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What are doshas?

The Doshas are forces or principles inherent in all aspects of life. They are a condensation of the five basic elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether), which constitute the Universe and are said to exist in variable proportion within each of us.

The definition of each Dosha is very precise and it would be impossible to understand Ayurveda without knowledge of the Doshas, since they are not only present within us, but they are everywhere: The days are divided into Dosha zones, the foods we eat, our moods, our dreams, our sex-drive, all have their Doshas. Moreover any state of well being or illness, whether physical, mental or emotional depends on whether Doshas are in balance or not.

Vata (air/ether) is cold, dry and irregular. Any force responsible for movement or governance is VATA.

Pitta (fire) is hot, oily and irritable. Any force responsible for reaction and transformation is PITTA.

Kapha (earth, water) is cold, wet and stable. Any force responsible for shaping and stability is KAPHA.

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