The Doshas

The science of Ayurveda is based on the three primary vital energies named "doshas" in Sanskrit. The term "Dosha" means "that which decays or causes degeneration". The Doshas or the biological humors, when in excess, are the cause of the imbalance and of the disease process. Those doshas, are to be found at all levels of our being, from the most dense (the body) to the most subtle (mind and emotions), being responsible for the functioning of the human machine. The three doshas are named VATA, PITTA and KAPHA and are considered to be the basic forces of health and disease. The entire system of practices and techniques in Ayurveda is based upon the doshas and their balance.

PITTA

Pitta which means "Bile", etymologically translated as "that which transforms or digest things" is mainly constituted by the fire element but it contains as well the water element; It is the digestive power of our organism, at all levels, being present in the digestive secretions of our digestive system and in the blood. In a more subtle level Pitta is found in our capacity to digest the information received through the senses, the mental digestion and is related to the intelligence and the capacity to discriminate right from wrong. Pitta also governs hunger, thirst, heat and visual perception. Pitta is located mainly in the small intestine, in the blood and in the eyes.