ASST.DIRECTOR
D. RAMESH BABU
DIRECTOR GENERAL
CENTRAL COUNCIL FOR RESEARCH
IN AYURVEDA AND SIDDHA
Department of AYUSH
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Govt. of India
 Presentation covers……….
2
 Background
 Definition
 Classification of dosha
 Tridoshas in human system
 Elemental composition of humours
 Similitude of body humors and
environment
 Qualities and Functions of the Three
Doshas
 Functional attributes of doshas
 Tridoshas –core functions ,balance
/un balance ,causes of imbalance
,self assessment
 Tridoshas and diet,sesional effects
 Prakriti-tridoshas
 General management of doshic
imballance
Relation of doshas and dhatus
(asharyee –ashraya bhavas)
and Clinical applications
 BACKGROUND
3

 Health is a dynamic integration of

- Doshas, (biological-forces/humors)
- Dhatus(tissue-systems)
- Malas(metabolic wastes)
- Mind ,sensory system and soul

Comprehensive definition of health

DEFINITION
4

 Sareera dooshanaat doshah

Those which alters the body physiology are called as
Doshas.
 Dustim Gatwa Vyaadhim Janayanti Iti Doshaah

Because of causing disease, by themselves being vitiated

 Prakriti janyatwe sati swaatantryena Dushti kartritwam
Dosha lakshanam
Responsible for
-Prakriti (bio –identity or psycho somatic constutation of
individual
-For causing Dushti independently(proneness)
 THREE DOSHS AND HUMAN SYSTEM
5

“ Vaata pitta sleshmaana eva deha sambhava hetavah

Taireva avyaapannaih adho madhyordhwa sannivishtaih
Sariramidan dharyute aagaaramiya stoonaabhistisnubhih”

 Vaata pitta Sleshmas are responsible for the birth and

development of the body.
 These three being seated in the lower, Middle and Upper
1/3rd of the trunk respectively,
 In normal state support the body like the pillars to a house .
 This is why this body is called as Trishthoona ( supported by
3 pillars.)
 MAHABHUTIC (ELEMENTAL) COMPOSITION OF THE
THREE DOSHAS
6

All matter is composed of the five elements which are the

building blocks of existence, but only living matter has the
three doshas, or tridosha, the three forces which govern all
biological processes.

Vata Akasha (space)

Vayu (air)
Pitta Tejas (fire)
Jala (Water)
Kapha Jala (Water)
Prthivi (Earth)
 MAHABHUTIC (ELEMENTAL) COMPOSITION OF THE
THREE DOSHAS
7

 The doshas arise out of the five mahabhutas and can be regarded
as the three primary energetic principles which regulate every
physiological and psychological process in the living organism.
 From the most basic cellular process to the most complex aspects of
biological functioning, the doshas regulate everything that occurs.
 The interplay among them determines the objective condition of the
living being.
 A harmonious state of the three doshas creates balance in the
physiology- in modern terms, homeostatis- and this is the foundation
of good health.
 Any imbalance in the tridosha manifests in a wide variety of signs
and symptoms.
THE THREE PIVOTAL FACTORS OF HUMAN SYSTEM
8

 These Tridhoshas
 Vaata (Neurological phenomenon )

 Pitta (Bio chemical phenomenon)

 Kapha (Structural and Functional Integrity )

are equally important both in health and in disease.

 The entire Ayurvedic Science is built up on

thisTridosha-Siddhanta only.
THE THREE PIVOTAL FACTORS: SIMILITUDE OF
BODY AND ENVIRONMENT
9

“ Adhyaatma loko vaataadyain loko vaata raviindubhih

Peedyate dhaaryate chaiya vikritaa – vikritaistadhaa”
(Ch. Chi.26)
 Just as the external world is maintained by the Three
forces viz. Vaayu, surya and Chandra the Sareera
,the living body also is maintained by the Tridhoshas-
Vaayu- Pitta- and kapha.
 If any disturbance takes place in Vaayu, Surya and
Chandra the world suffers with serious calamities.
 In the same way if any derangement takes place in
Tridoshas, the living body also suffers with diseases or
it may even die.
 THE PIVOTAL FACTORS: SIMILITUDE OF BODY
AND ENVIRONMENT
10

 “ Visargaadaana vikshepaih soma suryaanilaa yadha

Dhaarayanti jagat, dehan kapha pittaanilaastadhaa”
1.VAYU (Su. Su. 21’)
 The vaayu through its vikshepana kriya i.e. Driving
and Motivating force revolutes all the planets in a
systematised manner.
 In the same way the sareera vaayu through its
vikshepana kriya motivates and organizes all the
Dhatus. Malas and Structures.
 THE PIVOTAL FACTORS: SIMILITUDE OF BODY
AND ENVIRONMENT
11

2.PITTA
 The surya – The Sun God through his Aadana kriya
(Transformation of Mass into energy) supports this
Universe by activating different objects and
creatures.
 In the same way the Pitta also through its Aadana
kriya helps production of energy from the mass.
(This function is called Pachana or Parinamana).
 THE PIVOTAL FACTORS: SIMILITUDE OF BODY
AND ENVIRONMENT
12

3.KAPHA
 The soma – the Moon God through his visarga
kriya- Bala Pradana – preservation of energy
enables the plant and animal kingdom to grow in
their mass.
 In the same way the sleshma through its visarga
kriya helps the nourishment and anabolism of the
Dhatus.
THREE BIOLOGICAL HUMORS AND HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
13

•Visarga -soma –kapha – anabolism

•Adana - surya -pitta -transformation/catabolism
•Vikspha-vayu –vata – transpiration
 Qualities and Functions of the Three Doshas
Dosha Qualities Functions
Vata (space •Moving Represents bodily functions concerned with
14
and air) •Quick movement.
•Light Controls the activities of the nervous system and
•Dry
the processes of elimination and respiration.
•Rough
•Clear
•Leads the other Doshas
Pitta (fire and •Hot Represents bodily functions concerned with heat
water) •Sharp and metabolism.
•Light Governs digestion and perception.
•Penetrating
•Acidic
•Slightly oily
Kapha (water •Solid Represents the structural aspects of the
and earth) •Heavy physiology and is responsible for biological
•Oily strength, natural tissue resistance and proper
•Sweet
body structure.
•Sticky
•Immobile
•Soft
 FUNCTIONAL ATTRIBUTES OF DOSHAS
15

Dosha Physiological Action Psychological Action

Vata Motor and sensory nerve functions Movement
Respiration Creativity
Elimination Energy
Activation
Pitta Digestion Desire
Thirst Joy
Vision Memory
Hunger Extroverted
Metabolism
Kapha Strength Peace
Endurance Courage
Lubrication Friendship
Growth Generosity
Regulatory Tolerance
Austerity
 VATA
16

 Vata stems from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘that which moves

things’; it is sometimes translated as ‘wind’.
 It is the moving force behind the other two doshas, which are
considered to be incapable of movement without it. It is
responsible for all the body’s activities and sensations.
 It is what channels perceptions through the appropriate sensory
organs, converts them into psychological events and directs the
appropriate response via the organs of action.
 It is responsible for the movement of air in and out of the
lungs, blood through the circulatory system, and thoughts
through the mind. It promotes mental balance and
comprehension.
 Core functions
17

 Vega pravartena = Expression of physiological

urges like flatus (vayu), Mala (Facces), Mootra
(Urine), Kshavadhu(sneezing), Trishna (thrist),
Kshudha (appetite), Nidra(sleep), Kasa (cough),
sramaswasa, Jrumbha (Ejaculation of semen) and
psychological urges like Kama, Krodha, Udvega.
 Dhatuposhana = Nourishment of Tissues in proper
order.
 Indriya Patawa = Strength to sense organs to
perceive their objects.
 The five types of Vata
 i) Prana Vayu, which strengthens the vital capacity, improves the intellectual
18
power, respiration, deglutition, and the activities of the sense organs, etc.
with pathological manifestations like hiccough, flatulence, breathing
troubles, etc.
 ii) Udana Vayu, which regulates strength, encouragement, colour,
knowledge, intelligence, memory, etc. with pathological manifestations like
eye, ear, nose and throat diseases.
 iii) Samana Vayu, which improves digestion and metabolism,
transformation of nutrients, circulation of lymph and expulsion of urine,
stool, etc. with pathological manifestations like anorexia, diarrhoea and
abdominal tumour.
 iv) Vyana Vayu, which regulates blood circulation, sweating, contraction,
taste, development of all the tissues, etc. with pathological manifestations
like fever and convulsion.
 v) Apana Vayu, which regulates expulsion of urine, stool, sperm,
menstruation, etc. with pathological manifestations of urinary and the
uterine tract and ano-rectal diseases.
 Vata Prakopa Karanas(CAUSES OF HYPER ACTIVITY)
GUNAS (Qualities) AHARA (Diet) VIHAARA (Behaviour)
19

Rooksha (Dry) At the end of Vyayama ( Overexertion)

digestion
Kshobhaka (Irritant) Sushka saaka Apatarpana ( Malnutrition)

Seeta (Cold) Kodrava(Ragi) Prapatana(Injury)

Kashaya Dried fish and Bhanga (fracture)
(Astringent)
Tikta ( Bitter) Dried vegetables Kshaya ( Wasting)

Katu (Pungeant) Jaagarana (Sleeplessness)

Vegadhaarana ( Supression of nature
calls)
Soka (Grief)
Traasa (fear)
Effect of Balanced Vata
Proper regulation of all bodily functions
Normal movements associated with
20
eating, digestion and excretion.
Mental activity controlled and precise.
Control of the organs of perception and
the organs of action
Stimulation of digestive juices
Desire to lead an active life; vitality and
natural interest
Normal drying of excessive discharges
Normal respiratory function
Normal sleep pattern
Excellent energy level
Effect of Unbalanced Vata
Bodily functions impaired
Movements for eating, digestion, and
excretion inhibited.
Mental inactivity and confusion; impaired
memory.
Perception and action are disturbed;
senses are dulled, responses are slowed.
Deficiency of digestive juices
Loss of energy and joy for life
Persistent bodily discharges
Respiratory disorders
Insomnia, interrupted sleep
Non-specific fatigue, anxiety, worry,
cold-intolerance, weakening of the Life
Force
 Vata effects -self assessment
21

 The pulse (nadi), is thread, rapid and ‘snake –like’.

 The face (akriti), namely the complexion , is darkened
 The skin (sparsa) is cool, rough, dry and bluish in hue.
 The eyes (Drika) lack lustre and moisture; the pupils are
constricted.
 The tongue (jihva) is bluish with many furrows; the lips
are dry.
 The voice (shabda) is cracked , rough and lacking force;
there may be a dry cough.
 The urine (mutra) is dark yellow.
 The faeces(malam) are hard are hard, dry and dark.
 PITTA
22

 Pitta means ‘that which digests things’. It is

responsible for all chemical andmetabolic
transformations in the body, as well as for heat
production.
 It also governs our ability to digest ideas and
impressions and to perceive the true nature of
reality. It stimulates the intellect and engenders the
capacity for enthusiasm.
 Core functions
23
 Pachana = Digestion
 Ooshma = Temperature
 Darsana =vision
 Kshudha = hunger
 Trishna = thrist
 Ruchi = taste
 Prabha = glow and complexion of skin
 Medha = Intelligence
 Dhee = sharpness of mind
 Sourya = Boldness
 Tanu Mardava = Tenderness and smartness of skin and other
organs.
 The five types of Pitta
24 i) Pachaka Pitta ,which regulates digestion of food, stimulates the
waste products with pathological manifestations of anorexia, rise of
body temperature, burning sensation, indigestion, etc.,
 ii) Ranjaka Pitta, which has a role in blood formation with the
pathological manifestation of anaemia;
 iii) Sadhaka Pitta, which is responsible for intelligence and memory
with pathological manifestations like lack of concentration, loss of
intelligence, loss of sleep, etc.,
 iv) Alochaka Pitta, which is responsible for vision with pathological
manifestations pertaining to eyes and vision; and
 v) Bhrajaka Pitta, which regulates body complexion, body heat
regulation, etc., with pathological manifestations like vitiligo,
discolouration and skin diseases.
 Pitta Prakopa Karanas(CAUSES OF HYPER ACTIVITY)
GUNAS (Qualities) AHARA (Diet) VIHAARA (Behaviour)
Katu
25
( Pungent) Chilley and condiments Krodha(Anger)

Amla (Acid) Spices Upavasa( Starving)

Ushna (Hot) Tila ( Sesamum) Tapa (Exposed to hot)
Vidahakara (Corrosive) Atasee saka Atimydhuna (Excessive
Sex indulgence)

Teekshna (Irritant) Dadhi (sourcurds)

Lavana(Salt) Sura (A kind of
Alcoholic drink)
Sukta and Arnala
(Alcoholic drinks)
Effect of Balanced Pitta
Strong and complete digestion
26
Normal heat and other mechanism Irregular body temperature
Excellent vision
Good complexion, generally
healthy impression
Courageous, cheerful
Stimulated intellect
Steadfast concentration on the
truth; disciplines
Efficient assimilation of foods
Effect of Unbalanced Pitta
Poor digestion. Inefficient
discrimination between nutrients
and wastes
Impaired vision
Skin colour variable, inflamed,
unhealthy; premature greying
Anxious, irritable, driven
Dullness of reasoning faculty
Spiritually impoverished
Heartburn, peptic ulcer, irritable
bowels, diarrhoea
 Pitta effects -self assessment
27

 The pulse (nadi) is of greater amplitude and fullness – like a

frog jumping
 The face (akriti) shows struggle, discontent and anxiety.
 The skin (sparsa) is reddened, smooth, and warm; there is
increased perspiration.
 The eyes (drika) are inflamed and icteric, with corkscrewing
venules throughout the sclerate.
 The tongue (jihva) is beefy, red and moist.
 The voice (shabda) is forceful and heated; the volume is loud and
the sp eech direct and rapid .
 The urine (mutra) is yellowish or reddish and hot and clear; there
may be burning with urination.
 The faeces (malam) are loose and sometimes watery.
 KAPHA
28

 Kapha provides support and substance to the body. It

comes from a word that means ‘that which holds things
together’. It structures everything from an individual cell
to the musculo-skeletal frame.
 It gives strength and stability, both physical and
psychological, and governs human emotions such as
love, compassion, forgiveness, loyalty, and patience.
 Kapha can bestow resistance against disease and can
support the healing process.
 Where Vata and Pitta effects are active in the body,
kapha acts to restrict these two forces and prevent their
excessive manifestation.
 Core functions
29

 Sthiratwe = stability
 Smigdhatwa = Lubrication
 Sandhi bandha = Integrity of cells and joints
 Kshama = Resistance , Immunity and for –bearance
 Bala = strength etc.
 The five types of Kapha
30
 i) Avalambaka Kapha, which is located at chest and trika (the
meeting point place of shoulder, neck and back) and supports heart
with its own power and by the essence of food (Rasa dhatu).
 ii) Kledaka Kapha, which disintegrates food, maintains the fluid,
lubrication, etc., with pathological manifestations like indigestion and
mucoid stool.
 iii) Bodhaka Kapha, which is responsible for feeling the taste of
various substances with pathological manifestations like dryness of
mouth and palate and loss of sensation of different tastes.
 iv) Tarpaka Kapha, which provides nutrition to the sense organs with
pathological manifestations like loss of the activities of the sense
organs.
 v) Shlesaka Kapha, which lubricates all body joints with pathological
manifestations of the bony joints.
 Kapha Prakopa Karanas
(CAUSES OF HYPER ACTIVITY)
31

GUNAS (Qualities) AHARA (Diet) VIHAARA (Behaviour)

Guru = Heavy, hardly Ksheera = Milk and Milk Atinidra = Excessive sleep
digestlable products
Madhura = Sweet Ikshu = Sugar and Sweets Avyayama = Lazy and
Sedentary life
Atisnigdha = fatty Bhakshya = Sweets Atisantarpana = Over
Eating
Drava = Liquids Apupa= Atta preparations Adnyashana = Frequent
like Uttappam eating

Sarpishpura = Badhusha &

Mysorepak etc.
Effect of Balanced Kapha Effect of Unbalanced Kapha
Excellent nutritional status, firm Poor nutritional status, thin, flabby
musculature,
32 strong bones

Adequate moisture and lubrication Dry; decreased mucus and saliva

in the body

Well-knit joints Loose joints

Stable, compact and strong
physique
Sexual potency
Clam, forgiving, understanding
Strong digestion
Physiological moisture to the
respiratory tissues
Soft and weakened physique
Sexual impotency
Intolerant, insecure, jealous
Slow digestion
Excess production of mucus
 Kapha effects -self assessment
33

 The pulse (nadi) is regular, steady and slow like that of a swan
on a lake.
 The face (akriti) shows calmness, even reaching detachment
and apathy at times.
 The skin (sparsa) is pale, cold, soft and oily.
 The eyes (drika) have large brown irises with large white
sclerae, and emanate charm.
 The tongue (jihva) is coated, whitish and thickened.
 The voice (shabda) is melodious, slow, soft and sweet.
 The urine (mutra) is cloudly and pale.
 The faeces (malam) are oily, thick, and light-coloured.
 TRIDOSHA AND SHADRASAS (tastes and
humours)
34

 Samaka Rasas (Controlling Tastes)

 Vata = Madhura ,Amla, lavana
 Pitta = Kashya , Tikta, Madhura
 Kapha = Katu, Tikta, Kashaya
 Kopaka Rasaas – Aggravating tastes
 Vaata = Katu, Tikta, kashaya.
 Pitta = Amla, Lavan , Katu.
 Kapha = Madhura, Amla, Lavana

 Seasonal effects on doshas
35

DOSHA CHAYA PRAKOPA PRASHAMA

Vata Grishma Varsha (July & Sharath (Sept

( May & June) August) &Oct.)

Pitta Varsh (July & Aug.) Sharath (Sept & Hemantha

Oct.) (Nov & Dec.)

Kapha Shishira (Jan &Feb. Vasantah (March & Greeshma

April) (May & June)
 Tridoshas and Trigunaas (physical Vs
psychological humours )
36

 Vata = Satwa + Rajas

 Pitta = Satwa ( In Normalcy) Rajas when
aggravated
 Kapha = tamas ( in abnormality) (In Normalcy)
 The concept of Prakriti/ Mizaz: Bio identify/
Psycho somatic constitution
37

 The concept of Prakriti/ Mizaz: Bio identify/ Psycho

somatic constitution of an individual) is unique
concept of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems of
medicine.
 The individualized treatment schedules are
determined based in the constitution/ temperament
of an individual.
 The prevalence of a disease could also be well
determined based on the temperament.
 The concept of Prakriti/ Mizaz: Bio identify/
Psycho somatic constitution
38

 The individuals of each prakriti are prone to certain

specific disorders.
 Every individual has differing proportions of each
dosha which accounts for differences in preferences,
aversions, behavioral patterns and emotional
predilections.
 The proportions of the three doshas present in any
individual will determine his or her essential
constitutions or prakriti.
 The concept of Prakriti/ Mizaz: Bio identify/
Psycho somatic constitution
39

 This essential constitution remains unchanged during the

individual’s lifetime and is genetically determined.
 It will manifest itself through physical characteristics, natural
urges, attractions and aversions, and psychological
tendencies, as well as development of the highest order of
human qualities: love, compassion and evolutions of
consciousness.
 Thus, the doshas are the very foundation of all aspects of
man’s existence.
 From the Ayurvedic perspective, the first step in treatment is
to determine the essential constitution of the individual.
 This depends on which dosha is predominant, and will reflect
the energies and tendencies within.
Vata/ Vazhi Prakriti Pitta/ Azhal Prakriti Kapha/ Iyyam Prakriti
Tall and lean Medium build Good physique, stout
Fickle mind Intelligent and impatient Steady, matured mind
40
Very talkative Intelligent Rather silent
Dry body, little sweating Excessive sweating Oily body / hair
Less hair Early baldness Hairy
Irregular appetite/ thirst Excessive appetite Normal appetite and thirst
and thirst

Constipative tendency Quick motion Normal steady evacuations

Skin of earthy colour Pinkish skin
Fond of travelling Brave and ambitious
Fond of hot oily dishes Dislike hot and oily foods Not so fond of hot and oily
dishes

Irregular sleep Average sleep Deep sleep

Dreams of storms in the sky etc. Dreams of fires and flames Dreams of earth and water
 MANAGEMENT OF DOSHIC IMBALANCE
41

 KAPHA –DURJANA –TEEKSNA

 VATA ––MITRA-SNEHA

 PITTA -JAMATA – MADHURA ,SITALA

Kapham durjanavat teekshnai ,vatam snehena

mitravat ,pittam jamataramiva madhuri sitalir jayet
Dosha Seat Age Time Infl. on Digestive Digestive Koshta Prakriti Rasa Aggravating
digestion Agni disorder controlling on Rasas

Vata
42 Below Old 2 to 6 A.M. At the Vishama Vishta- Ksura Heena Madhura Katu Tikta
Nabhi &P.M. end of bdhajirna Amla lavana Kashaya
digestion

Pitta Between Youth 10 to 2 A.M. During Teekhna Vidagdhe Mrudu Madhya Kashaya Amla
Nabhi & P.M. Digestion Tikta Lavana
&Hriday Madhura Katu
a

Kapha Above Child 6 to 10 A.M Immedia Manda Amaajeer Madhya Uttama Katu Tikta Madhura
hridaya hood & P.M tely after na Kashaya Amla
Lavana
 Relation of doshas(biological forces ) and dhatus(tissues)
(ASHRAYA-ASHARYEE BHAVAS)- Clinical applications
43

Dosha Dhatu and Mala

Vata Asthi
Pitta Rakta ,Sweda
Kapha Rasa, Mamsa, Medas, Majja,
Shukra, Mutra & Purisha

Clinical applications
Tatra asthi sthito vayu---------
EXCEPTION-ASTHI-VAYU RELATION
 44

THANKYOU

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