Ayurveda and Three Basic Principle Energies of the Body

The study of Ayurveda identifies three basic principle energies of the body. The energies are present in everyone and everything. These energies are Vata (pronounced: vu tha), pitta (pronounced: pith tha), and Kapha (pronounced: cu pha). These principles can be related to the basic biology of the body.

Vata is the subtle energy associated with movement of Space and Air. It governs various aspects of human body such as breathing, blinking, muscle and tissue movement, and pulsation of the heart. In balance Vata allows one to be creative and flexible. When out of balance, Vata produces fear and anxiety. Few more characteristics of people who have predominantly Vata constitution are

• Creativity and mental quickness,
  


• Highly imaginative,
  


• Quick to learn and grasp new knowledge but also quick to forget,
  


• Sexually easily excitable but quickly satiated,
  


• Slenderness; lightest of the three body types,
  


• Talk and walk quickly,
  


• Tendency toward cold hands and feet, discomfort in cold climates,
  


• Excitable, lively, fun personality,
  


• Changeable moods,
  


• Irregular daily routine,
  


• Variable appetite and digestive efficiency,
  


• High energy in short bursts; tendency to tire easily and to overexert,
  


• Full of joy and enthusiasm when in balance,
  


• Respond to stress with fear, worry, and anxiety, especially when out of balance,
  


• Tendency to act on impulse,
  


• Often have racing, disjointed thoughts,
  


• Generally have dry skin and dry hair and don't perspire much,
  


• Typical health problems include headaches, hypertension, dry coughs, sore throats, ear-aches, anxiety, irregular heart rhythms, muscle spasms, lower back pain, constipation, abdominal gas, diarrhea, nervous stomach, menstrual cramps, premature ejaculation and other sexual dys-functions, arthritis.
  


• Most neurological disorders are related to Vata imbalance.
  

Pitta expresses as the body's metabolic system which is made up of Fire and Water. It governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism and body temperature. In balance pitta allows one to be understanding and intelligent. When out of balance, pitta arouses anger, hatred and jealousy. Few more characteristics of people who have predominantly Pitta constitution are

• Medium physique, strong, well-built,
  


• Sharp mind, good concentration powers,
  


• Orderly and focused,
  


• Assertive, self-confident, and entrepreneurial at their best; aggressive, demanding, pushy when out of balance,
  


• Competitive, enjoy challenges,
  


• Passionate and romantic; sexually have more vigor and endurance than Vatas, but less than Kaphas,
  


• Strong digestion, strong appetite; get irritated if they have to miss or wait for a meal,
  


• Like to be in command,
  


• When under stress, Pittas become irritated and angry,
  


• Skin fair or reddish, often with freckles; sunburns easily,
  


• Hair usually fine and straight, tending toward blond or red, typically turns gray early; tendency toward baldness or thinning hair,
  


• Uncomfortable in sun or hot weather; heat makes them very tired, Perspire a lot,
  


• Others may find them stubborn, pushy, opinionated,
  


• Good public speakers; also capable of sharp, sarcastic, cutting speech,
  


• Generally good management and leadership ability, but can become authoritarian,
  


• Like to spend money, surround themselves with beautiful objects,
  


• Subject to temper tantrums, impatience, and anger,
  


• Typical physical problems include rashes or inflammations of the skin, acne, boils, skin cancer, ulcers, heartburn, acid stomach, hot sensations in the stomach or intestines, insomnia, bloodshot or burning eyes and other vision problems, anemia, jaundice.
  

Kapha is the energy that forms the body's structure that is bones, muscles, tendons and provides the bonding material that holds the cells together which is formed from earth and water. Kapha supplies the water for all bodily parts and systems. It lubricates joints, moisturizes the skin, and maintains immunity. When in balance Kapha is expressed as love, calmness and forgiveness and when out of balance, Kapha leads to attachment, greed and envy. Few more characteristics of people who have predominantly Kapha constitution are

• Easygoing, relaxed, slow-paced,
  


• Affectionate and loving, Forgiving, compassionate, nonjudgmental nature
  


• Stable and reliable; faithful,
  


• Physically strong and with a sturdy, heavier build,
  


• Have the most energy of all constitutions, but it is steady and enduring, not explosive,
  


• Slow moving and graceful,
  


• Slow speech, reflecting a deliberate thought process,
  


• Slower to learn, but never forgets; outstanding long-term memory,
  


• Soft hair and skin; tendency to have large "soft" eyes and a low, soft voice,
  


• Tend toward being overweight; may also suffer from sluggish digestion,
  


• Prone to heavy, oppressive depressions,
  


• More self-sufficient, need less outward stimulation than do the other types
  


• A mild, gentle, and essentially undemanding approach to life,
  


• Sexually Kaphas are the slowest to be aroused, but they also have the most endurance,
  


• Excellent health, strong resistance to disease,
  


• Slow to anger; strive to maintain harmony and peace in their surroundings,
  


• Not easily upset and can be a point of stability for others,
  


• Tend to be possessive and hold on to things, people, money; good savers.
  


• Don't like cold, damp weather,
  


• Physical problems include colds and congestion, sinus headaches, respiratory problems including asthma and wheezing, hay fever, allergies, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).