Explore Ayurveda
The Rhythms of Nature Within You
The Three Doṣas
In Āyurveda, life is a dance of five elements — earth, water, fire, air, and space. These elements weave together to form the three doṣas — Vāta, Pitta, and Kapha, the subtle forces that govern all movement, transformation, and stability in nature.
They are not concepts that live only in ancient texts, they exist in everything and everyone. The doṣas flow through the body and mind, the foods we eat, the seasons we move through, and even the hours of each day. Understanding them helps us move from reaction to rhythm, aligning daily living with the intelligence of nature itself.
Prakṛti & Vikṛti — The Art of Returning to Balance
Every being is born with a unique Prakṛti, your original constitution, the natural blend of Vāta, Pitta, and Kapha determined at birth. This blueprint defines your body type, metabolism, personality, and even your emotional tendencies.
As life unfolds, diet, environment, stress, and seasonal shifts can disturb that balance creating a Vikṛti, your current state of imbalance.
Āyurveda teaches us that wellness is not the absence of change, but our ability to return to center. Through mindful awareness of how the doṣas move through the day, the seasons, and our lives, we can restore balance one conscious act at a time.
When we understand our doshic nature, our choices become medicine:
food becomes nourishment, routines become ritual, and self-care becomes remembrance.
Living in Harmony with the Doṣas
Each doṣa speaks through the world around us in the wind, the fire, the rain, the sunrise, and the stillness before sleep.
When we align our lives with these rhythms, we rediscover the essence of Āyurveda:
that nature is not outside of us — we are nature itself.
Disclaimer
All services and educational content provided by Sevānanda Āyurveda are wellness-oriented and intended to support balance through the principles of traditional Ayurvedic wisdom. They are not medical diagnosis or treatment.
Join the Community
Sign up for our newsletter and join our community of holistic enthusiasts to get access to exclusive content and connect with like-minded individuals!
Doshas
Vata Dosha
Pitta Dosha
Pitta Dosha
VĀTA — The Energy of Movement
(Air + Space)
Vāta is the principle of motion, the invisible wind that animates breath, circulation, elimination, and thought.
In the body, Vāta governs the nervous system, movement of prāṇa, and creativity. In the mind, it brings imagination, enthusiasm, and intuition.
In time, Vāta rules the early morning (02–06 AM) and late afternoon (02–06 PM), the times of subtle energy and spiritual clarity
In age, it predominates later in life, the elder years marked by dryness, lightness, and introspection.
In season, Vāta rises in autumn and early winter, when the air is dry, cool, and mobile.
When balanced, Vāta brings joy, inspiration, and adaptability.
When disturbed, it can create anxiety, restlessness, and depletion.
Vāta is soothed by:
• Warm, oily, grounding meals and regular nourishment
• Consistent routine, early bedtime, and slow mornings
• Daily Abhyanga (whole-body oiling) to calm the nervous system
• Gentle movement, yoga, and rhythmic breathwork
Pitta Dosha
Pitta Dosha
Pitta Dosha
PITTA — The Energy of Transformation
(Fire + Water)
Pitta is the inner fire, the alchemical force that digests food, perception, and experience.
In the body, it governs metabolism, hormones, and vision.
In the mind, it brings leadership, intelligence, and discernment.
In time, Pitta rules midday (10 AM–02 PM) and midnight (10 PM–02 AM), when the digestive and metabolic fires burn brightest.
In age, it predominates during adulthood, the phase of ambition, drive, and productivity.
In season, Pitta peaks in summer, when the outer heat mirrors the inner flame.
When balanced, Pitta expresses clarity, confidence, and compassion.
When out of balance, it may manifest as irritability, burnout, or inflammation physically or emotionally.
Pitta is soothed by:
• Cooling, hydrating, and lightly sweet foods
• Time in nature and near water
• Balanced work and mindful pauses
• Evening rituals that cool and soften the senses
Kapha Dosha
Pitta Dosha
Kapha Dosha
KAPHA — The Energy of Stability
(Earth + Water)
Kapha is the principle of structure and cohesion, the nourishing energy that provides endurance, strength, and love.
In the body, it governs immunity, lubrication, and tissue formation.
In the mind, it manifests as devotion, calm, and forgiveness.
In time, Kapha rules early morning (06–10 AM) and evening (06–10 PM), when energy is slow, grounding, and stable.
In age, it predominates during childhood, the time of growth, moisture, and sweetness.
In season, Kapha rules late winter and spring, when heaviness, dampness, and accumulation are most present.
When balanced, Kapha embodies patience, stability, and compassion.
When disturbed, it may lead to lethargy, attachment, or congestion.
Kapha is soothed by:
• Light, warm, and gently spiced meals
• Morning movement and stimulation of circulation
• Dry brushing or invigorating self-oil therapy
• Inspiration and meaningful connection